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A crane beside a high-rise building under construction in the winter.

Heat tracing cables

Canadian winters can be brutal. Don't be left out in the cold.

Create your bill of materials now

No matter how cold the weather gets, you won’t have to worry about frozen pipes, ice dams or slippery sidewalks, when your facility has 24-hour protection against freeze-ups, provided by 3M™ Heat Tracing Cables.

Save on electricity by putting heat exactly where it’s needed, instead of wasting energy to heat the entire length of the cable. 3M heat tracing cables are an energy-saving alternative to conventional “constant wattage” cables that heat uniformly along their entire length. Constructed using an advanced carbon polymer materials technology, 3M heat tracing cables are self-regulating – meaning they adjust their heat output automatically in response to ambient air temperatures along every inch of their length.

  • A clock icon.
    24/7 monitoring
    Stay on-guard around the clock.
  • An icon of a clipboard with a checkmark.
    Ease of use
    Easy and economical to install.
  • An icon of a cord attached to a leaf.
    Energy saving
    Unlike constant wattage cables, self-regulating cables generate additional heat only where needed.
  • An icon of two people in a house.
    Improved safety
    Designed to help keep walks and driveways clear to help protect workers and visitors from costly slip and fall accidents.
  • An icon of a large piece of paper.
    Operational benefits
    You can lower your operating costs with a wide selection of controllers.
  • A double sided arrow icon.
    Multi-use
    The TTS-8-watt cables can be used for pipe freeze protection, roof, and gutter applications.
  • An icon of a heart and a head.
    Reliable
    Provides long-term performance.
  • An icon of a dollar sign in a crosshair.
    Time saving
    Help to avoid costly cleanup and repairs including damage from burst pipes and water intrusion caused by ice dams.

The science behind 3M heat tracing cables

As the ambient temperature surrounding a particular section of cable drops, the electrical paths in the carbon-polymer heating matrix become shorter, decreasing its resistance. This causes the heat output of that section of cable to increase.


Conversely, when the ambient temperature rises, the resistance of the heating matrix increases, which lowers the heat output. This effect allows the cable to “self-regulate” its heat output, without the need for separate thermostats.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Heating Matrix

The heating matrix provides an infinite number of parallel resistances. This allows the heating cable to adjust its heat output in response to temperature conditions at any point down its length.

3M™ Self-Regulating Heat Tracing Cables

3M™ Self-Regulating Heat Tracing Cables consist of a conductive polymer heating matrix contained between two parallel bus conductors. The cable can be cut to any desired length without changing its properties.

Tinned Copper Grounding

Tinned copper grounding braid serves as a safety conductor and provides a continuous ground path.

Outer Protective Jacket

The outer protective jacket helps protect against corrosion, chemicals, and adverse environmental conditions.

Heat trace applications

View all products

Whether you're working on a small project or a complex network, designing a system with 3M heat tracing cables is quick and easy.

  • A pipe and valve frozen in a build-up of ice.

    Pipe freeze protection

    TTS™ Series cut-to-length self-regulating heating cables are designed to provide freeze protection for metallic and non-metallic pipes by replacing the heat lost by the pipe through thermal insulation.

  • Snow on a roof, with icicles hanging from the eavestrough.

    Roof and gutter snow and ice melting

    TTS™ Series cut-to-length self-regulating heating cables are designed to provide snow and ice melting for roof and gutter applications.

  • An older couple walking through a parking lot during winter.

    Surface snow and ice melting

    KSR™ Series cut-to-length self-regulating heating cables are designed to provide snow and ice protection for concrete and asphalt walks, driveways and other applications. Designed and approved specifically for direct burial, KSR cable is ruggedized, to help prevent damage during installation.

  • Hot Water Temperature Maintenance

    Hot Water Temperature Maintenance

    HSX™ 2100 series cut to length self-regulating heating cables are specifically designed to maintain hot water supply piping at desired nominal maintenance temperatures. With 14 AWG bus wires, HSX™ 2100 series can reduce the number of circuits required to install an electric heat-traced system.

