A temperature-dependent resistive element between two parallel copper conductors regulates and limits the heat output of the heating cable. The output regulation is carried out automatically along the entire length of the heating cable according to the difference between the maintenance temperature and the ambient temperature. As the ambient temperature rises, the heat output of the cable is reduced. This self-limiting property prevents over heating even when the cable are overlapped. Thanks to the parallel power supply the heating cable can be cut to any required length not exceeding both conditions of maximum allowed voltage drop and maximum load capacity of the associated circuit breaker. Following are the advantages of self-regulating heat tracing cables.