We’re extremely excited to announce the launch of a brand new e-commerce website offering a wide range of Trace Heating solutions to buy online. Following the increased demand for our supply and commissioning services, our new separate arm, Trace Heating Supplies, will offer customers an easy and effective way to source quality Trace Heating products online. A brand new e-commerce website The new website www.traceheatingsupplies.comis a responsive and easy to use e-commerce solution where customers can buy online nVent RAYCHEM specialist quality products from the World’s leading Trace Heating manufacturer, nVent.
Managing Director Iain Ames said, “It’s a natural progression for us after becoming an authorised distributor for nVent RAYCHEM products and I am delighted to be able to offer customers a new route to purchasing Trace Heating cabling, accessories and components.
Our skilled team has over a century of experience between them and as a company, we’ve worked in this field for many years. We will continue to service customers with a turnkey package that includes the design, supply, installation, commissioning, and servicing but now have the added capacity to cater to clients who may only be looking for just one part of our offering such as a supply only service or assistance with commissioning.”
Additional services
As well as offering a comprehensive range of products that are stocked ready for next day delivery, we are on hand to provide additional services such as training, commissioning and design. This expertise will ensure any self-installed Trace Heating Systems use the right product spec and are installed correctly for a long-lasting and reliable heating solution.
The products available are suitable for commercial premises, residential properties and industrial environments. Our Heat Trace solutions from nVent are incredibly hard-wearing, come with extensive guarantees and have been proven to last many years.
Trace Heating is a highly energy-efficient and effective way to heat pipes, vessels, roofs and gutters. It’s commonly used for frost protection, temperature maintenance for production processes and hot water systems, as well as de-icing systems for roofs, gutters and ramps. Take a look at the shop to view our products and learn more.
As the weather turns colder, it will not be long until there’s the familiar sight of ground frost and below freezing temperatures. Trace Heating can help protect property and people during the winter and in this article, we’ve highlighted its top uses and our recommended products.
One of the most popular uses for Trace Heating is the protection of water pipes, pumps, sprinkler systems and oil fuel lines as it can provide regularised heat that will prevent critical areas from freezing. It’s also used as roof and gutter heating to ensure efficient free-flowing melted water through gutters and downspouts. A third application is to maintain critical access areas at ground level such as ramps and driveways as an electronic snow and ice melting system.
How does Trace Heating Work?
In addition to disruption to utilities, frozen pipes can cause costly damage to your building and a build-up of snow and ice on rooftops may also create blockages that could harm the integrity of your premises.
Trace Heating is an electrical heating element that creates surface heating – replacing the heat loss of an object which cannot be achieved with thermal insulation alone. Trace Heating cabling or heat tape as it is sometimes known, is applied directly to the pipe or a surface such as a roof. It uses low wattage power that’s incredible energy efficient and has a lifespan that’s usually many decades.
A self-regulating cable is most commonly used for frost protection as it has the distinct advantage of regularising the operating temperature – only powering up when required and temperatures are detected to be below a pre-determined level. Its self regulating set-up means there is no risk of overheating and it’s suitable for all forms of properties – in commercial, residential and industrial environments.
What Trace Heating cable should I use?
As an authorised distributor for nVent Raychem, we use the highest quality products when installing Trace Heating on behalf of our clients. Our experienced engineers are Certified Pro Raychem Installers and so you’ll also benefit from enhanced guarantees when using us for the install or commissioning.
Raychem XL Trace
This heat trace cable is our most popular frost protection Trace Heating product. It’s self regulating and available in various wattage outputs – from 10W/m – 31W/m at 5C. You’ll find it is most commonly used with the Raystat V5 Thermostat and control unit to give you temperature control throughout the application.
Raychem IceStop
Used as gutter freeze protection, IceStop is a self-regulating cable specifically designed for roofs and gutters and can be used with all types of roofing. It’s typically paired with the EMDR-10 temperature and moisture sensing controller that will enable you to monitor and set working temperatures. A major benefit of this system is that it only powers up when there is a threat of snow and ice, making it incredibly energy efficient.
