Best self-regulating pipe cable
Raychem FrostGuard 120 V Self-Regulating Pipe Heating Cable, 6 ft
Self-regulating plug-in pipe cable for metal or plastic pipe
Roof and pipe heat cables
Heat cable keeps a path open for meltwater on the roof, or keeps a vulnerable pipe above freezing through a cold snap.
Used for: Ice damsFrozen pipes
Our picks
Best for metal roofs
Raychem FrostGuard 120 V Self-Regulating Heating Cable, 50 ft
Self-regulating plug-in cable approved for metal and shake roofs
Best pipe cable with thermostat
Frost King Automatic Electric Heat Cable Kit for pipes, 6 ft
Plug-in pipe cable that switches itself on below 38 °F
Compare side by side
| Specification | Best roof and gutter kit Frost King Electric Roof Cable Kit, 60 ft | Best for metal roofs Raychem FrostGuard 120 V Self-Regulating Heating Cable, 50 ft | Best pipe cable with thermostat Frost King Automatic Electric Heat Cable Kit for pipes, 6 ft | Best self-regulating pipe cable Raychem FrostGuard 120 V Self-Regulating Pipe Heating Cable, 6 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | Our score: 7.0/10 out of 10 | Our score: 7.8/10 out of 10 | Our score: 7.2/10 out of 10 | Our score: 7.9/10 out of 10(best in this row) |
| Use | Roof, gutters and downspouts | Pipes, roof and gutters | Water pipes | Pipes, roof and gutters |
| Cable type | Constant wattage | Self-regulating | Constant wattage | Self-regulating |
| Cable length | 60 ft | 50 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Output | 5 W/ft | 8 W/ft | 7 W/ft | 6 W/ft |
| Thermostat | None built in; Frost King sells the RSC2 plug-in thermostat | None needed (self-regulating cable) | Built in: on below about 38 °F, off above 45 °F | None needed (self-regulating cable) |
| Pipe types | not listed | Metal or plastic water pipe, not garden hose | Metal or Schedule 40 plastic supply pipe, 3/8 in to 1 1/2 in OD | Metal or plastic water pipe, not flexible vinyl tubing |
| Roof types | Inclined asphalt-shingle roofs; metal or plastic gutters and downspouts | Shingle, shake, rubber, tar, wood, metal and plastic roofs; metal or plastic gutters | not listed | not listed |
| Ground-fault protection | Needs a GFCI-protected outlet | Needs a GFCI-protected outlet | not listed | Needs a GFCI-protected outlet |
| Where to buy |
US retailers |
US retailers |
Before you buy
- Match the use Roof cable and pipe cable are different products; check the maker allows your pipe material and roof type.
- Use a GFCI outlet The US CPSC says heat tape belongs on a grounded, GFCI-protected outlet, and Raychem requires ground-fault protection on every circuit.
- Inspect each fall Look for cracked insulation or bare wire before the cold arrives, and replace old uncertified tape.
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Heat cable questions
Does heat cable need a GFCI outlet?
Yes. The US CPSC says to plug heat tape into a grounded, GFCI-protected outlet. Raychem’s FrostGuard data sheet requires ground-fault protection on every circuit, because an ordinary breaker may not stop arcing in a damaged cable. No extension cords.
Can heat cable go on any roof?
No. Frost King’s roof cable instructions rule out wood shingles, rubber or membrane roofs, tar and gravel, flat roofs and wooden gutters. Raychem’s self-regulating FrostGuard is approved on more roof types, including metal. Check the maker’s list for yours.
Can heat cable overlap itself?
Constant-wattage cable, no: Frost King says never to cross or double it, as it can overheat. Raychem says its self-regulating cable can’t overheat where runs touch, but still follow its installation manual. The CPSC suggests inspecting tape each fall.