Self-regulating and mineral-insulated heat trace for pipe freeze protection, pipe temperature maintenance, valve freeze protection, and tank heating. ETL listed for US and Canada. Safe for plastic and metal pipes. 10-year warranty on bulk and MI cable. Pre-configured 120V kits available.
Outpipe is Heatizon’s heat trace cable for keeping pipes, valves, and tanks above freezing — available in three formats to suit every project scale. Bulk self-regulating (SR) cable is sold by the foot, cut to length in the field, and available in 120V, 208V, 240V, and 277V. MI fixed-length cable delivers up to 24 watts per linear foot for commercial and industrial applications requiring maximum output across long runs. Pre-configured 120V kits come factory-terminated with a power cord and plug, ready to install in 11 standard lengths from 5 to 100 linear feet. All three formats are ETL listed for the United States and Canada and safe for plastic and metal pipe types.
This cable is available as a Mineral-Insulated or a self-regulating option, both are excellent for freeze protection for pipes, valves and tank heating.
Self-Regulating vs. MI — which format is right?
Self-regulating Outpipe cable automatically adjusts its heat output based on the temperature of the pipe surface — producing more heat when the pipe is cold and reducing output as the pipe warms. The cable cannot overheat, which makes it safe for plastic pipes including PVC, CPVC, and PEX, as well as copper and steel. Because SR cable modulates output along its full length independently, a single cable can protect a pipe run that passes through varying ambient conditions — from a warm indoor section to an exposed outdoor section — without additional zone controls. SR cable is the right choice for most residential and light commercial freeze protection applications.
MI Outpipe cable delivers consistent, constant watt output regardless of ambient temperature — up to 24 watts per linear foot — making it the right specification for large commercial and industrial pipe heating, process temperature maintenance, and large tank heating where the SR variant’s maximum output is insufficient. MI cable is ordered to exact length before installation and connected to the supply by a licensed electrician.
Pre-configured kits
Outpipe pre-configured kits provide plug-and-play pipe freeze protection for residential and light commercial applications. Each kit contains SR cable factory-terminated with a 120V power cord and plug, fiberglass tape for securing the cable to the pipe, and installation instructions. Kits are available in 11 standard lengths:
5 ft / 10 ft / 15 ft / 20 ft / 25 ft / 30 ft / 35 ft / 40 ft / 60 ft / 80 ft / 100 ft
All kits produce 5 watts per linear foot and plug directly into a GFCI-protected 120V outlet — no electrical panel connection required. Kits carry a 5-year manufacturer warranty. Bulk SR and MI cable carry a 10-year warranty. The difference reflects the kit’s added factory termination and plug, which have a shorter rated service life than the cable itself. The cable is identical in both formats.
OutPipe kits are also available on moreheat.com.
Applications
Outpipe is used for four primary pipe heating applications:
Pipe freeze protection — the most common application. SR or MI cable maintains water supply lines, drain lines, and fluid pipes above freezing point during cold weather. Suitable for exposed exterior pipes, unheated crawlspaces, garages, outbuildings, and any location where pipes are at risk of freezing.
Pipe temperature maintenance — keeping process fluids at a specific operating temperature regardless of ambient conditions. Used in commercial and industrial settings where viscosity, chemical properties, or process requirements demand that a fluid remain within a defined temperature range. MI cable is typically specified for temperature maintenance applications where consistent output is required.
Valve freeze protection — keeping valves, actuators, and instrumentation operable in cold environments. Ice formation in valve bodies and actuators can prevent operation at critical moments. Outpipe cable wrapped around valve bodies and connected piping maintains operability through cold weather events.
Tank heating — maintaining the temperature of storage tanks holding fluids that would freeze, thicken, or chemically degrade below a minimum temperature. SR cable wrapped around the tank exterior, covered with insulation, provides efficient temperature maintenance with the self-regulating characteristic preventing overheating as the tank reaches temperature.
Installation
Outpipe cable is run longitudinally along the bottom of the pipe or spiral-wrapped around it, then secured with fiberglass tape at regular intervals — at minimum every 12 inches, and at all bends, fittings, and valves. For freeze protection only, a single longitudinal run along the pipe bottom provides adequate coverage for most residential and light commercial pipe diameters. For temperature maintenance at higher heat loss rates, a spiral wrap or multiple longitudinal runs increase effective watt density per foot of pipe.