As with all specifications, we advise you contact an expert like Diamond Controls to discuss your individual requirements to understand the full range of products on offer and how they will help protect your premises.
Servicing and Maintenance
Trace Heating has an exceptional lifespan and requires very little maintenance. However, it is always advised that you regularly service and carry out a functional check of the system to ensure it’s in good working order.
If you’re already using Trace Heating, take a look at our winter maintenance tips or give us a call on 0203 876 5940 to arrange a comprehensive system service. This means you know your Trace Heating is working to its full potential and you’re able to identify any issues before they become a problem.
A one stop shop service
Using products from the market-leading brand, nVent Raychem, our full turnkey service includes the specification, design, installation and commissioning of Trace Heating systems. We also offer a materials only service or can help your team with training and commissioning of a self-installed system.
If you’ve ever had a water leak at home, you know just how stressful it can be. The impact is amplified even further in a commercial property, causing massive disruption to operations that can have long-lasting negative effects on your business. The costs are huge too, with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) stating that insurers pay out in the region of £2.5m per day for escape of water claims, almost a billion pounds a year.
That’s why most insurers strongly recommend a commercial property has its own regularly maintained Leak Detection alarm system in place and it can affect the cost of your insurance premiums.
One of the reasons why the impact is so huge is that offices usually have more water features than residential properties. These include large heating systems and plant rooms, air conditioning, multiple washroom facilities, shared kitchen and recreation spaces.
The building’s architecture can also affect the loss from any water leak damage. The location of facilities, toilets for example, is often the same from floor to floor and the stacking design can mean that multiple floors are affected by any escapes of water.
Nearly one in five claims made on buildings and contents insurance is for damage caused by leaks and there’s a noticeable spike in winter months due to burst pipes. Incidents are also caused by unnoticed leaks created from a slow build-up of both water and damage, often occurring within voids.
Paul Davis, Senior Estimator & Project Manager said, “There’s no doubt that companies that have an effective water Leak Detection system in situ are better placed to avoid large-scale loss from a water leak as they’ll be alerted straight away to any traces of a water leak.
Leak monitoring solutions are also very popular in residential properties, particularly apartments in large cities like London, as they may be left unoccupied for long periods. They will also have similar concerns to commercial office blocks as many individually owned homes will be within the same building, leaving property managers at risk of damage claims.
Our services extend to the installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of systems that can be installed at the time of renovation work taking place eg. a new heating system, or retrospectively as a stand-alone improvement to the building environment. We also have wireless solutions that provide reliable leak tracing alerts. This is particularly beneficial in buildings where a traditional installation isn’t viable, such as heritage buildings, or properties that have undergone renovation and a leak detection system requirement has been identified, at a late stage.”
Water leak alarms are an effective leak monitoring solution as they’re used with Leak Detection sensing tape or probes to trigger an alarm when even the smallest amount of liquid is detected. This means you can get to the source of any water leak quickly, avoiding the detrimental affects of major water damage. It will also alert you to the location of the alarm, making the fixing of water leaks a much simpler process. Take a look at the products and manufacturers we use to ensure the quality of your long-lasting solution.
As an authorised distributor of the world leading electric trace heating specialists nVent Raychem, we are delighted to announce the launch of a brand new high temperature HTV heating cable, specifically designed for the precise requirements of temperature maintenance in industrial operations.
Years of intensive research and testing have led to its introduction to the worldwide market. Using proprietary high power retention (HPR) technology, the self-regulating electric trace heating cable is guaranteed to offer supreme performance with unparalleled levels of power output reliability during its operational life. In fact, it has been tested to deliver a minimum 95% power retention after 10 years operating at maximum temperatures and has an expected life of 30 years or more. This far exceeds other similar products on the market and offers our clients fantastic lifetime value for a reliable, long-term temperature maintenance solution.
What are the benefits of the HTV cable?