TTS, KSR and HSX are trademarks of Thermon Manufacturing Ltd, used with permission in Canada.

*Commercial applications are those that involve water, snow and/or ice. For industrial applications, our strategic alliance partner Thermon Manufacturing Company is the expert. They can help you create a heating system for applications involving oil, gas and/or other chemicals.

Do-it-yourself Bill of Materials

Working on a project? Use our easy online selection tool to create a customized Bill of Materials.

Design parameters

  • A diagram showing the spacing pitch of TTS Cable secured along a metal roof.
  • A diagram showing the spacing pitch of TTS Cable in a zig-zag pattern along a shingled roof.

Bill of Materials

Line Part number Description Quantity Unit

1

TTS-x-x-OJ

x

x

feet

2

PCA-1-SR

Power connection kit with junction box and standoff

x

kit(s)

OR

2

18-SXG-KIT

Power connection kit without junction box

x

kit(s)

3

ET-6C

End termination kit

x

kit(s)

4

BTape

3M Banding Tape (1/2 inch x 180 ft)

xxx

roll(s)

5

AL-20L

3M Aluminum Tape (2 inch x 150 ft)

x

roll(s)

6

CL

Caution labels (25/pack)

x

pack(s)

7

R1C-050-DP

Indoor thermostat

each

OR

7

R3C-0120-DP

Weatherproof indoor/outdoor thermostat

each

8

HS-PBSK

Inline splice kit

as needed

kit(s)

9

HS-TBSK

T-splice kit

as needed

kit(s)
Notes
  1. The customer-supplied Circuit breaker must be equipped with a 30 mA ground-fault protection.
  2. Power wiring, conduit, junction boxes and contactors (if required) by others.
  3. Note, quantities are as required for the job/project indicated.
  4. This Bill of Materials is based on the design parameters given above. Should the actual and verified conditions vary, 3M's material list and circuiting information may change. Please contact 3M for details.
  5. Non-hazardous area classification assumed.
  6. CL Caution Labels are adhesive labels to be installed on insulation vapor barrier at 10' intervals or as required by code or specification.
  7. Note: Heat loss calculations are based on IEEE Std 515-1997, Equation A.1, with the following provisions:
    • Piping insulated with glass fiber in accordance with ASTM Std C547.
    • Pipes located outdoors in the noted ambient with a 25 mph wind.
    • A 10% safety factor has been included.
  8. Maximum individual circuit length: ' (based on voltage and breaker size)
  9. Extra cable included: '
  10. Additional cable will also be needed to provide extra heat at valves, pumps, miscellaneous equipment and pipe supports. Contact 3M for further information.
  11. Larger pipes may require multiple passes of heating cable. This design requires pass(es).

All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on data we believe to be reliable but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed. Please refer to specific product packaging, user instructions and related documents for complete details.


Product Use: Many factors outside of 3M's control and uniquely within user's knowledge and control can affect the use and performance of the product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of the product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user's method of application. 3M shall not be liable for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential arising out of the sale, use or misuse of the products or the user's inability to use such product.

Bill of Materials

Line Part number Description Quantity Unit

1

KSR-2-OJ

27W/ft Self-Regulating heating cable, 208-240V

x

feet

2

KSR-CFK

Power connection kit and end termination kit without junction box

x

kit(s)

3

CL

Caution labels(25/pack)

x

pack(s)

4

CT8BK50-C

3M cable ties (100/pack)

x

pack(s)