Pipe insulation is installed over the cable and pipe after the cable is secured. Insulation reduces heat loss from the pipe surface to the surrounding air, reducing the energy required to maintain pipe temperature and improving system efficiency. The type and thickness of insulation depends on pipe diameter, ambient temperature, and the maintenance temperature target.
Kit installations plug into any GFCI-protected 120V outlet. Bulk and MI cable installations are connected to the supply voltage by a licensed electrician, with thermostat or sensor control for energy efficiency.
Technical specifications
| SR bulk cable | MI fixed-length | 120V kit | |
| Output at 50°F | 5, 9, or 12 watts/ft | 5, 9, or 12 watts/ft | 5 watts/ft |
| Wattage type | Self-regulating | Constant wattage | Self-regulating |
| Voltage | 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V | 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V | 120V |
| Sizing | Cut to length in field | Ordered to exact length | 11 standard lengths: 5–100 ft |
| Safe for plastic pipes | Yes — cannot overheat | Per application design | Yes — cannot overheat |
| Outdoor rated | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kit contents | – | – | SR cable, plug, fiberglass tape, instructions |
| Safety listing | ETL listed — US and Canada | Same | Same |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 years | 5 years |
| Country of origin | United States of America | Same | Same |
Why specify Outpipe
The pipe freeze protection market splits cleanly into two tiers. The consumer tier is dominated by inexpensive constant-wattage heat tape from big-box retailers — products designed to be removed seasonally, are not rated for permanent installation, and carry limited or unstated warranties. The commercial and industrial tier is dominated by nVent Raychem, whose self-regulating cables are excellent but whose residential Frostex product is explicitly rated for dry areas only, and whose 10-year warranty is available only on the commercial-grade XL-Trace line as an extended option rather than as standard.
Outpipe occupies a different position: industrial-grade self-regulating and MI cable with a 10-year manufacturer warranty as standard on all bulk and fixed-length cable, ETL listed for both the United States and Canada, available across the full commercial voltage range of 120V, 208V, 240V, and 277V, and safe for plastic and metal pipes in wet and dry indoor and outdoor applications. Pre-configured kits bring the same ETL-listed cable to residential plug-and-play installations in 11 standard lengths, with a 5-year warranty reflecting the factory termination and plug rather than the cable’s own service life.
Outpipe is manufactured by Heatizon Systems — a US manufacturer of electric radiant heating products since 1979 — and carries the same commitment to long-term installation performance that underpins the 10-year warranties across Heatizon’s full product line.
ETL listed for US and Canada — all three formats
Outpipe is ETL listed by Intertek for the United States and Canada across all three formats: bulk SR cable, MI fixed-length cable, and pre-configured 120V kits. ETL listing carries equal legal standing to a UL listing in the United States and is recognized by CSA standards in Canada. For commercial, industrial, and institutional pipe heating projects subject to electrical inspection, Outpipe satisfies the listing requirement for heat trace in permitted construction in both countries.
This is worth noting because many inexpensive residential heat tape products sold at retail either carry no independent listing or carry a listing that covers only the plug component rather than the full cable assembly. As Intertek’s own guidance states, a listing that covers only the plug is not sufficient — the entire cable assembly needs to be certified. Outpipe’s ETL listing covers the complete cable assembly, not just the termination.
Outpipe is ETL listed by Intertek for the United States and Canada — independently certified by an OSHA-recognized NRTL.
Self-regulating technology — built-in energy efficiency and plastic pipe safety
Outpipe’s self-regulating cable adjusts heat output automatically based on the temperature of the surface it is installed on. In cold sections of the pipe run, output is higher. As the pipe warms, output decreases. The cable cannot exceed a safe operating temperature regardless of ambient conditions — it is physically impossible for SR cable to overheat, even if the cable is overlapped or bundled during installation.
