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  • From: Beth Spaugh <lists AT rhomestead.com>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] heat cables
  • Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:08:08 -0500

Thanks Etienne. That is exactly the one I have. I am using an extension cord (not much choice), but a real heavy duty one (DH is a carpenter so we have heavy ones). I did not leave it on long last night when testing. I will turn it on today and leave it to test. I may have to forgo the thermostat automation and just turn it on in the afternoon to heat the plug trays and leave it on over night. I was originally concerned about "cooking" the plugs, but don't think that will be a problem.
Reassuring to know they work for you. I have them strung 6 to 7 inches apart. How close are yours?

On 2/17/2015 7:02 AM, Etienne Goyer wrote:
I am using this brand of heat cable:

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/index.htm/Heating-Ventilation-Cooling-Home-Comfort/Heating/Cables/Roof-Pipe/61-Meter-Roof-Gutter-De-icing-Kit/_/N-2pqfZ67l/Ne-67n/Ntk-All_EN/R-I5513269?Ntt=heating+cable


It does get quite warm, although not to the point that you cannot hold
it in your hand when plugged in.

You probably thought about it already, but just in case, have you tried
to plug it somewhere else? If you use an extension cord, for example,
perhaps you don't get enough amps to get the cable real warm. Something
to try.



On 15-02-16 09:04 PM, Beth Spaugh wrote:
There was discussion that some folks used roof gutter deicing cables for
bottom heat. How warm do these get?

I just set up an 8 x 16 foam "table" with 200 feet of the cable. Before
putting plants on figured I'd better test. The cable barely gets warm,
certainly not hot. I was planning on using this in my unheated
hoophouse to keep seedlings from freezing at night. I can't see that it
will put out near enough heat, fast enough. I have it on a "cube"
thermostat, to come on at 35 and off at 45. I was planning on keeping
the whole thing full of flats, and that the heat would come up through
the plugs, making nice warm roots. Seriously doubting this will happen.

Hopefully after this week we will be done with frequent below zero
nights. I know that with frequent daytime sunshine, under row cover it
seldom gets below 15. Because of condensed ice on the bottom of the row
cover. If it doesn't freeze I don't know that I'll get that extra
protection. But I do have three layers of ag-19 row cover plus a light
plastic, and can lay foamboard over the top (sides just row cover and
plastic).

Those who have used these - please chime in with your experience. Thank
you.


--
Beth Spaugh
Rehoboth Homestead, Peru NY
http://rhomestead.com http://www.facebook.com/rhomestead

"How we eat determines, to a considerable extent, how the world is used." -
Wendell Berry

"Without power over our food, any notion of democracy is empty." - Frances
Moore Lappe

It's not that nice guys finish last. They have a whole different notion
where the finish line is. - unknown





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