Is there a fuse in the self regulating heat tape? My pipes froze for first time in 5 years. Dont know how to test if tape is still functional. thank
1442962
No. I use mine on a barn hydrant located in a 3 sided barn. Temperatures get cold here as we average 100+ inches of snowfall each year. I do have a fault breaker switch on the outlet. Should the heating unit malfunction, the outlet will break the circuit , even if the short is not large enough to trip the main circuit breaker.I have used this heat cable for years with no trouble.
886666
The heater itself has a built-in electric freeze protection. This protects ONLY the heater itself (provided you have electricity, of course). However, the installer must protect all the pipes leading to and from the heater separately. I use both insulation and electric heat tapes. I have not had an extended cold period without electricity since I installed the heater. My plan is to drain the heater if this happens. I have installed the drain valves as recommended, and expect that I can drain all water in the heater when necessary. Naturally, I am also able to drain the pipes in the whole house should a really prolonged cold period without electricity occur.
1126304
Mark, This seems to be a common problem with these units. I don't have mine anymore because Consumer Reports Took away their recommendation because some of them were catching on fire. When I did have it, I solved the drain hose issue by gluing in a stopper with silicone glue. I can't remember exactly where the stopper went, but some close examination should allow you to figure out where to put the stopper. It was a small drain hole. Check on google re the fire issue. You may want to try to return it if you can. I got a Frigidare unit which is working fine.
1632527
I still have the initial fuses. Don't move it when it's working nor after working. It needs time to get cold. If you don't do that the fuses use to break.
1796593
I'm not sure I have 2 of these heater, the first one caught on fire, they told me it had something to do with the wires going to the thermostat. They sent me another one, got it out of the box would not light. That told me it was my regurlator, so I go and buy another one, and it still don't work. So if you find somewhere to get parts let me know so maybe I can find out what's wrong with mine.
644612
I'm not sure why a dump line that doesn't have water in it would need a heat tape. We use this on a regular water pipe on a central boiler. Hope this helped you.
2093294
Sounds like a faulty product. Pretty hard to mess up the (simple) install. Mine works fine (house hot water recirc pump)
1067476
Anderson - there is a fuse that can be seen in this YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASYoEiOf5x4Could be a simple fix.
145052
Hi David, According to the manual: "P1- Unit is defrosting-- Allow the unit time to automatically defrost. The error will clear after the unit self defrosts."
105540
I asked the The Kitty Tube manufacturers about this for myself a few weeks ago because they had had a low voltage heating pad on their website and then it wasn't there. I was told they will be offering a new, improved version soon. Contact them directly and they could tell you more.
986624
When mine stopped working, I asked my father (who was a small applicance repairman back in the day) to look at it. He told me it's a "closed system." He couldn't get the unit open to even look at it, let alone repair or replace it. Not sure the manufacturer could help. When I called them about mine, they told me that amazon would replace the whole thing - which they didn't. Amazon told me they don't carry this heater anymore and instead, gave me a refund.
1972371
Sorry. Not sure what to tell you. We did have one that froze on us that we were never able to do anything with and we had to replace it.
1731312
Kerosene freezes at -22F. Pipe lagging with insulation will stabilize at low temperature. Don't use the heat tape. It has a switch on it that will arc. The arc is an ignition source.
1137017
I had a similar one (same brand) snap off in a freeze...I forgot to turn the water off and disconnect it. Otherwise, no problems.
214909
I have heat tape. It works great. It fluctuates a few degrees ether way. It heats up then once the sensor registers the cut off point it cuts power to the mat. Then when it has cooled a few degrees below the set temp it turns back on. It is an all or nothing thing. It does not regulate the current to keep a steady temp.
1121941
No, Nancy. I too am just a customer that purchased the heater. I would suggest you contact your nearest hardware store or heating technician.Sorry.
2167757
I don't personally have experience with this - but I do see Frost King Heat tape rated for metal and plastic pipe at various places (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.). I think it would be more of a local code question, whether it is permissible in your area, and if it has to be rated for plastic pipe service from the manufacturer.