> High power retention (HPR) heating core
> Power retention: At least 95% after 10 years
> Design life: 30 years or more depending on application
> Simplified design in hazardous area: T3 and T2
> Longer circuit lengths due to larger cross section conductors
> Fast installation: cut-to-length, multiple overlaps allowed, meter markings, user-friendly connections kits
> Safe and efficient in operation: no overheating, uniform pipe temperatures, energy saving technology
> Reliable during long life: 10 year product warranty available, maintenance free
View the features of the HTV heated cable
What is the specification of the HTV cable?
The HTV cable can be used in both T3 and T2 classed environments as it has a continuous operating temperature of up to 205°C, with a maximum exposure temperature of 260°C. There are seven power variants at 120V and 230/240V.
Made of a solid construction with a high power retention (HPR) heating core, the HTV cable has a pressure extruded inner insulation jacket that is integrated with a hardwearing metallic braid and a chemically resistant fluoropolymer outer jacket.
Larger cross section conductors allow for the HTV cable to be supplied in longer circuit lengths making it ideal for industrial and manufacturing processes.
A real game changer
Diamond Controls Senior Estimator and Project Manager, Paul Davis said, “We’re really excited to bring this product to our industrial clients as it will be a real game changer in terms of long-term durability. We’re used to working with the innovative products available from nVent Raychem as an authorised distributor for this high-quality brand and the market-leading features of the HTV cable do not disappoint.”
A large office complex called on the expertise of Diamond Controls to supply, install, and commission Trace Heating for their refurbished water tank room.
The facility had recently renovated their pipework and wanted to protect the premises from the risks associated with frozen and burst pipes during cold weather. The first port of call for the Diamond Controls engineers was to undertake a site survey and assess existing systems in place. Following this review, the team were able to specify the appropriate equipment and arrange the installation and commissioning.
Our fully trained Trace Heating engineers specified nVent Raychem FSA protection cable to complete the project. The Wintergard FS-A-2X frost protection cable was securely fitted to the new pipework to provide a self-regulating heating solution. This cabling recognises changes in temperature and adjusts its heat output accordingly to ensure the temperature of the CWS pipework is maintained at +5 °C and carries no risk of freezing.
As a market leading manufacturer of Trace Heating, the nVent Raychem cabling is made from robust, high-quality materials including a modified Polyolefin outer jacket & Protective tinned copper braid to ensure long lasting and reliable results.
It’s been specifically designed for both interior and exterior applications and is a low maintenance solution for maintaining temperature levels in water systems and pipes.
Commenting on the project, Marcus Fry, Estimator & Technical Support said, “For facilities managers and maintenance teams, trace heating is a real live saver. It’s energy efficient so is economical to run and protects essential services from costly damage and disruption.”
Find out more about our Trace Heating Products and available options including supply, installation and commissioning.
Diamond Controls has made three new key hires to its business to cope with increasing demand for its Leak Detection and Trace Heating systems.
Mark Finlay joins as Finance Manager. His role includes forecasting and financial planning for the business, credit control, and management accounts for Diamond Controls and its electrical contractor arm, Diamond Services (EA) Ltd. Mark has over 20 years of experience and joins Diamond Controls from Watsons Property where he was Head of Finance.
To keep up with increased demand, Lee Blackett has joined the business as CAD Coordinator & Quality Assurance. Joining us most recently from Anglian Home Improvements, Lee has a raft of experience in CAD engineering and has the pivotal role of creating complex design drawings showing the framework and locations of our Leak Detection System and Trace Heating components. These drawings are used in our commissioning process and form part of our detailed operations and maintenance manuals.
Nurturing new talent is key to Diamond Controls’ continued success and the recruitment of Charlie McAllister as an Apprentice Estimator is a perfect example of this. Charlie’s apprenticeship as a Project Controls Technician will see him develop his skills in estimating, planning, scheduling, and cost control. He’s part of the five-strong estimating and project management team.
