During July 2023, FENIX Group expanded its product range to include new PFP heating cables. These cables are designed to protect pipework from freezing – for example, water pipes running through unheated areas.
The PFP heating cables will replace the PPC circuits previously offered. Like the PPC type, they are terminated with a 1.5 m supply lead fitted with a plug; the technical specifications and power ratings are also similar. However, unlike the PPC cables, the attached thermostat is located at the junction between the supply lead and the heating cable. The thermostat switches on at +3°C, and the heating cables have an IP 66 rating.
| Designation |
Power consumption (W) |
Length (m) |
| PFP 2m/20W |
20 |
2 |
| PFP 3m/30W |
30 |
3 |
| PFP 4m/40W |
40 |
4 |
| PFP 6m/72W |
72 |
6 |
| PFP 10m/136W |
136 |
10 |
| PFP 14m/152W |
152 |
14 |
| PFP 21m/281W |
281 |
21 |
| PFP 30m/337W |
337 |
30 |
| PFP 42m/490W |
490 |
42 |
Thanks to the integrated surface-mounted thermostat and mains plug, installation is very straightforward, and as the heating circuit does not require professional wiring, PFP circuits are ideal for DIY installation.
Installation procedure:
- Wrap the entire surface of the plastic pipework with self-adhesive aluminium tape, which helps to distribute heat across the pipework’s outer surface (metal pipework does not need to be wrapped with tape)
- Position the contact thermostat and secure it using self-adhesive aluminium tape. Attach the heating cable to the pipe at the start, the end and the centre of the resulting sag. Next, secure the centres of the loops as they form to the pipe, until several evenly spaced loops have been created.
- Wrap these loops around the pipe, winding each subsequent loop in the opposite direction to the previous one. Secure the cable to the pipe using aluminium self-adhesive tape; once the heating cable has been fully wound, secure the entire length of the cable to the pipe with aluminium tape (the tape is applied parallel to the cable). The aluminium tape serves to transfer heat from the entire surface of the heating cable to the pipe.
- Finally, fit thermal insulation to the pipe with the heating cable. This insulation is essential – the heating cable cannot replace thermal insulation; it merely compensates for the heat loss that occurs through the insulation and which cannot be completely prevented