This self-regulating characteristic has two practical consequences. First, it makes Outpipe SR cable safe for plastic pipe materials — PVC, CPVC, and PEX — where a constant-wattage cable could cause localised overheating at stagnant sections. Second, it reduces energy consumption compared to constant-wattage alternatives — the cable only uses as much energy as the pipe temperature requires, rather than running at a fixed output regardless of conditions.
The MI fixed-length Outpipe variant is constant wattage — specified for applications where consistent, predictable output is required regardless of ambient conditions, such as process temperature maintenance and large tank heating where the SR cable’s variable output makes load calculation less precise.
Understanding Outpipe’s two warranty lengths
Outpipe bulk SR cable and MI fixed-length cable carry a 10-year manufacturer warranty — the same warranty length that backs Heatizon’s GutterMelt bulk cable and reflects confidence in the cable’s performance as a permanently installed system.
Pre-configured kits carry a 5-year warranty. The reduction reflects the added components in the kit — the factory termination and plug — which have a shorter rated service life than the cable itself. The SR cable inside the kit is identical to the bulk cable with the 10-year warranty. For permanent commercial and industrial installations where long-term performance is the specification priority, bulk cable terminated by a licensed electrician carries the full 10-year warranty. For plug-and-play residential installations, the kit format offers convenience at the 5-year warranty tier.
Complete the system
For complete building freeze and drainage protection, pair Outpipe with GutterMelt for gutter and downspout deicing — Outpipe protects pipes and tanks while GutterMelt keeps meltwater flowing freely through gutters and downspouts. For roof deicing that feeds into the drainage system Outpipe protects, see Heatizon’s full range of roof deicing systems using ZMesh, Tuff Cable with Invizimelt.
For roof deicing that feeds into the drainage system Outpipe protects, see Heatizon’s full range of roof deicing systems using ZMesh, Tuff Cable, and Invizimelt.
Built by Heatizon — complete freeze and drainage protection from a single source
Heatizon Systems has manufactured electric radiant heating products in the United States since 1979. Outpipe is part of a complete Heatizon freeze and drainage protection lineup — alongside GutterMelt for gutter, downspout, and eave deicing. For projects requiring both pipe freeze protection and roof drainage protection, Heatizon can specify and supply both products from a single ETL-listed source.
While Heatizon can consult on technical support for Outpipe system design — all parameters need to be provided: pipe diameter, insulation type, ambient temperature, and circuit length all factor into the correct watt rating and cable format for a specific project, which should be provided from engineers and project stakeholders. Technical support is available after installation with no time limit on post-commissioning support calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat Trace-Pipe Freeze Protection
Yes. Installing pipe insulation over Outpipe cable significantly reduces the energy required to maintain the pipe temperature — the insulation limits heat loss from the pipe surface to the surrounding air, allowing the cable to work more efficiently. Without insulation, the cable must work harder to compensate for continuous heat loss, increasing energy consumption. The type and thickness of insulation depends on pipe diameter, ambient temperature, and the desired maintenance temperature.
Yes. Outpipe is rated for outdoor installation — protecting exposed exterior pipes, outdoor valve stations, and unheated structures such as barns, garages, and outbuildings where pipes are at risk of freezing. The ETL listing covers outdoor applications.
Outpipe cable is wrapped or run longitudinally along the pipe surface and secured with fiberglass tape at regular intervals. For freeze protection only, a single cable run along the bottom of the pipe is typically sufficient. For temperature maintenance at higher heat loss rates, a spiral wrap or multiple longitudinal runs increase watt density per linear foot of pipe. The pipe is then insulated over the cable to minimize heat loss and reduce energy consumption. Bulk cable is connected to the electrical supply by a licensed electrician; kit versions plug into a GFCI-protected 120V outlet.
Outpipe is used for four primary pipe heating applications. Pipe freeze protection maintains water and fluid lines above freezing point during cold weather. Pipe temperature maintenance keeps process fluids at a specific operating temperature regardless of ambient conditions. Valve freeze protection keeps valves and actuators operable in cold environments where ice can prevent valve movement. Tank heating maintains the temperature of storage tanks holding fluids that would freeze, thicken, or degrade below a minimum temperature.
