The installation of heating cables and leak detection systems requires specialist expertise and has a direct impact on equipement performance, durability, and safety. Although not widely known outside the industry, this technology is essential across several industrial and infrastructure sectors where precision and reliability are critical, such as petrochemical plants, pharmaceutical and food processing facilities, data centres, railway infrastructure, and airports.
An electric heat tracking system delivers its true value only when it is properly designed and installed. For this reason, Parma ST technicians support companies and engineering professionals throughout the entire process – from initial consultation and supply through to installation and final commissioning. A comprehensive service that can also make a significant difference in terms of warranty conditions.
What are heating cables and leak detection systems?
Heating cables and leak detection systems are designed to be installed on pipework, tanks, plants’ surfaces and components. Their purpose is, respectively, to generate or maintain controlled heat and to detect fluid leaks of any kind, preventing potentially irreversible damage. This technology was originally developed by Raychem (now part of Chemelex and previously nVent), which remains a global benchmark for quality and reliability.
Where required, both mechanisms can be integrated within the same installation, often sharing routing paths and control panels. Centralised monitoring allows temperature control and leak detection to be managed from a single interface, simplifying supervision and reducing response times in the event of anomalies.
Parma ST is an Official and Authorised Distributor of the heating cables and leak detection systems produced by the best brand on the market (Raychem-Chemelex). We support companies and professionals with technical advice, system design, supply and installation assistance, including in ATEX-classified areas, where explosion risks require certified components and procedures.
The stages of professional installation
Implementing electrical systems that include heating cables and leak detection is a complex process requiring vertical and highly specialised expertise. Our technicians offer their know-how to provide preliminary system assessments. They select the most suitable cable type for the specific application and installation method, and assist with effective implementation and final commissioning.
Needs assessment and system sizing
The first step is to analyse the characteristics of the installation: pipe lengths and diameters, required operating temperatures, environmental conditions (exposure, existing insulation, minimum ambient temperatures), and the type of product being processed. Based on this analysis, the most appropriate cable type is selected.
System design
Once requirements are defined, the installation layout is designed. Cables may be installed linearly, in a spiral configuration or in parallel, depending on geometry, required power output, and any redundancy requirements. Critical points – such as valves, flanges, supports, and branch connections – must be identified, as these often require additional heat input and dedicated cable routing with supplementary passes. Finally, accessory components like thermostats, sensors, control panels, and power supply units, are selected.
Installation of heating and leak detection cables
Heating cables must be positioned to ensure effective coverage of the protected surface, using techniques suited to the specific application. Fixing is typically carried out using glass fibre or aluminium adhesive tape, which is particularly suitable for plastic pipework or where insulation thickness is limited.
For leak detection cables, the installation method focuses on placing the sensor where potential leaks are most likely to accumulate: along pipeworks’ lower generatrix, at the base of tanks or within drainage channels. Configuration may be continuous linear monitoring along entire sections, or point detection at critical areas such as flanges, valves, and joints.
At this stage, the need for a qualified specialist becomes evident. Serious installation errors – such as uncontrolled cable overlaps, excessively tight bending radii or incorrect cable lengths – can compromise system effectiveness or create critical weaknesses.
Raychem cables have minimum bending radii that vary depending on the model. Respecting these parameters is essential to avoid damaging the internal structure and to preserve long-term performance.
Terminations and electrical connections
Joints and terminations are carried out using dedicated kits that ensure long-term insulation integrity and environmental sealing. Connections to electrical panels must follow the design patterns and guarantee circuit continuity. This is a particularly sensitive phase: incorrect terminations may cause short circuits, moisture ingress or electrical arcing.
Testing and certification
Insulation resistance tests, sensor sensitivity checks, and functional tests are performed at multiple stages: before installation, during installation, and prior to commissioning.
Continuity checks are followed by verification under real operating conditions. The process concludes with the preparation of compliance documentation, which accompanies the system throughout its operational life and includes: circuit identification, design parameters, cable type and operating voltage, installed lengths, minimum and maximum operating temperatures, temperature classification, insulation specifications (where applicable).
Why choose a qualified installer?
The installation and commissioning of heating cables and leak detection systems require thorough knowledge of applicable standards (CEI EN electrical regulations, ATEX certification for hazardous areas), technical design capability, and practical installation experience.
Relying on unqualified personnel exposes the system to significant risks:
- Undersizing may leave the installation vulnerable and unable to meet performance expectations.
- Oversizing results in unnecessary energy consumption and higher operating costs.
- Incorrect terminations can cause failures, short circuits or hazardous situations.
- Non-compliance with regulations may create safety, insurance and certification issues.
Furthermore, installations that do not comply with manufacturer specifications may invalidate warranty conditions, leaving the customer unprotected in the event of malfunction.
Through our services and products, we provide full support across the entire process: technical advice, system design, material supply, installation, and commissioning. Our experience in critical sectors – heavy industry, railway infrastructure, data centres, and ATEX environments – ensures compliance with the most stringent standards.
The advantage of extended warranty
Warranty conditions are often underestimated when selecting a supplier of heating cables and leak detection systems. In industrial applications, Italian law provides a minimum one-year warranty, after which the purchaser assumes responsibility for any issues.
As an Official and Authorised Raychem Distributor, Parma ST offers a standard two-year warranty on Raychem devices – double the market baseline. However, the most significant advantage lies in extended warranty options.
Thanks to our status as a Raychem premium partner, we are able to offer exclusive warranty extensions. Duration varies depending on sector and application, but it can reach up to twenty years in certain contexts. This is made possible by long-standing agreements based on certified expertise and proven field performance.
For customers, an extended warranty means long-term investment protection, reduced operational risk, and greater peace of mind – particularly in critical installations where downtime can have major consequences.
Implementing a heating cable and leak detection system represents a significant investment aimed at protecting plants and processes for many years. Its true value is realised only when design, supply, and installation are managed with expertise and precision. Parma ST technicians act as a single point of reference throughout the entire process – from initial consultation to certified installation.
Contact us today to assess the most suitable solution for your operational environment.