IEEE Std 515 takes a step toward harmonization

IEEE Recommended Practice 515 for the "Testing, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Resistance Heat Tracing for Industrial Applications" was first published in 1983. During the first five-year review cycle, which took place from 1984 to 1990, a major effort was made to harmonize 515 with other North American and European standards. The Project Authorization Request (PAR) for the second five-year review cycle was approved in June 1993. At this time, changes to the United States National Electrical Code (NEC) were proposed that would have a major impact on heat tracing systems. In Article 427, consideration was given to requiring metallic coverings on all heating cables, and ground-fault equipment protection on all heat tracing circuits, regardless of area classification or application. In addition, expanding the 1996 NEC to include IEC Zone methods of hazardous area classification was proposed. Inclusion of area classification Zone methods provides wide harmonization. IEEE 515 is now a standard which will provide the user with a means to achieve a safe and reliable heat tracing system.