Managing Director, Iain Ames said, “We’ve been able to grow consistently in the past year and wanted to ensure our continued success by bolstering our support team. Mark, Lee, and Charlie have all settled in quickly into their new roles and bring with them a wide range of skills and experience. Our recruitment is part of a wider growth and investment plan for 2021 which will see us launch new products and services to our commercial client base.”
Utilising the experience of our fully trained in-house engineers, we are delighted to announce we’ve extended our range of services to include Leak Detection System commissioning.
There are several instances we’ve found our commissioning service to be invaluable to clients.
Ensure accurate installation
For example, an installation may be carried out by an inexperienced crew as part of a construction project and, consequently, have inadequacies that could prevent the system from being fully operational. This may result in a system not triggering a leak alarm meaning your commercial premises are put at unnecessary risk.
Prevent false alarms
On occasion, incorrectly installed sensors or probes may also trigger false alarms that can cause disruption and end up in facilities teams losing faith in the system. In extreme cases, this may lead to the system being completely switched off and offering no protection against early warning of a leak.
Maintain insurance
It can also have a negative implication on your insurance as a non-certified Leak Detection System may affect premiums and compensation in the event of a claim.
Certify system & provide reference manuals
We’ve also found that new tenants moving into premises are sometimes not provided with any operations and maintenance manuals, or certification as to the Leak Detection control services installed, and so do not have confidence in their installed system.
Thorough testing
Lastly, it may be viable for in-house electrical crews to install our recommended systems but for reassurance and back-up that the system fully meets its requirements, clients are using our experience to thoroughly check and fully test the system and provide a final sign-off.
Our Solution
Our commissioning service includes a visual check of the entire system, including where sensing cable or probes are installed, and a comprehensive review of all its functionality. This involves testing all functions, ensuring they are wired correctly and react when a leak is identified. Our commissioning engineers match all aspects of the system to the design so that clients are reassured the correct sensing technology is used in all locations it has been specified.
Finally, on satisfactory completion of the testing and inspection, the system is ready for sign-off. Our certificate is witnessed by our client and comes with the backing of a full report with our findings and any recommendations.
Paul Davis, Senior Estimator & Project Manager said,
“We’re continually adapting our offering so we are able to use our expertise to service all of our clients’ needs. We recognise that in some construction projects the leak detection system installation is not completed by experienced engineers and that can cause catastrophic failures and long-term damage.
The systems installed may also not be fit for purpose as careful considerations need to be made when specifying products. Our engineers offer a full commissioning of installed systems that includes a thorough check of all functions. Clients have peace of mind that their leak alerts will activate reliably and prevent damage and disruption to business operations. This is backed up by a commissioning certificate and a full report of our findings.”
The commissioning service is just one part of the extended range of services available from Diamond Controls. A service and maintenance package offers annual servicing, fault-finding visits, technical support, and discounted remedial works. System training is also offered and there’s also an option for clients to use Diamond Controls for retrospective drawings and manuals that can prove invaluable when modifying systems or undertaking building works.
Diamond Controls holds two ISO accreditations, 14001 and 9001, and a raft of certifications including Safe Contractor, ECA, NICEIC, SMAS, and Constructionline. Find out more about us.
As an authorised distributor of nVent Raychem Trace Heating products we’d like to share a Winter maintenance checklist to ensure your existing Trace Heating systems provide a reliable performance throughout the winter months.
Now is the time to complete a system audit to make sure your Trace Heating is up to scratch when you need it most. If you don’t have the expertise in house, please contact us and we’d be happy to arrange a site visit to fully evaluate your system.
Here are the main elements you should check in your Trace Heating System:
Insulation Resistance (IR) test
Ground fault breakers
Heating tracing components
Thermostat or controller
Perform a power check
Distribution panel
Insulation
Maintain your installation and maintenance records
As we reach the end of 2020 we would like to reflect on a year that has definitely been unusual, to say the least. Despite the difficulties faced by the global pandemic and the concern over Covid-19, at Diamond Controls we have been able to continue to deliver a comprehensive service, including the specification, installation, and maintenance of Leak Detection and Trace Heating systems throughout 2020.
