A heating tape comprises an insulated heating element that includes a heating element layer comprising a polymer composite having conductive particles and at least one set of conductive electrodes at least partially embedded in the polymer composite and extending along at least a substantial portion of the length of the heating tape. A heating tape system for a pipe or other surface, further includes a power ramp controller having a solid state relay component to regulate an in-rush of current to the heating element. The heating tape system also includes a connector having multiple contact points.