Which EHT Controller is Best for my Heat Trace System?

Electrical heat trace (EHT) controllers are vital to your heat trace system. These units help control and monitor your heat tracing processes for all heat trace applications, including pipe freeze protection, parts de-icing, and process temperature maintenance. 

These customizable units are also crucial for providing: 

• Power to EHT circuits based on user-defined set points
• Ground fault protection as per CEC requirements
• Alarm feedback for controller or EHT circuit component failure

To ensure proper system monitoring, choosing the suitable EHT controller for your facility’s particular setup is critical for ongoing efficiency and performance.

 

What Types Of EHT Controllers Are Available?

There are four different types of EHT controllers, all geared for reliable, safe long-term automated operation. No matter the size or scale of your industrial facility, one or more of these options will be perfect for your particular application.  

• Single/two circuit EHT controller 
• These compact, cost-effective units provide high reliability with accurate communications capabilities for single and dual heat trace circuit requirements

• Multi-circuit EHT controller 
• These multi-circuit microprocessor-based temperature control and monitoring units are ideal for monitoring up to 72 heat trace circuits

• Contactor Panel 
• Contractor panels have comparable capacity to the multi-circuit EHT controller and needs little to no programming, but offers  limited control and alarm functions
• Custom PLC controller
• These highly-intelligent heat trace controllers offer several unique features and high circuit capacity customizable to your specific needs.

Here are the pros and cons of each of the different types of EHT controllers:

 

EHT Controller Type	Pros	Cons
Single/Two Circuit	Small footprint Typically stocked at several wholesalers or by manufacturers Have a full range of alarms Can be monitored on a dedicated EHT supervisory network Built-in ground fault protection Able to have line sensing or ambient control	High cost per EHT circuit Programming and navigating the controller on the face plate may not be user friendly High-cost replacement parts in case of failures
Multi-circuit	Large circuit capacity Has a full range of alarms Can be monitored on a dedicated EHT supervisory network Built-in ground fault protection Ability to have line sensing or ambient control	High cost per EHT circuit Typically require a computer for the configuration of circuits Custom ordered, long lead time items High-cost replacement parts in case of failures
Contactor Panel	Large circuit capacity Low cost per EHT circuit Little to no programming requirements Replacement parts readily available at electrical wholesalers Shorter lead time	Limited alarm functions Can’t be monitored on a dedicated EHT supervisory network Ambient control only causes increased energy consumption Can have issues with inrush current when the entire panel energizes at once
Custom PLC Controller	Large circuit capacity Has a full range of alarms (customizable based on needs) Can be monitored on plant DCS via ethernet or Modbus connection Replacement parts readily available at electrical wholesalers Ability to have line sensing or ambient control Shorter lead time Circuits can be controlled based on other process information on your network	Can’t be monitored on a dedicated EHT supervisory network May require paid software for future expansion/modification of controller

What To Consider When Choosing An EHT Controller?

There are some important considerations to take into account when choosing EHT controllers, including: 

• Area classification

• • If the controller or its associated circuits will be located in hazardous areas, it’s often wise to have line sensing controls to reduce sheath temperatures on MI cables

• Your existing network

• • Ensure your controllers are compatible with your facility’s existing network or switch to a network that is compatible with existing controllers to ensure smooth, reliable communication between system components

• Your facility maintenance strategy

• • If your facility maintenance strategy doesn’t include capacity to monitor alarms, remote alarm visibility doesn’t add significant value to your operation 

• Energy consumption 
• Consider whether your facility has a power shortage or if you create your own electricity when configuring your EHT controller

 As with any industrial application, and especially when electricity is involved, it’s always best to get advice from heat trace experts before installing an EHT controller. The heat management team at MSCP is always happy to help.

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Get Advice From The Heat Trace Professionals At MSCP

If you’re wondering which EHT controller is best for your system, the experts at MSCP can help with recommendations that will perfectly suit your application.  

MSCP is the only company offering heat management materials and the engineering and technical services to design, create, audit, maintain, and commission your heat management system.  

We build and store our high-quality heat trace equipment in our own custom workshops, including our newest Eastern Canada location in Listowel, Ontario. Launched in 2020, this new facility offers the same custom manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping services as our Western Canada location, giving MSCP unparalleled coverage.  

READ MORE – Keeping Local Heat Management System Manufacturing In Canada

No matter where your job site is located, MSCP can design, build, and deliver custom heat trace components on time, ensuring your projects stay within your timelines. Our goal is to provide innovative, tech-based solutions that make heat management easier and more efficient for our clients. Our solutions are designed to eliminate the worry of freezing temperatures and help avoid system failure, interrupted production, and system downtime due to heat management issues. 

Contact us anytime to learn more about how we can help you.