MAXKOSKO 120V Self-Regulating Pipe Heating Cable, Cut-to-Length Heat Tape for Outdoor Water Pipe Freeze Protection
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Description
Plan Custom Pipe Freeze Protection Around the Actual Pipe Layout
MAXKOSKO 120V Bulk Self-Regulating Pipe Heating Cable provides a flexible alternative to fixed-length heat tape for outdoor water pipe freeze protection. Supplied in 100 ft, 300 ft, and 500 ft reel options, the cable can be measured and cut to fit individual pipe runs instead of forcing one pre-assembled cable onto an irregular plumbing layout.
The self-regulating heating core changes its heat output in response to local temperature conditions. Colder areas receive more heat, while warmer sections reduce their output. This makes the cable suitable for long exterior water lines, crawl space plumbing, farm water systems, cabins, garages, utility areas, and other projects where pipe lengths, valves, fittings, or branches vary from one installation to another.
This is a field-assembled external pipe heating system rather than a ready-to-use plug-in cable. Each powered cable section must be connected, end-sealed, secured to the pipe, insulated, protected, and tested correctly before use.
Quick Product Snapshot
Product Type
Bulk cut-to-length self-regulating heat trace cable for external pipe freeze protection.
Standard Heating Output
5W/ft at 50°F (10°C) with temperature-responsive self-regulating performance.
Available Cable Reels
Choose from 100 ft, 300 ft, or 500 ft cable packages according to the total project requirement.
Powered Section Length
Each completed cable section must be at least 3 ft and must not exceed 120 ft.
Is Bulk Heat Trace the Right Choice?
Choose This Bulk Cable When
You need custom cable lengths, several separate pipe runs, long exterior plumbing, irregular fittings, or a branch layout that cannot be covered efficiently with one fixed-length cable.
Choose Pre-Assembled Heat Tape When
You are protecting one simple pipe section and prefer a factory-completed cable with the power connection and end seal already installed.
Best Suited for Experienced Users
Recommended for electricians, plumbers, maintenance teams, contractors, property owners, or experienced DIY users familiar with electrical connections and pipe insulation.
External Pipe Installation Only
This model installs on the outside surface of a pipe. It is not designed to be inserted directly into a drinking water, sewer, or drain pipe.
Key Features
Self-Regulating Heating Core
The cable automatically increases heat output in colder areas and reduces output as the cable and pipe become warmer.
Cut-to-Length Flexibility
Measure the actual pipe run and cut only the cable required for the installation, helping reduce unused cable and simplify custom layouts.
Plastic & Metal Pipe Compatible
Suitable for compatible PVC, PEX, copper, steel, galvanized, and other rigid plastic or metal water pipes when installed correctly.
Multiple Installation Methods
Supports straight tracing and spiral wrapping. Limited crossing or overlapping may be used around fittings when permitted by the installation instructions.
Protective Cable Construction
A protective outer jacket and grounding layer help support dependable use in properly completed outdoor pipe heating systems.
Expandable Accessory System
Additional power connection kits and T-splice kits allow one reel to be planned around separate powered sections or approved branch layouts.
Important Before Ordering
Not Plug-and-Play: This bulk cable requires field assembly. Do not energize the cable until the power connection, grounding layer, end seal, insulation, and required electrical protection have been completed.
One Kit Included: Each 100 ft, 300 ft, or 500 ft cable package includes one 120V power connection kit and one end seal kit for one independently powered cable section.
Additional Sections Need Additional Kits: Cutting one reel into several separately powered cable sections requires one connection kit for each section.
Maximum Circuit Length: Do not exceed 120 ft of heating cable on one powered circuit. All branches connected to the same power connection must be counted together.
External GFCI Protection Required: The connection kit does not contain built-in GFCI protection. Connect the completed system to a properly grounded, GFCI-protected power source in accordance with applicable electrical codes.
Plan the System Before Cutting the Cable
Before cutting the reel, map the complete pipe system and separate the project into continuous runs, independently powered sections, and connected branches. This helps determine the required cable length and accessory quantity before installation begins.
- Measure every pipe section that requires freeze protection.
- Identify valves, elbows, fittings, exposed sections, and branch locations.
