The TraceTek liquid leak detection system was initially developed in the mid 1980s. The technology was developed in Raychem Corporation's central R&D facility as an outgrowth of work related to distributed anode systems for pipeline cathodic protection. Early TraceTek systems were sold primarily to detect water leaks in computer facilities.

TraceTek sensor cable was, and still is, used to monitor the concealed piping and valves beneath raised computer room floors. Other markets that quickly emerged included hazardous chemical supply and recovery in semiconductor production facilities, hazardous fluid monitoring in pharmaceutical manufacturing and the monitoring of the interstitial space between the inner and outer wall of double containment piping systems.

The main strength of the TraceTek sensor cable is its ability to locate a spill in addition to early detection. Today, TraceTek stands as one of Tyco Thermal Controls’ most unique brands.