scope:

This part of IEC 62395 specifies requirements for electrical resistance trace heating systems and includes general test requirements.

This standard pertains to trace heating systems that may comprise either factory-fabricated or field-assembled (work-site) units, and which may be series and parallel trace heaters or surface heaters (heater pads and heater panels) that have been assembled and/or terminated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

This standard also includes requirements for termination assemblies and control methods used with trace heating systems.

This standard provides the essential requirements and testing appropriate to electrical resistance trace heating equipment used in industrial and commercial applications. The products certified according to this standard are intended to be installed by persons who are suitably trained in the techniques required and that only trained personnel carry out especially critical work, such as the installation of connections and terminations. Installations are intended to be carried out under the supervision of a qualified person who has undergone supplementary training in electric trace heating systems.

This standard does not include or provide for any applications in potentially explosive atmospheres.

This standard does not cover induction, impedance or skin effect heating.

Trace heating systems can be grouped into different types of applications and the different conditions found during and after installation necessitate different requirements for testing. Trace heating systems are usually certified for a specific type of installation or application. Typical applications for the different types of installation include, but are not limited to:

a) installations of trace heating for surface heating on pipes, vessels and associated equipment

- applications include:

- freeze protection and temperature maintenance;

- hot water lines;

- oil and chemical lines;

- sprinkler system mains and supply piping;

b) outdoor exposed area installations of trace heating

- applications include:

- roof de-icing;

- gutter and down-spout de-icing;

- catch basins and drains;

- rail heating²;

c) installation with embedded trace heating

- applications include:

- snow melting;

- frost heave protection;

- floor warming;

- energy storage systems;

- door frames;

d) installations of trace heating internal to conduit and piping

- applications include:

- snow melting - in conduit;

- frost heave protection - in conduit;

- floor warming - in conduit;

- energy storage systems - in conduit;

- internal trace heating for freeze protection of potable water lines;

- enclosed drains and culverts.

² Further evaluation may be required to address application specific conditions such as fluctuations in impressed voltage and voltage spikes.