If you own a YeloDeer heating cable with a built-in thermostat, you may notice something curious: at the same temperature, some cables turn on sooner than others. Is this normal?
Yes, and it’s nothing to worry about.
Which Products This Applies To
1. Self-regulating Pipe Heat Cable
2. Dual-Indicator Heating Cable
3. Trimmable Self-Regulating Pipe Heating Blanket
Why Cables Turn On at Different Times
All YeloDeer cables with built-in thermostats use a mechanical thermostat. This type of thermostat has a small tolerance range, usually around ±3°C (±5°F).
This means: One cable may start heating at 5°C (41°F); another may start at 1°C (34°F)
Both are perfectly normal. The thermostat is designed for freeze protection, not precise room-temperature control.
Activation range: Turn ON: ~3°C (37°F); Turn OFF: ~10°C (50°F)
How to Test Your Thermostat
To check if your thermostat works properly:
1. Place the thermostat part of the cable in an ice-water mixture (0°C / 32°F).
2. The cable should start heating when it reaches freezing.
3. If it does, the thermostat is working correctly.
Does This Temperature Difference Affect Performance?
No. The purpose of the thermostat is to prevent pipes from freezing. Small differences between units do not affect safety or freeze protection. As long as the cable turns on above freezing, it will protect your pipes.
Tips for Best Performance
Position the thermostat properly: Make sure it is in contact with the pipe or surface. Avoid letting it hang in the air.
Ideal for outdoor pipes, basements, or garages: Any pipes exposed to freezing temperatures will benefit.
Check periodically: During extremely cold days, you can check that the cable turns on as expected.
Multiple cables on one pipe: If you use more than one cable on the same pipe, minor differences in activation timing are normal.
Common Questions Customers Ask
Q: Can the cable overheat if it starts later than another one?
A: No. Mechanical thermostats control the cable safely. Even with small differences, the cable will not overheat.
Q: Does it matter if the cable is installed on an empty pipe?
A: No. YeloDeer self-regulating cables are safe for empty pipes. They will only heat when needed and will not overheat. The cable can reach a maximum of 60°C (140°F) in tests, but in real winter conditions, it will never reach this temperature, so it is safe to use.
Q: How long will the thermostat last?
A: Mechanical thermostats are durable and designed to last for years under normal use.