5

R3C-0120-DP

Weatherproof indoor/outdoor thermostat

x

each

OR

5

STC-DS2C

Automatic rain/snow controller

x

each

6

KSR-EJK

Expansion joint kit

as needed

kit

7

KSR-SR-DB

Splice kit

as needed

kit
Notes
  1. The customer-supplied Circuit breaker must be equipped with a 30 mA ground-fault protection.
  2. Power wiring, conduit, junction boxes and contactors (if required) by others.
  3. Note, quantities are as required for the job/project indicated.
  4. This Bill of Materials is based on the design parameters given above. Should the actual and verified conditions vary, 3M's material list and circuiting information may change. Please contact 3M for details.
  5. Non-hazardous area classification assumed.
  6. Cable spacing: " (based on snowfall conditions and critical area) (based on voltage and breaker size)
  7. Maximum individual circuit length: ' (based on voltage and breaker size)
  8. Extra cable included: ' (includes 4' for each KSR-CFK kit)
  9. Approximate total load: kW

All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on data we believe to be reliable but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed. Please refer to specific product packaging, user instructions and related documents for complete details.


Product Use: Many factors outside of 3M's control and uniquely within user's knowledge and control can affect the use and performance of the product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of the product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user's method of application. 3M shall not be liable for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential arising out of the sale, use or misuse of the products or the user's inability to use such product.

Bill of Materials

Line Part number Description Quantity Unit

1

TTS-8-x-OJ

x

feet

2

18-SXG-KIT

Power connection kit without junction box

x

kit(s)

3

ET-4S

End termination kit

x

kit(s)

4

AL-20L

3M Aluminum Tape (2 inch x 150 ft)

x

roll(s)

5

CL

Caution labels (25/pack)

x

pack(s)

6

RG-DCH

Downspout cable hanger (sold individually)

x

each

7

R3C-0120-DP

Weatherproof indoor/outdoor thermostat

x

each

OR

7

STC-DS8

Automatic rain/snow sensor controller with 10' remote sensor

x

each

OR

7

STC-DS2C

Automatic rain/snow sensor controller

x

each

8

HS-PBSK

Inline splice kit

as needed

kit

9

HS-TBSK

T-splice kit

as needed

kit

10

RG-CMC

Cable mounting clip (P-clip, 100/bag)

as needed

bag(s)

11

RG-CRF

Cable roof fastener (flat, 25/bag)

as needed

bag(s)
Notes
  1. The customer-supplied Circuit breaker must be equipped with a 30 mA ground-fault protection.
  2. Power wiring, conduit, junction boxes and contactors (if required) by others.
  3. Note, quantities are as required for the job/project indicated.
  4. This Bill of Materials is based on the design parameters given above. Should the actual and verified conditions vary, 3M's material list and circuiting information may change. Please contact 3M for details.
  5. Non-hazardous area classification assumed.
  6. Maximum individual circuit length: ' (based on voltage and breaker size)
  7. Extra cable included: '

All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on data we believe to be reliable but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed. Please refer to specific product packaging, user instructions and related documents for complete details.


Product Use: Many factors outside of 3M's control and uniquely within user's knowledge and control can affect the use and performance of the product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of the product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user's method of application. 3M shall not be liable for any loss or damage, whether direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential arising out of the sale, use or misuse of the products or the user's inability to use such product.

Thank you for your inquiry. One of our heat tracing experts will follow up with you within the next three business days.

