Safety related considerations for resistance heat tracing cables

This paper outlines the safety requirements in cost effective heat tracing installations in an industrial environment. The paper focuses on parallel resistance heating cables (self-limiting and constant wattage) and series resistance heat tracing, including mineral insulated (MI) cables. The paper addresses reliable performance of electrical heat tracing systems only as it affects overall safety of plant operations. It also stresses the importance of proper training in the design, cable selection, installation, operation and maintenance of a reliable electrical heat tracing system. Following the increased demand for products, organizations such as IEEE and IEC are actively involved in developing and maintaining standards and practices, further improving the potential for overall safety and reliability of electrical heat tracing systems. Electrical heat tracing should be selected and installed as a system as opposed to an assembly of component parts. It follows that safety considerations include training for design, installation, operation and maintenance. Training should address proper product selection, electrical distribution, control and monitoring of heat tracing circuits, safe maintenance practices and suitability for the operating environment. If these aspects of the design are improperly executed, the result is increased risk of safety hazards. These risks are presented from several users´ perspectives