In freezing temperatures, one of the greatest risks to facilities with external or poorly insulated plumbing is burst pipes. But the danger doesn't end with water damage - temperature fluctuations can also encourage harmful bacterial growth, including Legionella. That's why United Automation's Envirostat - Frost Protection Controllers are trusted across industries to prevent frozen pipes, manage outdoor pipe heating control, and support systems in the fight against Legionellaceae.
Manufactured in the UK to the highest standards, these controllers provide automatic, energy-efficient protection - keeping systems safe, compliant, and operational throughout winter.
What Are Envirostat – Frost Protection Controllers?
Envirostat - Frost Protection Controllers are intelligent temperature-activated units that control heating cables or trace heating systems on pipes and tanks. They ensure that when ambient or pipe temperatures fall below a set threshold, the heating system switches on - protecting water lines from freezing or stagnating.
Unlike basic thermostats, Envirostat controllers offer precision temperature sensing, weatherproof enclosures, and industrial-grade reliability. Many models are designed for external installation and are compatible with multiple heating cable types.
Key Applications of Envirostat
- Prevent Frozen Pipes:
A burst pipe due to frost can cause thousands of pounds in damage and hours of downtime. Envirostat controllers automatically heat pipework during freezing conditions, preventing water inside from turning to ice and expanding.
- Combat Legionella and Maintain Hygiene:
Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease, thrives in water systems kept between 20°C and 45°C - especially when water is stagnant. According to the UK HSE, conditions for Legionella risk include:
- Water temperatures between 20°C and 45°C
- Stored or re-circulated water
- Systems generating water spray (e.g. showers or humidifiers)
By maintaining consistent pipe temperatures, Envirostat controllers help reduce Legionella growth by preventing cooling and stagnation in underused outlets or cold external pipe runs.
Learn more about Legionella prevention from the HSE.
- Facilities & Industrial Protection:
Ideal for warehouses, food production plants, hospitals, hotels, schools, outdoor venues, and more - especially in facilities that can't afford system downtime or compliance failure.
Featured Products in the Envirostat Range
United Automation offers a broad range of Envirostat models to suit every trace heating or frost protection requirement:
| Range | Features | RS Stock No |
|---|---|---|
| Envirostat FP4E - 4kW |
|
(216-3072) |
| Envirostat FP4ER |
|
(062-8610) |
| Envirostat FP4i - 4kW |
|
(216-3073) |
| Envirostat FP4iR |
|
(062-8611) |
| Envirostat FP6E |
|
(216-3075) |
| Envirostat FP6i |
|
(216-3077) |
| Envirostat MP6i |
|
(216-3076) |
Who Uses Envirostat Frost Controllers?
- Facilities Managers in healthcare, education, hospitality & housing
- Maintenance Engineers preventing winter failures
- HVAC Installers adding trace heating to new builds
- Industrial Plant Managers protecting water systems & compliance
- Water Hygiene & Legionella Prevention Consultants.
Benefits of Using Envirostat - Frost Protection Controllers
- Automatic Pipe Heating Control - Envirostat activates heating only when required, maintaining efficiency while preventing freezing and protecting system integrity.
- Energy Efficient Operation - By reducing unnecessary heating, the system minimises energy usage - lowering operational costs while providing reliable protection.
- Easy Installation & Setup - Designed for plug-and-play integration, the Envirostat series simplifies setup and adjustment, even for retrofit installations.
- Enhanced Health and Safety - By maintaining pipe temperatures, Envirostat controllers prevent stagnation, support Legionellaceae prevention, and ensure clean water delivery - especially vital in healthcare and hospitality.
- British-Made Quality - Manufactured in the UK by United Automation, Envirostat units meet high standards for reliability, durability, and regulatory compliance.
Final Thoughts
With weather extremes becoming more common, Envirostat - Frost Protection Controllers are more important than ever. They go beyond simple temperature control - helping to prevent frozen pipes, reduce maintenance costs, and fight Legionella in line with HSE recommendations.
If you manage pipe systems or water infrastructure, investing in Envirostat is an investment in reliability, safety, and compliance.
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