Preventive maintenance can help ensure your heat tracing system is up and running.
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Maintain installation and maintenance records. Complete installation and maintenance records will allow you to verify completed system tests, original electrical values and identify performance changes.
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Check your insulation. Insulation plays a critical role in the overall heat tracing system.
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Check heat tracing components. Damaged components can result in water ingress, corrosion, or the loosening of electrical connections.
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Perform an insulation resistance test on all heat tracing circuits.
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Check your power distribution panel and secondary wire and conduit. Visually inspect the conduit distribution system for openings in the conduit, and for damaged or missing components and low-point drains.
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Test all ground-fault breakers. All ground-fault breakers should be tested according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
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Check your thermostat or control system. They allow you to run automatic tests and capture alarm and fault information, which is useful if troubleshooting your heat tracing system becomes necessary.
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Energizing each heat trace circuit is necessary to make sure no short circuit or ground faults exist and RTDs are functioning properly.
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Stock critical spare components and cable. If your system still fails after all your checks, stocking spare components and cable will allow for timely repairs or replacements.
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Don’t wait until winter to check your electric heat tracing system.
