Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Fundamentals of Electrical Heat Tracing (EHT)

• Understand what electrical heat tracing is and how it works.
• Differentiate between heat tracing vs. conventional heating methods.
• Identify key applications of heat tracing:
• Freeze protection for pipes and tanks.
• Process temperature maintenance in industrial systems.
• Anti-condensation applications in electrical enclosures.
• Snow and ice melting on walkways and roofs.

2. Types of Electrical Heat Tracing Systems

• Learn about different heat trace technologies, including:
• Self-regulating heat trace cables (adjusts output with temperature changes).
• Constant wattage heat trace cables (steady heating for fixed applications).
• Mineral-insulated (MI) heat trace cables (high-temperature and hazardous area use).
• Skin effect heat tracing (long-distance pipeline heating).

3. Heat Trace System Components

• Identify and select the correct:
• Heating cables and tapes.
• Power connection and termination kits.
• Temperature controllers and thermostats.
• Insulation and protective coverings.
• Monitoring and alarm systems.

4. Heat Trace System Design and Installation

• Calculate heat loss and power requirements for proper cable selection.
• Understand voltage drop considerations and circuit length limitations.
• Follow best practices for installing heat tracing on pipes, vessels, and equipment.
• Learn proper insulation and weatherproofing techniques for system efficiency.
• Ensure correct routing, spacing, and securing of heat trace cables.

5. Heat Trace Control and Monitoring

• Understand different temperature control methods:
• Thermostatic control (fixed setpoints).
• Proportional ambient sensing (environment-based adjustments).
• Advanced smart controllers with remote monitoring capabilities.
• Learn how to integrate heat tracing with SCADA and BMS systems.

6. Safety Considerations and Compliance Standards

• Ensure compliance with IEEE 515, IEC 60079, NEC 427, and CSA C22.2 No. 130.
• Follow best practices for hazardous area installations (Class I, Div 1 & 2).
• Implement ground fault protection and circuit testing for electrical safety.

7. Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Heat Trace Systems

• Perform visual inspections and resistance testing for heating cables.
• Troubleshoot common heat trace failures (open circuits, moisture ingress, damaged insulation).
• Learn predictive maintenance techniques using thermal imaging and resistance checks.
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules to ensure system reliability.

8. Case Studies and Practical Applications

• Analyze real-world heat tracing applications and performance challenges.
• Participate in hands-on exercises for heat trace system design and troubleshooting.
• Develop a customized heat trace installation and maintenance plan.

Target Audience

• Electrical and instrumentation engineers
• Maintenance and reliability personnel
• Industrial facility managers and process engineers
• Safety and compliance officers
• HVAC and energy management professionals