HD110301-1 Rev2
Page 23 of 23
TROUBLESHOOTING SELF-REGULATING HEATING CABLE
Symptom
Probable Cause
Remedy
Circuit Breaker
Trips
Breaker undersized for the length of the
cable on that circuit
Revisit the current loads and resize breakers or
shorten the cable run lengths
Note: Check Feeder wire size to confirm a larger
breaker may be used
Start-up temperature too low
Start-up cables at a higher temperature by adding a
thermostat
Physical damage to cable causing a short
Locate and repair
Bus wires touching at the end seal
Locate and repair
Heating cable connections or feeder wire
may be shorting out either by
contamination, moisture, or contact
between wires in the connection
Locate and repair
Zero power
output
Low or no input voltage
Repair electrical supply
Connections not properly made
Repair connections
Pipe is at elevated temperature
Check pipe temperature and recalculate the output
wattage
Heating cable has been exposed to
excessive temperature
Replace the heating cable with appropriate
temperature rated cable
Power output is correct
but pipe temperature
is below design values
Insulation is wet or open exposing the
pipe to the ambient air.
Remove and replace with dry insulation
Insufficient cable was installed on pipe
shoes, valves or other heat sinks
Splice in additional cable BUT do not exceed the
maximum circuit length for the breaker size
Thermostat setting is incorrect
Adjust thermostat to correct setting.
Incorrectly designed.
Revisit the design conditions and criteria
FOR HEATTRACER TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CALL 1-800-663-6873 (NORTH AMERICA ONLY) OR +1.780.413.1774
