Heat Trace – Winter Storm Triage Checklist

A checklist to quickly isolate common heat tracing / freeze protection issues during winter weather.

Safety first: Follow your site procedures. Electrical checks should be performed by qualified personnel using appropriate PPE and lockout/tagout (LOTO) when required. If anything looks unsafe, stop and call for help.

 

1) Quick checks

• Breaker / GFEP / fuse: confirm power is available to the circuit (reset/replace per your site procedure).
• Controller status: look for alarms (sensor fault, ground fault, low temperature, loss of power).
• Setpoint & mode: confirm on the controller is in Auto (not Off/Manual) and the setpoint is appropriate.
• Sensor reading: confirm the displayed temperature looks reasonable for the area (no obvious open/short).
• Prioritize critical lines first: product lines, instrument lines, outdoor runs, low points, dead legs.

2) Verify the circuit is heating

• If qualified and safe to do so: verify expected current draw on the circuit (compare to nameplate / design).
• Confirm controller output is calling for heat when temperatures are below setpoint.
• Look for a simple physical indicator: warmth at safe-access points, or stable line temperatures where measurable.

3) Field walk-down

• Insulation & jacketing: missing, loose, damaged, or wet insulation can defeat heat trace quickly.
• Moisture intrusion: check accessible junction boxes / terminations for water, ice, corrosion, or failed seals.
• Mechanical damage: crushed insulation, exposed cable, impact damage, or compromised cladding at supports.
• Focus on known freeze points: valves, flanges, low points, dead legs, instrument impulse lines, outdoor sections.

4) If you need help

• Most issues are straightforward. Many problems are quick fixes once you isolate the right circuit and failure mode.
• We may be able to help by phone. A short triage call often narrows the issue fast.
• Materials in stock. With over 30,000′ of cable in stock we can often ship today, or arrange same day pickup in Houston.

Need support or parts? Contact  sales@Wilsherco.com                                  

Services: assessments/audits • troubleshooting/repair • design • materials • turnkey installation (heat tracing + electrical + insulation + controls + startup/commissioning)