- Decide whether each pipe run will use straight tracing or spiral wrapping.
- Determine how many sections will receive their own power connection.
- Identify any T-shaped or multi-direction layouts that may require a T-splice kit.
- Confirm that no powered circuit will exceed the 120 ft maximum.
- Plan the location of the grounded, GFCI-protected power source.
- Allow for suitable pipe insulation and outdoor moisture protection.
How Many Connection Kits Do You Need? Click to Expand Click to Collapse
Each independently powered heating cable section requires its own power connection kit. Calculate the number of cable sections and branch points before cutting the reel or ordering additional accessories.
| One Continuous Pipe Run | Use one power connection kit and one end seal kit. |
| Two Separate Powered Pipe Runs | Use two power connection kits, with one kit for each independent cable section. |
| Three Separate Powered Pipe Runs | Use three power connection kits, even when all three sections are cut from the same reel. |
| One Powered System with a Side Branch | Use one power connection kit plus the appropriate T-splice kit. |
| One System Extending in Two Directions | Use the appropriate T-splice configuration and add both cable lengths when calculating the total circuit length. |
| 300 ft or 500 ft Cable Reel | The reel must normally be divided into multiple completed cable sections. It cannot be powered as one continuous 300 ft or 500 ft circuit. |
What's Included & Optional Accessories
Included with Each Cable Package
✓ Self-regulating heating cable reel
✓ One 120V power connection kit
✓ One cable end seal kit
Additional Connection Kits
Purchase additional kits when one cable reel will be divided into two or more independently powered heating sections.
T-Splice Connection Kit
Used for compatible pipe systems where one powered heat trace circuit must continue through a side branch, center-feed layout, or T-intersection.
Insulation Not Included
Suitable pipe insulation, attachment materials, weather protection, and external GFCI protection must be selected separately for the installation.
Recommended Applications
Homes & Residential Properties
Protect exterior water lines, crawl space pipes, basement plumbing, garage pipes, utility room lines, and other freeze-prone residential plumbing.
Cabins & Seasonal Buildings
Provide winter freeze protection for water supply pipes at cabins, workshops, storage buildings, vacation properties, and other intermittently occupied locations.
Farms & Rural Water Systems
Suitable for compatible barn water lines, livestock supply pipes, outdoor faucets, garden water lines, and other exposed rural plumbing.
RV & Mobile Property Plumbing
Can be used on compatible external RV plumbing, mobile property water lines, utility connections, and exposed water supply sections.
Commercial Maintenance
Useful for maintenance projects where several pipe sections require different cable lengths from one bulk reel.
Custom Branch Layouts
Optional T-splice accessories support approved layouts with side branches, T-shaped intersections, or multiple directions from one power point.
Pipe Compatibility & Installation Methods
Plastic Pipes
Suitable for compatible PVC, PEX, and other rigid plastic water pipes. Follow the installation instructions and use appropriate insulation.
Metal Pipes
Suitable for compatible copper, steel, galvanized, and other metal water pipes with a clean and undamaged installation surface.
Straight Tracing
Run the cable lengthwise along the pipe for standard freeze protection applications and simpler pipe layouts.
Spiral Wrapping
Wrap the cable around the pipe when the installation plan requires additional cable coverage or must follow a shorter exposed pipe section.
The pipe surface must be clean, dry, undamaged, and suitable for heating. Do not install the cable on cracked, leaking, crushed, unstable, or otherwise unsafe pipe.
Technical Specifications
| Model | PG-5CR1 |
| Product Type | Bulk Cut-to-Length Self-Regulating Pipe Heating Cable |
| Main Application | External Water Pipe Freeze Protection |
| Voltage | 110–120V AC |
| Standard Heating Output | 5W/ft at 50°F (10°C) |
| Heating Technology | Self-Regulating PTC Heating Core |
| Cable Diameter | Approx. 0.3 × 0.2 in (8 × 5.2 mm) |
| Maximum Maintenance Temperature | 140°F (60°C) |
| Minimum Installation Temperature | 14°F (-10°C) |
| Minimum Circuit Length | 3 ft |
| Maximum Circuit Length | 120 ft per Powered Circuit |
| Minimum Bend Radius | Approx. 1 in (25 mm) at 68°F (20°C) |
| Compatible Pipes | Suitable Plastic and Metal Water Pipes |
| Installation Methods | Straight Trace or Spiral Wrap |
| Built-In Thermostat | No |
| Built-In GFCI | No — External GFCI Protection Is Required |
| Available Cable Packages | 100 ft, 300 ft, and 500 ft |
| Included Accessories | One 120V Power Connection Kit + One End Seal Kit |
| Optional Accessories | Additional Power Connection Kits and T-Splice Kits |
Basic Installation Overview Click to Expand Click to Collapse
The following steps provide a general project overview only. Always read and follow the complete installation instructions supplied with the product before cutting, connecting, or energizing the heating cable.
