Trace Heating Wire On HEP2O Plastice Potable Water Pipe?

[smarty]

I recently bought some trace heating wire/tape off Ebay as I have had numerous problems with pipes freezing in my garage, the last one caused a full-on leak. The pipework is a mixture of copper and I think it is HEP2O or similar that Focus sell. The trace heating wire is this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Trace-Heating..._Hearing_Cooling_Air&var=&hash=item895f2ba185

I never thought if it is ok for use on the plastic potable water pipes. I could change it all to copper but would rather not unless it is essential. Or should I just wrap the plastic sections with aluminium tape before attaching the heating wire? Thanks for any help.

 

[oilhead]

Should be O.K for plastic pipe. Unfortuneately the watts per mt is not specified on the web site, but it is stated as self limiting. Ask the supplier what temp it limits to. If in doubt, plug it in away from the pipe, and see how hot it gets. Bearing in mind your plastic pipe is designed to handle hot water in heating or domestic supply temperatures, you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[studips]

i've got trace heating tape on some copper in an outbuilding, it's just a trace of warmth - mine is only 10 watts per metre under some armaflex.