The difference is the added kit hardware — the factory termination and plug — which have a shorter rated service life than the heating cable itself. The SR cable inside the kit is identical to the bulk SR cable with the 10-year warranty. For permanent installations where long-term performance is the priority, bulk cable terminated by a licensed electrician carries the full 10-year warranty. For plug-and-play residential applications where convenience is the priority, the kit format offers a practical, ready-to-install solution at the 5-year warranty tier.
Each Outpipe kit includes self-regulating heating cable factory-terminated with a 120V power cord and plug, fiberglass tape for securing the cable to the pipe, and a complete installation and instruction guide. The kit format is designed for straightforward residential and light commercial pipe freeze protection — plug-and-play without any field splicing or electrical panel connection.
Pre-configured Outpipe 120V kits are available in 11 standard lengths: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 60, 80, and 100 linear feet. Each kit includes the self-regulating heating cable factory-terminated with a power cord and plug, plus fiberglass tape and installation instructions. Kits are ready to install — no electrical connection beyond plugging into a GFCI-protected 120V outlet required.
Outpipe SR cable produces 5, 9, or 12 watts per linear foot at 50°F depending on the watt rating selected. MI cable produces up to 24 watts per linear foot. Pre-configured 120V kits use SR cable rated at 5 watts per foot. The correct wattage for a project depends on pipe diameter, ambient temperature, insulation thickness, and the fluid being protected — contact a Heatizon distributor for guidance on the right wattage for the specific application.
Choose MI Outpipe for large commercial and industrial pipe heating applications where consistent, high watt output is required across long runs — process pipes, industrial fluid lines, and large tank heating where the SR cable’s maximum output is insufficient. The MI variant is ordered to exact length before installation. Choose SR bulk cable for most residential and light commercial freeze protection applications where the SR variant’s self-regulating characteristics provide built-in energy efficiency and plastic pipe safety.
Self-regulating Outpipe cable automatically adjusts its heat output based on the temperature of the pipe surface it is wrapped around — producing more heat when the pipe is cold and less as the pipe warms. This means the cable cannot overheat and is safe for plastic pipe materials. Because output varies with temperature along the cable’s full length, a single SR cable can protect a pipe that passes through varying ambient conditions — from a warm indoor section to a cold exterior section — without any additional controls or zone management.
Yes. Outpipe SR cable is safe for plastic pipes because of its self-regulating characteristics — the cable automatically reduces its output as the pipe temperature rises, preventing overheating that could warp or damage plastic pipe materials. Outpipe is compatible with both plastic and metal pipe types including PVC, CPVC, PEX, copper, and steel.
Outpipe bulk SR cable and MI fixed-length cable carry a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Pre-configured 120V kits carry a 5-year warranty. The difference comes from the kit’s added components — the factory termination and plug — which have a shorter rated service life than the heating cable itself. The cable in both formats is identical; the warranty difference reflects the additional hardware that makes the kit plug-and-play.
Yes. Outpipe is ETL listed for the United States and Canada across all three formats — bulk SR cable, MI fixed-length cable, and pre-configured 120V kits. ETL listing is issued by Intertek, an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory carrying equal legal standing to UL and CSA listings in the United States.
Outpipe and GutterMelt share the same fundamental cable construction and the same three formats — bulk SR cable, MI fixed-length cable, and pre-configured 120V kits. The difference is application. GutterMelt is designed for gutters, downspouts, and roof eaves. Outpipe is designed for pipes, valves, and tanks. Both are ETL listed for US and Canada, carry a 10-year warranty on bulk and MI cable and a 5-year warranty on pre-configured kits, and use the same self-regulating technology that prevents overheating on temperature-sensitive materials.
Outpipe is Heatizon’s heat trace cable for pipe freeze protection, pipe temperature maintenance, valve freeze protection, and tank heating. It is available in three formats. Bulk self-regulating (SR) cable is sold by the foot, cut to length in the field, and available in 120V, 208V, 240V, and 277V. MI (mineral-insulated) fixed-length cable is ordered to exact project length and delivers higher watt output for demanding commercial and industrial pipe heating applications. Pre-configured 120V kits come factory-terminated with a plug, ready to install, at 5 watts per foot in standard lengths from 5 to 100 linear feet. All three formats are ETL listed for the United States and Canada.