Voltage
Supply Voltage
Breaker Size
Branch Circuit Breaker Size
Insulation
Select the thickness of insulation being installed on the pipe. Insulation is required for pipe freeze protection over any heating cable . This calculator is based on the use of fiberglass insulation, polyisocyanurate or mineral wool insulations. If insulation materials other than these are used, contact your 3M representative for further assistance.
Pipe Length in Ft
Enter the length of the pipe to be heat traced
Pipe Material
Select the appropriate pipe material that matches your pipe.  Heat loss characteristics of non-metallic pipe are similar to metal pipes, but the TTS Self-Regulating cable output is lower because of the insulating properties of the pipewall material.  TTS heating cable is to be installed with a continuous covering of 3M Aluminum Foil Tape (AL-20L) for adequate heat dispersion.
Diameter
Select the diameter of the pipe to be heat traced.  If your pipe diameter is not on this list, contact your 3M representative for further assistance.
Ambient Temp
Generally, this number is obtained from weather data compiled for an area and is based on recorded historical data.  There are times, however, when the minimum ambient will be a number other than the minimum outside air temperature.  Piping located inside of unheated buildings or in unconditioned attics may be subject to freezing but may have different minimum ambients.
Startup Temp
The startup temperature differs from the minimum expected ambient in that the heating cable will typically be energized at a higher ambient temperature.  This temperature will have an effect on the maximum circuit length and circuit breaker sizing for a given application.
Safety
When calculating the amount of TTS heating cable required, allowances should be included for making connections to junction boxes. Default safety factor is 15%
Voltage
Supply Voltage
Breaker Size
Branch circuit breaker size
Area
Select all areas requiring heat tracing
Length (feet)
length in ft
Roof Type
The type of roof determines the installation pattern of the heat trace cable.  Select a roof type to see the difference.
Spacing(inches) 
spacing in inches
Overhang (inches) 
overhang in inches

A diagram showing the overhang distance of a roof attached to a wall.

Gutter Width
The width of the gutter determines the number of traces of heating cable required in the gutter. Gutters ≤  6" require one trace. Gutters between 6" and 12" require two traces.
Downspouts
Number of downspouts
Length(feet)
Length of downspouts
Startup
The startup temperature differs from the minimum expected ambient in that the heating cable will typically be energized at a higher ambient temperature.  This temperature will have an effect on the maximum circuit length and circuit breaker sizing for a given application.
Safety
When calculating the amount of TTS heating cable required, allowances should be included for making connections to junction boxes. Default safety factor is 10%
Voltage
Supply Voltage
Breaker Size
Branch circuit breaker size
Area
Surface area to be heat traced
Snowfall
Average snowfall amount. Light is 1/2" per hour Moderate is 1" per hour Heavy is 2" per hour.
Critical Area
"Critical: Applications where safe access is essential.  Examples include hospital emergency entrances, train loading platforms and fire station driveways Noncritical: Applications where snow removal is a convenience but not essential.  Examples include building entrances, loading docks and parking garage ramps"
Startup
The startup temperature differs from the minimum expected ambient in that the heating cable will typically be energized at a higher ambient temperature.  This temperature will have an effect on the maximum circuit length and circuit breaker sizing for a given application.
Safety
When calculating the amount of KSR heating cable required based on the square footage of the area, allowances should be included for making connections within junction boxes and for any expansion joint kits necessary to complete the layout. Default safety factor is 5%

3M Heat Trace Commissioning Services

Our services are a great way to validate whether or not the installation of the solution is being and/or has been done to the manufacturer's specifications and best practices. There are two types of services we currently offer for your project.

Show More 
Thank you for your interest in 3M Heat Trace Commissioning Services. One of our heat trace experts will respond to your request within three business days.
  • Customer Requirements

    A qualified electrician must be present to perform electrical connections required for testing. 3M will supply the required testing equipment.

  • Pre-commissioning

    To be completed after heating cable installation and before insulation installation.
    The following tasks are performed:

    1. 1. Insulation Resistance Test
    2. 2. Verify and record length of cable installed
    3. 3. Verify layout of heat trace
    4. 4. Verify cable is correctly sized
    5. 5. Verify installation methods
    6. 6. Verify 3M supplied accessory installation
    7. 7. Verify proper insulation thickness will be installed
    8. 8. Picture of installation (as required)
  • Final Commissioning

    To be completed after insulation installation. The following tasks are performed:

    1. 1. Insulation Resistance Test
    2. 2. Verify length of cicuit
    3. 3. Verify power connection kit installation
    4. 4. Record ambient temperature
    5. 5. Record voltage and current at in-rush and after 20 min
    6. 6. Verify 3M supplied controller and sensor operation
Request a Quote

Request a quote for commissioning services. A 3M representative will contact you for further information.

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