Heat tapes explosive properties

[The Snake Man]

Recently I had someone come into my office inquiring about the danger of "heat tape", for those of you that dont call it heat tape here is a brief discription. This tape is used around the edges of house roofs to prevent the build up of ice and snow on over hangs. Its sometimes in the form of wire. Anyway, my question is for you fire investigators and prevention types. Has anyone heard of them starting fires or causing fires. If you have not please post a reply saying so, however on the other hand if you have heard of them causing fires or can direct me to a website for more info on these things please reply post.


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Yours Truly,
THE SNAKE MAN
Arguing with a fire inspector is like rolling in the mud with a pig, you soon realize the pig enjoys it. :)

[Ten8_Ten19]

In the Northeast heat tape is used primarily to keep water pipes from freezing under mobile homes. I've never heard of them having "explosive" properties but they are a significant fire hazard. We had at least two last winter, thankfully both were discovered by the homeowner in time and caused minimal damage. I think the primary causes are using old tape that may already be damaged and improper installation. Most manufacturers warn against wrapping heat tape over itself. In one of last years incidents the tape had just been installed by a licensed plumber and the owner had plugged it in for the first time. It's a good thing he left the skirting off the mobile home for a while and kept an eye on it. If you do a web search on "heat tape" fires you'll find quite a lot of info.

[This message has been edited by Ten8_Ten19 (edited August 29, 2000).]

[The Snake Man]

Thanks, I have recently come across alot of info on this subject. Its very interesting to say the least how much information you can come across. I got ahold of the Consumer Safety Council and they gave me alot of info.