- Disconnect the electrical power and confirm that the installation area is safe.
- Inspect the pipe, nearby fittings, power source, and surrounding installation area.
- Measure each pipe run and confirm the required cable layout before cutting.
- Confirm that each completed powered section will remain between 3 ft and 120 ft.
- Cut the heating cable cleanly to the required length.
- Complete the power connection and correctly terminate the grounding layer.
- Install the required end seal on every exposed cable end.
- Secure the heating cable directly against the outside surface of the pipe.
- Install suitable non-flammable pipe insulation over the cable and pipe.
- Add weather-resistant protection over the insulation in wet or exposed areas.
- Connect the completed system to a grounded, GFCI-protected 110–120V power source.
- Inspect and test the complete installation before continuous winter operation.
Why Pipe Insulation Is Important
The heating cable supplies heat to the pipe, while pipe insulation helps retain that heat and reduce heat loss to the surrounding air. The two components should be planned as one freeze protection system.
Improves Heat Retention
Insulation slows heat loss and allows more of the cable's output to remain around the pipe.
Supports Cold-Weather Performance
Insulation is especially important for outdoor, windy, crawl space, farm, cabin, and exposed plumbing installations.
Protects the Completed System
A suitable outer covering can help protect insulation and cable from moisture, weather, and physical disturbance.
Does Not Replace Correct Sizing
Insulation cannot compensate for an incorrectly assembled cable, an overloaded circuit, or an unsuitable pipe heating layout.
Installation & Safety Notes
Do Not Energize Before Assembly: Every power connection and cable end must be completely sealed before the system is connected to power.
Do Not Exceed 120 ft: For branch systems, add the length of every connected branch when calculating the total powered circuit length.
Do Not Damage the Cable: Never staple, nail, crush, twist, sharply bend, puncture, or place the cable against a sharp pipe edge.
Do Not Use Ordinary Tape as an End Seal: Use the specified connection and end-sealing components. Exposed internal cable layers can allow moisture entry and electrical failure.
Prevent Freezing Before It Starts: Install and test the system before severe freezing weather. Do not energize the cable on a pipe that is already damaged, leaking, or in an unknown condition.
When This Product Should Not Be Used
- Inside drinking water, sewer, septic, condensate, or drain pipes
- On gas, fuel, chemical, or other hazardous-material lines
- On steam lines or pipes above the rated temperature limits
- For continuous underwater or submerged operation
- On cracked, leaking, crushed, unstable, or unsafe plumbing
- Where electrical connections cannot be kept properly sealed and protected
- As a substitute for repairing a damaged or already burst pipe
- Where a simple factory-completed plug-in cable is required
Bulk Cable vs. Pre-Assembled Pipe Heat Tape
| Length Selection |
Bulk Cable: Cut to match the project. Pre-Assembled Cable: Select a fixed factory length. |
| Power Connection |
Bulk Cable: Installed in the field. Pre-Assembled Cable: Factory installed. |
| End Seal |
Bulk Cable: Installed after cutting. Pre-Assembled Cable: Factory installed. |
| Multiple Pipe Sections |
Bulk Cable: One reel can supply several sections with additional kits. Pre-Assembled Cable: A separate completed cable is normally required for each section. |
| Branch Layouts |
Bulk Cable: Compatible layouts can use a T-splice kit. Pre-Assembled Cable: Generally intended for simple single-run installations. |
| Recommended User |
Bulk Cable: Experienced installer or qualified professional. Pre-Assembled Cable: Better suited to straightforward homeowner installations. |
For a simpler factory-completed option, see the MAXKOSKO pre-assembled pipe heating cable with thermostat.
