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No Place Special

I have never used heating cables before. Im looking for advice on instalation of these, depth and spacing etc.... Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks MF

3/19/2005 10:22:32 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

This could be an interesting thread! Someone's always finding a better idea than the package usually suggests.
I bury mine 4-6", running the cables parallel to each other trying to keep uniform spacing around the mound. 24' cables don't go really far! Some one recommended putting the thermostat device on the outside of the loop to get maximum heating, where I think the directions call for placing it towards the center? Lets hear other ideas.
Duff

3/19/2005 6:26:55 PM

Roanoke Il

get a 48 feet mike burry it 6 inches deep covers 4x6 area hope this helps.. mark

3/19/2005 9:40:32 PM

[email protected]

I particularly like the heating cables with independant thermostats, I can quickly heat the ground by setting the thermostat at a higher degree, but I will never go over 85 degrees, so as not to hurt any of the micro organisms.
For every 100 ft of cable I use the thermostat probe and 2 independant thermometers to keep the temperature constant.
I also like the independant thermostat because I can turn the temerature down during the day and let the sun warm the ground naturally, and then turn the thermostat back up at night when it's needed the most.
The independant thermostat can run 260 ft of cable. which is about 15 amps of power.
I purchased mine at Charlie's greenhouse, do a google and find their web site, and the best part of all is the Toll free number, for talking to the reps on how to install and make sure everything is working to max. capacity.
Eddy

3/19/2005 10:05:00 PM

Manchester,N.H.

If you use heating cables do you remove them when you do not need them anymore or do you leave them in the ground for the whole season.

3/19/2005 11:05:43 PM

Taber, Alberta

I just leave mine there for the whole season and take them out in the fall when I rip the plant out. Taking it out earlier would probably do more damage to the roots and vines.
Alan

3/20/2005 12:09:48 AM

No Place Special

Thanks everyone!

3/20/2005 12:48:19 PM