The Madison Accessories RV Pipe Heater helps keep your water running throughout the winter, without needing to worry about freeze-ups. The adhesive-backed auxiliary heating device works on RV or commercial vehicle water lines or plumbing pipes.
- Apply to PVC, CPVC, ABS pipes, PEX lines, copper tubes, etc.
- Heats 3" diameter pipes.
- Made of a laminated heating element, thermostat switch, and rubberized backing material with an outer aluminum layer.
- Inner layer made of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive that allows it to stick to your water lines.
- Helps prevent freeze-ups.
- Easy peel and stick mounting.
- The adhesive is strong enough to withstand heavy use and weather.
- Thermostatically controlled.
- Energy-efficient.
- Temperature Rating: 40 degrees ON/58 Degrees OFF.
- In higher temperatures, it is recommended to remove power from the heater.
- Note: please see instructions tab above for a step-by-step installation guide and usage suggestions/warnings.
- Voltage: 13.6 volts DC.
- Watts: 41.0
- Amps: 3.0
- Dimensions: Length: 12", Width: 11".
- Weight: 0.2 lbs.
- Limited 90-Day Manufacturer Warranty.
- Made in the USA.
Madison Accessories RV Pipe Heater, 13.6 Volts DC, 11" x 12"
How To Install The Pipe Heater:
Caution: Do not remove the large "white" and small "brown" backing papers from the back panel until final placement on the pipe. The adhesive and very sticky and once in place it is difficult to remove and reposition the unit.
Step 1: Determine the best location on the pipe.
Pick a placement such that the pipe heater will be in max thermal conductivity with the pipe contents as the heat is transferred by conduction into the pipe. The goal is to transfer the heat from the pipe heater, through the wall of the pipe, to the liquid inside the pipe.
Step 2: Clean the location.
Using a rag soaked with alcohol or mineral spirits, clean an area slightly larger than the heater at this location of the pipe.
Step 3: The Red Dot.
Find the red dot on the heater. The bump under the red dot is the control thermostat. The thermostat must be in a location near the lowest point of the pipe area where the liquid is present.
Step 4: Test the position - do not remove the adhesive backing yet!
Hold the heater in place on the pipe. Orient the red dot to an area near the lowest point of the pipe. Check the routing and clearance of the power wires of the heater.
Step 5: Now remove the 2 backing papers, large "white" and small "brown".
Remove the large "white" backing paper from the foil backing. Remove the small "brown" backing paper from the heater assembly.
Step 6: Stick the heater to the pipe - CAUTION: THE BLACK ADHESIVE IS EXTREMELY STICKY.
Carefully press the heater onto the pipe at the desired location. Using a soft cloth, press firmly and smoothly over the entire surface of the aluminum foil of the heater. Work out any bubbles or gaps with your fingertip. Press your fingertip along the edges, and where the power wires come in to be certain a good seal is made at these locations. The red dot, press your fingers along each side of the red dot (thermostat) to be certain that the thermostat and area around the thermostat bump have snuggly adhered to the pipe. Place the 2 nylon zip ties around the heater as an extra precaution to ensure the pipe heater remains adhered to the pipe.
Step 7: Connect the power.
Route the power wire to the appropriate power source, use tape or zip ties to keep the wire safely in place along the chassis and frame. Make all necessary electrical connections to a fused power source.
USAGE SUGGESTIONS: Please Read.
Engage the electrical power to the unit when weather conditions denote that freezing conditions are prevalent.
The thermostat switch controls the flow of electrical current to the heating element. The thermostat switch will turn on the heater at approx 45 degrees F and will turn off the heater at approx 60 degrees F. However, there are many cool days when the temperature is less than 45 degrees and freezing conditions are not imminent. Therefore, use common sense, and unplug or remove power from the heater until necessary. Otherwise, the heater will try to raise the pipe temperature to 60 degrees and waste energy when freezing conditions are not prevalent.
Insulation: Optional.
The pipe heater is an aid to prevent the liquid in your pipe from freezing. The heat produced is spread over the pipe area by the heater and contained by the rubberized and aluminum backing. If your pipe is exposed to the elements (some pipes are inside the vehicle), some type of additional insulation may be necessary to retain the heat to the pipe liquid. Wrapping your pipe with some type of insulation found at the local "home" store is advisable for optimum thermal efficiency.
USAGE WARNING: Please Read.
Never engage electrical power to the heater if the pipe is empty.
If you drain your tanks/pipes for prolonged storage and still provide power from a land line or other sources for functions such as lighting or battery charging in the stored vehicle, then disconnect power to the pipe heater. Otherwise, if power is still active, the heater will turn on if the temperature reaches 45 degrees and try to heat the air in an empty pipe. In this instance, there is no liquid in the pipe to absorb the heat from the unit, and the heater may become very hot.
Disclaimer:
Each pipe heater has been tested by the factory for correct and safe operation. However, as with any electrical item, misuse or damage could cause a potentially hazardous situation. Usage of this product as otherwise described herein nullifies any warranty, written or implied.
Additional Wiring Instructions (ONLY for 12 volt DC Pipe Heaters):
The 12 volt DC heaters use from 1.5 amps to 3 amps of current, depending on the model.
The DC pipe blankets come with 5 feet of #16 wire attached. If you need to add additional wiring, then be certain to use 16 gauge copper wire when wiring the pipe heater to your vehicle. Also, be certain that this wiring is connected to a 5 to 10 amp fuse in the vehicle, and that if a toggle switch is used to control the power to the pipe heater, that it is also rated for 5 to 10 amps capacity. Proper wiring is important, you must use the appropriate size connecting wire for the application, use 16 gauge or heavier wire.
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