Service
Trace Heating & Frost Protection
Trace heating systems installed on pipework for frost protection and process temperature maintenance — followed by an insulated finish.
Quick answer
What is trace heating & frost protection?
Trace heating is an electrical heating cable installed along pipework, then covered with thermal insulation. It prevents pipes from freezing and maintains process temperatures. We install trace heating and the insulation system that goes with it.
The work in detail
Trace heating is fitted along the pipe before the insulation goes on. The cable is fixed to the pipe, then the thermal insulation and any weatherproof finish are installed over it, so the heat the cable produces stays around the pipe.
We install self-regulating trace heating cable for frost protection on external and exposed pipework, and for temperature maintenance on process pipework, tanks and vessels. The insulation over it follows the project specification.
Ambient temperature pipe protection on outdoor runs needs both parts: the cable keeps the pipe above freezing when the outside temperature drops, and the insulation and weatherproof finish keep that heat in. Our guide to frost protection of external pipework explains how the two work together.
The final electrical connection and certification are carried out by a suitably qualified electrical contractor. We coordinate the cable route and the insulation system around that work so both packages fit the programme.
Our operatives hold CSCS and NVQ Thermal Insulation qualifications, and SR Thermal Services is Constructionline Gold accredited. We are based in Milton Keynes and work across the whole of the UK.
What's included
- Self-regulating trace heating cable
- Frost protection installations
- Process temperature maintenance
- Insulation over trace heating to specification
- Inspection of existing systems
Typical applications
- · External pipework at risk of freezing
- · Domestic water services in cold locations
- · Industrial process pipework
- · Tanks and vessels
Why this matters
Without trace heating and the right insulation, vulnerable pipework can freeze, burst and damage buildings. The cable provides the heat; the insulation contains it.
Technical & commercial notes
Final electrical connection and certification of trace heating systems should be carried out by a suitably qualified electrical contractor. We coordinate the insulation system around the trace heating installation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is trace heating used for?
- Mainly frost protection and process temperature maintenance on pipework — it stops pipes freezing and keeps fluids at a working temperature.
- Do you insulate over trace heating?
- Yes. The thermal insulation goes over the trace heating cable so the heat is retained around the pipe rather than lost to the environment.
- How do I get a quote for a trace heating system?
- Send us the M&E drawings, the pipe schedule and the specification, and we return an itemised quotation for the trace heating and the insulation over it. On existing buildings we can carry out a free site survey first. There is no fixed online pricing because every system is different.
- Who connects and certifies the trace heating?
- A suitably qualified electrical contractor makes the final electrical connection and certifies the system. We coordinate the insulation around that work.
- Do you work nationwide?
- Yes. We are based in Milton Keynes and install trace heating and insulation across the whole of the UK.
Related pages
Next step
Have drawings or a specification?
Send us your project details and we'll prepare a tailored quotation. Free initial survey available across the UK.