FAQ's
Q: With the recent announcement regarding the separation of nVent from Pentair, what does that for me and future projects?
A: What that means to you is no disruption in the products you buy from us, the price you pay, or the people who support your business. We're here for you!
nVent's Thermal Management segment consists of the same global leading portfolios of heat tracing solutions and complete heat management systems. nVent RAYCHEM solutions include heat tracing for pipes in industrial plants, buildings and infrastructure, heating system components, fire-rated wiring cables, floor-heating cables and mats, and thermostats and controls. nVent TRACER offerings include turnkey heat management services, including design, engineering project management and construction services.
Q: Why did Pentair split into two businesses?
A: Being a separate company means we will be highly focused on helping our customers connect and protect their electrical systems. As a single entity, we’re focused on mission-critical solutions that bring value to customers. Our products connect and protect our customers’ systems in facilities where the cost of failure is very high. These often involve hazardous and demanding environments where electrical performance is crucial.
Q: Besides water, what other liquids can your TraceTek Liquid Leak Detection System detect?
A: Our TraceTek Liquid Leak Detection System can detect liquid fuels; gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and other hydrocarbon based fuels. It can also detect organic solvents and acids.
Q: I just installed a new Raychem Surface SnowMelt System in the sidewalk, why is only part of the sidewalk melting the snow/ice?
A: There could be several reasons:
- One or more of the cable runs have been damaged prior to or during the pouring process of the cement
- Incorrect wiring at the controller
- Insufficient power
- Ground fault breakers may be tripped
- Power may not be present at the connection point in the outside junction box
Q: What lengths do you sell the heat trace cables in?
A: Most of our heat trace cables are available in “random lengths” from the factory. We would be happy to work with you on getting the best piece(s) for your application(s).
Q: Why do I need ground fault in my system?
A: 30mA GFEP is required by code in all commercial and most industrial applications. It is a requirement because it is a safety precaution and is in place to prevent fires. Should you want further information don't hesitate to call our technical customer service team, 800-485-4123.
Q: Can I megger test the cables with the E-100-L-A still connected?
A: Yes, because the cable is being tested with DC voltage, the end seal threshold is high enough to withstand megger testing voltages.
Q: If the cable is self-regulating, why do I need a controller/thermostat?
A: The term "self-regulating" doesn’t mean the cable turns itself off. It means it reduces its output based on surrounding temperatures. So if there is no controller/thermostat, the cable will always be drawing some amount of power.
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Q: Can I modify the length of MI cable in the field?
A: No, MI cable is a pre-terminated connection and will damage the cable.
Q: Can I run Pyrotenax 2 hour fire rated wire in conduit?
A: No, Pyrotenax System 1850 is approved as tested by UL as a system. It is meant to be installed in “free air”.
Q: Can I clean off the TT5000 cable and reuse it, similar to the TT1000 and TT3000?
A: No, the makeup of the TT5000 reacts to hydrocarbons and “pinches” the cable. The inner jacket doesn’t return to its original size, therefore that cable or portion of, needs to be replaced.
Q: How many wraps per foot of cable do I put on a pipe?
A: Raychem cable is not meant to be wrapped. It is meant to be installed at a 1:1 ratio as close to the bottom of the pipe as possible depending on the pipe diameter, pipe material, insulation type and thickness etc. If it is a large diameter pipe, it may require more than one run of cable. The only time you’d wrap the cable is at valves, flanges, supports or any other large heat loss locations. Click here to watch a demo video on installation.
Q: Is 5mA okay for ground fault protection?
A: No, 30mA per the NEC is required for equipment protection. If it was 5mA, the circuit would trip due to nuisance as 5mA is a personal ground fault protection for personal safety.
Q: How do I determine how much heat trace to put on a circuit and max circuit lengths for self-regulating cable?
A: Each Raychem heat trace cable for commercial and industrial applications have a product data sheet with maximum circuit lengths the cable can be ran. When designing or installing a heat trace systems the maximum circuit length will vary depending on the watt output, voltage, circuit breaker size and startup temperature. Maximum circuit lengths from the data sheet should be used rather than using Ohms law. Self-regulating heat trace has increased inrush current at colder starts and can cause breakers to trip if maximum circuit lengths are exceeded. Consult Applied Product technical support team with design or installation questions related to Raychem self-regulating cables.
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Q: When performing an insulation resistance test (megger test) on Raychem self-regulating cables what three voltages should the test be conducted at and why?
A: 500, 1000, 2500 Vdc. Significant problems may not be detected if testing is done only at 500 and 1000 volts.
Q:What if I don’t have a megger or one that goes up to 2500 Vdc?
A: Applied Products has a 2500 Vdc. Megger and offers commissioning and troubleshooting support. Contact Applied Products to schedule a site visit and talk to us more about our onsite services.
Q:When heat tracing pipes can I trace the outside of the pipe without using insulation?
A: No, heat traced pipes also required thermal insulation such as fiberglass, mineral wool or calcium silicate insulation. A heat loss calculation can be performed on the pipe in order to provide the correct W/ft cable required. Some of the information required to perform a heat loss calculation is pipe diameter size, insulation type and thickness, voltage available, and maintain temperatures required.
Q: What should the insulation resisting (megger test) values read if the cable testing is good?
A: All insulation resistance values should be great than 1000 megohms. If the reading is lower consult section 10 in the Raychem heat trace installation manuals troubleshooting guide.
Q: Can Raychem self-regulating heat trace be modified, repaired or spliced in the field?
A:Yes, we offer many splice and repair kits for field splicing Raychem self-regulating heat trace for commercial and industrial applications.
Q: How do I receive nVent’s extended 10 year warranty on the Raychem heat trace products?
A: Follow the link and complete the online warranty application
https://www.nventthermal.com/application/warranty/indexNew.aspx?seg=industrial
