Heating cable

[Steve S]

My regulator froze up again this morning so I bought a heating cable, not cheap but I need it"bouncey:
My question is did I wrap this the right way? The instructions say to not overlap the cable but I think that I had to.
Comments please:)

[hankaye]

Steve S, Howdy;

Overlapping the cable can cause it to burn through itself and short out.
Ya want sparks next to your regulator???
Did you get something like this?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/M-D-Building-Products-3-ft-Pipe-Heating-Cable-with-Thermostat-04309/204814418
If so a simple drape going across the regulator with some fiberglass
insulation LOOSELY wrapped will do the trick. Leaving the wrapping loose
helps the insulation work better. Something like this with some plastic
wrapped over it to help keep it dry.

hankaye

[Steve S]

Hankaye I bought a 12' one just like that and I'm going to take your advice and rewrap it differently this morning. Also I'm going to get a timer for it as I don't really need it on during the day just yet:)
Thank you for the reply, I didn't know that the way I had it wrapped was a fire hazard:eek:

[hankpage]

Steve, Since it has a built in thermostat, you shouldn't need a timer. It should only be on when needed and in case there is a freak cold snap into the day it can still control itself. If you insulate it well, it will not stay on that long. JM2¢, The other Hank

[Steve S]

Thanks for the tip hankpage, I also have it wrapped around the LP bottle.
Next question, As for the black button should I have it pressed against the tank or the regulator or does it not matter?

[hankpage]

Perhaps the manufacturers web site may have more info but as far as I know:
This is the info on one brand ..... "Your mileage may vary" ( Where on earth have I heard that quote before??) Exclusive Press-To-Test button test cable before installing. The built-in thermostat turns cable on at 38°F. Reliable low wattage design uses up to 70% less energy than other cables and protects to -50°F. The thermostat is built into the cable, this is another reason not to cross over itself or it will sense it's own heat.
Hope this helps, Hank

[Steve S]

So I took a wool jacket and cut it up for insolation.
Does this look safer:)
It all fits under the cover so that's a good thing
:)"bouncey::)

[hankaye]

SteveS. Howdy;

So I took a wool jacket and cut it up for insolation.
Does this look safer:)
It all fits under the cover so that's a good thing
:)"bouncey::)

I was thinking that you had a larger (125gal [US]) type of tank. If you
are keeping everything under the plastic dome then you are trapping
a lot of heat in there, not a dangerous amount I'd add. You can allow
the heat tape to touch the regulator, it will get the best heating that
way. Won't need to apply the tape directly to the tanks, the trapped
heat under the dome will work for that.

As for the black button, I just allow mine to hang out in the cold, as
"the other Hank" mentioned, it should activate the heating element
when the temp. gets to a preset level, generally somewhere between
freezing and about 10 degrees above freezing (0° C to +10° C), in your
case

hankaye

[hankpage]

So I took a wool jacket and cut it up for insolation.
Does this look safer:)
It all fits under the cover so that's a good thing
:)::)

Steve, It looks good, but it is a shame that you will have to stay inside all winter since you no longer have a coat to wear. ;) Seriously, I think you will be fine now, Hank

[Steve S]

Thanks for the replies and the good advice:) It's so nice not having to wake up @ 3am and going out and pouring hot water over the regulator to get some heat in here:)
The price of LP went up, now it's $35.65 to fill up compared to $29.00 in the summer so I'll have to fill up the 80 lb tank as it's much cheaper:)