Instruction Manual

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4 | nVent.com/RAYCHEM

Figure 3. Insulation

Cord label

Pipe label

Strain relief

Figure 4. Strain relief

Note: Pipes must be fully insulated.

4. Install thermal insulation.

• A reliable FrostGuard system depends on properly installed

and dry, weatherproofed thermal insulation.

• Ensure that at least 1/2” of preformed foam or equivalent

thermal insulation is used and that all piping, including

valves, joints, and wall penetrations, has been fully insu-

lated as shown in Figure 3.

• For protection to -20°F (-29°C), use 1” thick insulation.

• Install the insulation on the piping as soon as possible to

minimize the potential for mechanical damage after instal-

lation.

• Be sure the FrostGuard 120 V label is visible on the outside

of the thermal insulation.

5. Finishing the installation.

• To prevent damage to the heating cable or cord, secure the

power cord (cold lead) with a plastic cable tie, glass cloth

tape, or duct tape as shown in Figure 4.

• Two labels indicating the presence of electric pipe heating

cable are included with the heating cable. Attach the two

“Electric Traced” labels on the outer surface of the pipe

insulation at suitable intervals to indicate the presence of

FrostGuard electric heating cable.

6. Starting the system.

• nVent recommends that the system be tested per the

“Cable testing and maintenance” section below.

• Plug the heating cable into a 120-V ground-fault protected

outlet.

• Check the circuit breaker to verify power to the cable.

• Standing water in the pipe should feel warm within an hour.

Cable testing and maintenance

Using a 2500-Vdc megohmmeter, check the insulation resis-

tance between both of the rectangular (power) prongs on the

plug and the round (ground) prong after installing the heating

cable. Minimum reading should be 1000 megohms.

Record the original values for each circuit, and compare subse-

quent readings taken during regular maintenance schedules to

the original values.

If the readings fall below 1000 megohms, replace the FrostGuard

cable with a new unit. Do not attempt to repair the unit.

WARNING: Fire and Shock Hazard.

Damaged heating cable can cause electrical shock, arcing, and fire.

Do not attempt to repair or energize damaged heating cable. Remove

it at once and replace with a new length.