Here are just some of our monthly highlights.
1. In January we visited a renowned national financial business on a Leak Detection service visit and our engineers had a shocking discovery. They found this trace heating system that looked like it had gone down with the Titanic. Trace heating is low maintenance but still needs to be regularly checked which was, of course, the recommendation we made to the client on the discovery of this.
2. February 2020…before lockdown and the craziness that has happened this year! We had a really fun day in the office with a photographer, preparing shots for the website. This was by far the most amusing image and brought a smile to everyone’s face. So this was definitely a highlight of ours! 😀🤣 Alfie and Cyril giving kisses to their Dad, Iain!
3. March’s highlight brings us to the launch of our new website. We put together a brand-new site with more plans in the future to demonstrate our customer focus and expertise in Leak Detection Systems and Trace Heating products.
4. Our 4th memory highlight for this year, April 2020, is all about recognising the dedication and tenacity of our team during this turbulent time. Like many businesses, we worked hard to maintain the smooth running of our operations during the lockdown, and established a covid secure environment, adhering to strict construction industry health and safety guidelines. The team was instrumental in this so that we could continue to exceed client expectations. 👏 🙏 👊 Meet our team.
5. Number 5 of our 12 highlights of 2020 features May and our support of Water Saving Week. This is an issue very close to our hearts as we have seen first-hand how effective our leak detection systems can be. Research has shown that a leak of just 1m3 of water an hour could cost your business: £73 a day, £516 a week! We put together a few handy tips on how businesses can improve their water efficiency.
6. June’s highlight was a new product. We’re always looking out for suitable additions to our range and this one was just perfect, especially with many business premises unoccupied during the lockdown. In June we gave it a full series of tests and a thorough review to ensure it would be up to the job and it passed with flying colours. Welcome to our Leak Detection accessories range, the Diamond Controls Speech Dialler. It offers remote 24/7 monitoring with automatic SMS and email alerts for any alarm triggers of your leak detection system. Take a look at all the benefits of the Speech Dialler.
7. Our highlight for July was an easy choice as it brought a big smile to all of our engineer’s faces. New van graphics for our fleet!
Here are Richard and Joe, standing proudly with their new van livery.
8. Normally, August would be a relatively quiet month but, with many workplaces returning to normal and holidays not as prevalent, this year we were definitely working at full speed! We’re continually looking to improve and this month’s highlight is some new additions we made to our website. We added some of our more common products to our Leak Detection, Gas Detection, Trace Heating, and Servicing & Maintenance pages to help our clients understand more about the wide range of choices available from us and our strong emphasis on product quality.
9. September is the 9th highlight of 2020 and in this month we had a big first for us, launching brand-new servicing and maintenance packages for Leak Detection Systems. It’s something that often gets forgotten about but so essential to keeping a system in tip-top condition so it can detect even the smallest of leaks. We listened to our clients and put together two really great packages that include a promotional first-year rate, service visit, fault-finding visits, and preferential rates on materials. What’s more, we have added in our Speech Dialler to Diamond packages free of charge until the end of January. Find out more about the servicing and maintenance offer
10. As we reach the 10th month and October we are particularly proud of this highlight. Last year we achieved not one, but two ISO accreditations! So when it came around to renewal time again in October we were delighted to have passed the mark again to achieve this high standard. We’ve invested a lot of time and resource into our systems and processes to become one of the leaders in our industry and this is just two reasons why.
11. For our November highlight, we didn’t have to look very far as they have brightened our days in the office! Our new fish bring a sense of calm and tranquillity to our busy office. 🐟🐟🐡🐡🐠🐠
12. Despite all of the challenges 2020 has brought, as a business we are really proud of what we have achieved this year. It’s been a real team effort. From the engineers out at client sites working safely in a covid-secure environment to our project managers, estimators, technical and support team back at HQ, keeping the business operations running smoothly. One thing that has kept us going throughout the year has been all the positive feedback from our clients. So, it felt fitting that our customers are the highlight of December 2020!
