How Much Does Heat Trace Cost?

How much does Heat Trace Cost?

When it comes to electric heat tracing, the first question to ask is, “How much will it cost me if my Heat Trace System fails?”  In some cases, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more per day if a plant can’t produce product or if a power plant can’t generate electricity. 

How can you minimize the risk of your heat tracing system failing or even worse potential electrocution or fire?  Let’s look at what you are really paying for when you hire someone to do your heat trace job. 

What are you paying for?

We’ve all heard the term, “Slap that cable on”.  That term makes it sound like Heat Trace is simple, but it’s not.  Many people view heat trace as a commodity that can be done by anyone.  What are you really paying for when you have a heat tracing system installed?    Would you hire a shadetree mechanic to work on today’s cars with all the computers and electronics that go into them?  Most likely not.  So why view your heat trace project any differently by just hiring anyone to do it?   Hiring an actual heat trace company will alleviate many issues and minimize your system’s risk and downtime.  You may want to consider some of these factors in your decision about Heat Trace Installers.

1. They should take time to understand your process and its nuances that ultimately make up your requirements.
2. They can provide a realistic design that works for your process.
3. They have the project management expertise to make sure that heat tracing, electrical and insulation are integrated properly so that the system works. In fact, they should run the project.
4. They don’t mix and match heat tracing cable and components.
5. They test the system once the cable is installed and again after the insulation is installed to ensure it works properly. And they provide documentation to maintain manufacturer’s warranty.
6. They prepare a set of “As Built” isometric drawings that can be used to identify what the electric heat tracing system looks like and how it operates to help with future troubleshooting.
7. They have the knowledge and experience to educate your team on how to monitor the system.
8. They will answer your questions about heat tracing.

A good heat trace solution will help you out from the beginning of the project to well after it is installed.  It takes time to understand your process/system and what’s required.  By taking more time up-front and using an established heat tracing company, you should be able to better control your costs, while preventing downtime and reducing risk.