One advantage of using self-regulating heating cable for heat tracing is that it is designed to produce heat when environmental temperatures turn cold and reduce heat as it approaches its maximum temperature.
So, is it necessary to have a temperature controller?
It's not necessary, but once you learn how the cable works, you'll see how adding a controller may provide an advantage by reducing operating costs.
Understanding Self-Regulating Heat Trace
Self-regulating cable consists of 2 bus wires encased in a semi-conductive polymer and graphite core. When the core is cold, it is more conductive, meaning there are more electrical paths between the two bus wires. This allows for more flow of electricity resulting in generating more heat. As the cable gets warmer, these paths start separating, and the core becomes less conductive. Finally, the core reaches its maximum temperature and electricity only flows through the core to maintain the maximum temperature which could be 150 to 400°F (about 65 to 200°C).
The Benefits of Using a Temperature Controller
If self-regulating cable works as described, why use a controller? Consider the application, or what the cable will need to do. If the application is freeze protection, heat produced by the cable at ambient temperatures above the freezing point wastes energy and increases operating costs. Imagine paying higher electric bills for freeze protection during the warm summer months because the cable is still under power. A temperature controller will stop the flow of electricity once the cable reaches the programmed set point. Not only will this save money, but it will also extend the life of the cable.
Cost Savings Chart
As an example, 8 watt per foot SpeedTrace Extreme self-regulating cable operates at 8 watts when the ambient temperature is 50°F (10°C). At 32°F (0°C), it operates at about 9.5 watts per foot, and at 68°F (20°C), it operates at about 6 watts per foot.
The chart below shows the cost of operating 150 feet of 8 watt per foot cable in Buffalo, NY based on $0.118 per kilowatt hour. Buffalo averages about 53 days per year below freezing. And during the summer, nighttime temperatures still average low temperatures below 68° (20°C). Imagine you’ve installed this heating cable without a temperature controller. Power flows to the cable 24 hours a day, year-round. Even on hot summer days, the energy consumption is 0.675 kilowatts per hour, wasting both energy and your money!
| Temperature | Watt/ft | Length (ft) | Watt/hr | kW/hr | $ kW/hr | $ per day | $ per month |
| 32 (0) | 9.5 | 150 | 1425 | 1.425 | $0.12 | $4.04 | $121.07 |
| 50 (10) | 8 | 150 | 1200 | 1.2 | $0.12 | $3.40 | $101.95 |
| 68 (20) | 6 | 150 | 900 | 0.9 | $0.12 | $2.55 | $76.46 |
| 86 (30) | 4.5 | 150 | 675 | 0.675 | $0.12 | $1.91 | $57.35 |
Choosing the Right Temperature Controller
BriskHeat offers several options for temperature controllers designed to use with self-regulating cable in freeze protection applications.
- {{widget type="Magento\Catalog\Block\Product\Widget\Link" template="product/widget/link/link_inline.phtml" id_path="product/104"}}: The most energy-efficient as it supplies power when ambient temperatures are below 35°F (1.7°C) and cuts power once the temperature is above 45°F (7.2°C).
- {{widget type="Magento\Catalog\Block\Product\Widget\Link" anchor_text="TB261P Ambient Sensing Controller" template="product/widget/link/link_inline.phtml" id_path="product/6821"}}: Are ideal for hardwire outdoor applications. This controller senses ambient temperature and provides power to the heater anytime the temperature is below the set point.
- {{widget type="Magento\Catalog\Block\Product\Widget\Link" anchor_text="TB250N" template="product/widget/link/link_inline.phtml" id_path="product/6571"}} and the {{widget type="Magento\Catalog\Block\Product\Widget\Link" anchor_text="TB4X" template="product/widget/link/link_inline.phtml" id_path="product/6636"}} Controllers: Are ideal for low temperature viscosity control as well as freeze protection applications. These controllers require the bulb and capillary sensor to be in contact with the object being heated.
- {{widget type="Magento\Catalog\Block\Product\Widget\Link" anchor_text="TD101C Controller" template="product/widget/link/link_inline.phtml" id_path="product/6531"}}: Built with a conduit connection for using sealtite to protect lead wires.
Additional Tips for Energy Efficiency
Did you know insulating pipe can reduce energy consumption by more than 50%? BriskHeat has a heat-loss calculator that can be used to show the impact of adding different insulations for energy efficiency.
Need help picking the right self-regulating cable, controller, or other accessories to get the most out of your freeze protection setup? Just reach out to your BriskHeat Account Executive or an authorized distributor—they’ve got you covered.
