[ [ [ bloggin space w i k i ] ] ]Heat Tape
Heat Tape is a device that is used to warm up water lines so that they do not freeze during the winter. The name "Heat Tape" is a misleading term, as it is not really tape, but rather a cord.
Description
Heat tape is an electrical cord that can be sheathed in black plastic, orange plastic, or a steel mesh. There are older forms of heat tape that are blue or yellow, but if you run into that stuff, chances are it isn't working.
Additionally, heat tape has a 3 pronged plug so that it can be connected to the home's electrical system, usually at a GFCI plug. On the other end of the plug is usually a cap that is glued into place when the heat tape is installed.
Heat tape is warm. It should never be hot, and when you touch it, it should give off a dull throbbing feeling. It is important to note that heat tape should never glow like the elements inside a toaster. If your heat tape is doing that, your house is probably on fire.