What must electric systems confirm for heat tracing supervision?

• A. The circuit status is not monitored.
• B. Electric systems must confirm circuit is energized.
• C. The circuit must be de-energized during operation.
• D. The circuit must be isolated from all power.

Answer: (B)

Heat tracing supervision relies on proving that the heating circuit is actually powered. The electrical system must confirm that the heat-tracing circuit is energized so the control system can reliably monitor its status. If power were lost or if the circuit weren’t energized, a supervision signal would alert that the heat tracing may not be providing heat, which could allow piping to freeze. Keeping the circuit energized ensures the system is ready to protect the piping and that any loss of power is detected promptly. Options that imply the circuit isn’t monitored, or that it should be de-energized or isolated during operation, would defeat the purpose of supervision and could leave the system unprotected.