Pipe Freeze Protection Cable is constructed of several layers and in the heart of the cable run 2 bus wires that supply electrical power to the heat tape. Surrounding the 2 bus wires is a special polymer, which generates heat when electrical current flows through it. The polymer used in the cable changes resistance with temperature. As the temperature lowers the resistance of the polymer lowers allowing higher current flow and more heat to be generated, and vice versa as the temperature increases the resistance increases so the cable produces less heat. This self-regulating feature is what allows the Pipe Freeze Protection Cable to be overlapped without worrying about overheating. Over the self-regulating polymer is a tough insulation layer and a wrapped layer then a layer of wire braid to complete the protection of the cable. This self-regulating feature makes the need for a thermostat disappear and the Pipe Freeze Protection Cable is simply plugged in or turned for the winter season and unplugged or shut off at the finish of the season. Frostex Pipe Freeze Protection Cable is even safe to apply on plastic pipes.