So, that concludes our look back at what has happened in 2020. After a short Christmas break we will return refreshed and ready to push forward in 2021.
We have got some really exciting developments planned for 2021 so please follow our LinkedIn page for the latest updates.
Damage and disruption caused by adverse weather conditions can hinder your business operations. That is why it is so important to prepare your commercial and industrial premises for winter. Our clients have found that the installation of trace heating for frost protection and snow and ice melting systems for roofs, gutters, and critical access areas really makes a difference.
In the UK we often have several bouts of extreme weather per year and having the right tools and procedures in place will ensure you can maintain your operations. Here are our top tips for winter building maintenance.
1. Protect essential utilities against frost, snow, and ice
In freezing conditions, your water pipes are in danger of becoming frozen and when they unfreeze, are likely to damage and cause leaks. Lagging your pipes can help but the most reliable frost protection for your water supply is a trace heating system. Insulated electrical heating cables are fitted to your pipework and control the temperature of the liquid within, ensuring it does not reach freezing point. Trace Heating can be used internally or externally making it a perfect solution for commercial and industrial premises including public sector buildings, healthcare and education, warehousing and manufacturing, heritage and historical properties, offices, and residential apartments.
2. Check your roof, guttering, building exterior, and regularly maintain
Annual maintenance checks of your building’s exterior are necessary as any ongoing deterioration will be more prevalent in the colder winter months. Cleaning your guttering and drains can help prevent build-up or overflow from water. Brickwork, roofing materials, and areas such as fascias all require ongoing upkeep to avoid frost ingress and damp damage.
A self-monitoring de-icing system installed on your commercial roof offers peace of mind and regulates the heat of the roof and guttering so that any snowfall or ice build-up is heated sufficiently to melt and escape easily. This preventative measure makes sure there is no heavy load that could potentially cause roofing damage and ultimately serious building repair.
3. Monitor for leaks
Many water leaks can be unseen for some time, causing damage that can be extremely costly, not to mention time consuming. The best way to identify even the smallest of liquid leaks is through a leak detection system. Liquid sensing cables and probes can be fitted along pipework and in areas where water may escape and, once linked with an alarm panel, provide an immediate alert to a water leak that could save your business time, resource, and cost when rectifying. Systems are even available that offer automatic shut-off of mains via solenoid valves once a leak has been detected. If the building is unoccupied, remote speech and SMS diallers or email diallers can alert off site personnel to take action.
4. Plan your adverse weather policy
Difficult weather conditions can often lead to delays in movement and goods and health and safety concerns. By planning an adverse weather policy, you can effectively communicate with all stakeholders and set-out procedures to limit the impact on your business. You will be able to manage expectations and have operational measures in place to combat the difficulties you may face.
5. Keep access areas accessible
If your operation needs to be accessible in all weather conditions you may need to consider a snow and ice melting system. An ideal solution for all-year-round safety access for ramps, steps, and critical access areas such as delivery or entrance points. Heating cables that come complete with smart technology for energy efficiency and accurate monitoring can be fitted within the concrete or asphalt layer of your premises’ exterior providing a reliable and low maintenance thawing of snow and ice.
What are the major benefits of Trace Heating Systems?
• Self-regulating or adjustable thermostatic temperature control for flexible application
• An energy efficient solution due to its low wattage and regulated temperature control
• Hardy insulated cabling with long expected lifetime
• Low maintenance components
• Expandable to accommodate new additional areas
Why choose Diamond Controls?
Diamond Controls is an authorised partner installer of nVent Raychem, one of the leading manufacturers of trace heating products and accessories.
Our electrical engineers have over a century of experience between them and offer a comprehensive service that includes design and specification, along with installation, for a turnkey solution for business operations across all sectors. We have worked on some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK, including The Shard, along with many commercial and industrial operations across the South and East of the UK.
Find out more about our Trace Heating Systems and how they can help you prepare for the cold winter months.
