Q: Can I spiral wrap cable around the pipe? A: Spiral wrapping uses more cable than a straight run down the length of the pipe. Spiralling an oval cable or even a round cable of any length can be physically difficult, tedious, and frustrating. We recommend installing straight runs at the four or eight o’clock postions on pipes and sprial wrapping only the flanges, valves, etc. On PVC pipes aluminum heat transfer tape should be applied under and over the straight run of cable to distribute the heat.