Related Pipe Freeze Protection Solutions
Pre-Assembled 120V Heat Tape
Choose a fixed-length cable with factory-installed connections for a simpler external pipe installation.
12V DC Pipe Heating Cable
Designed for RVs, boats, battery systems, campers, and other installations where household 120V power is unavailable.
In-Pipe Heating Cable
For buried, concealed, or difficult-to-access water pipes where external cable installation is not practical.
Temperature Controllers
Add suitable external temperature control when automatic power switching or additional energy management is required.
Browse the complete MAXKOSKO Pipe Freeze Protection Collection to compare external, internal, fixed-length, and custom-length heating cable options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cable ready to plug in when it arrives?
No. This is a bulk field-assembled heating cable. The power connection, grounding connection, and end seal must be completed correctly before the cable is connected to power.
Can the heating cable be cut to the exact pipe length?
Yes. The cable is designed for cut-to-length installations. Each completed section must be at least 3 ft long, and every cut end must be finished with the proper end seal.
How many connection kits are included?
Each 100 ft, 300 ft, or 500 ft cable package includes one 120V connection kit and one end seal kit. This is enough to complete one independently powered heating cable section.
How many additional connection kits should I order?
Count the number of independently powered cable sections. One separate powered section requires one connection kit. For example, four separately powered pipe runs require four kits in total.
What is the difference between a connection kit and a T-splice kit?
A connection kit creates one independently powered cable section. A T-splice kit is used when one powered system must continue through an approved side branch, T-intersection, or multi-direction layout.
Can a 300 ft or 500 ft reel be powered as one continuous cable?
No. The maximum powered circuit length is 120 ft. Longer reels must be divided into correctly sized sections or approved branch layouts using the required connection accessories.
How is circuit length calculated with a T-splice kit?
Add the length of every cable section connected to the same power connection. The combined length of the main run and all connected branches must remain within the 120 ft maximum.
Does self-regulating mean the cable turns completely off?
No. Self-regulating technology changes heat output according to local temperature, but it does not mechanically disconnect the power. Use a compatible external controller when automatic on-and-off control is required.
Does the connection kit include built-in GFCI protection?
No. The completed heating cable must be connected to a properly grounded, GFCI-protected power source that complies with applicable electrical codes.
Can this cable be installed on plastic pipes?
Yes. It can be installed on compatible PVC, PEX, and other suitable rigid plastic water pipes when secured, insulated, and operated according to the product instructions.
Can this cable be installed on copper or steel pipes?
Yes. It is suitable for compatible copper, steel, galvanized, and other metal water pipes with a clean, dry, and undamaged surface.
Can the cable be overlapped around valves or fittings?
The self-regulating design allows limited crossing or overlapping where required around compatible fittings, provided the installation follows the product instructions and does not crush or sharply bend the cable.
Is pipe insulation required after installation?
Pipe insulation is strongly recommended. It helps retain heat around the pipe, improves freeze protection performance, and reduces unnecessary heat loss in exposed locations.
Can this product thaw a pipe that is already frozen?
This product is intended primarily for freeze prevention. Do not energize it on a damaged, leaking, burst, or unknown pipe system. Inspect and safely restore the plumbing before operating the heating cable.
Can this heating cable be installed inside a pipe?
No. This model is designed for installation on the outside of a pipe. For direct internal pipe installation, choose a purpose-built MAXKOSKO in-pipe heating cable.
Can the bulk cable be connected directly to an ordinary extension cord?
The cable must first be completed using the approved power connection and end-sealing components. Any outlet, extension cord, or branch circuit used must be grounded, correctly sized, suitable for the environment, and GFCI protected.
Need Help Planning Your Pipe Heating System?
Before contacting us, prepare the pipe material, pipe diameter, total exposed length, number of separate pipe runs, branch locations, available voltage, power source location, and several installation photos.
Contact MAXKOSKO Support at maxkosko@maxkosko.com for assistance with cable length, connection kit quantities, T-splice layouts, or product selection.
To make sure you receive our reply, save our email address to your contacts and check your spam or junk folder if the response does not appear in your inbox. We usually reply within one business day.
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