bee_pipes
12-02-2006, 12:25 PM
I have seen a few relatively inexpensive solar gizmo's on the market for radios, cell phones, laptops, etc. Is there any kind of heater for keeping pipes ice free or immersion heaters for livestock waterers that works on low DC voltage? I'd like to rig something up with an old car battery to soak charge all day and keep just enough heat to keep the water from freezing. A thermostat would complicate it, but would be excellent if it could keep the temp at 35 or so....
If you've looked into this problem, found a solution, or even just come across potential parts to a solution, I'd be interested to hear. Everything I've looked at in the way of de-icers has been 120v AC or greater, and 100-1500 watts. Seems like DC shouldn't need that much current to make heat? Or is that a gross misunderstanding? No AC in the chicken house at present.
Found something about converting regular heat tapes:
CONVERT HEAT TAPES TO 12 OR 24 VOLTS! If you're not afraid to cut and splice, here's how to make a low voltage heat tape:
Buy a conventional FLAT heat tape.
(2) For 12V, measure 1/10 of its length from the thermostat end and CUT. For 24V, use 1/5 of its length.
(3) Strip the cut end and connect the two inner wires together using the barrel of a crimp terminal. Be careful, the wires are thin and delicate. Protect the end with silicone sealant and/or tape.
You now have a low voltage tape. It will draw the same wattage PER FOOT as the original. The thermostat (if present) will work, but the neon indicator light won't. The remaining tape may be cut into more low voltage tapes by splicing lamp cord to one end, and tying the other end together (using crimp connectors). Add an external thermostat* because heat tape thermostats sometimes turn on as high as 50?. One line voltage thermostat can switch several tapes on and off.
http://www.affordable-solar.com/pv.surviving.winter.htm
Regards,
Pat
If you've looked into this problem, found a solution, or even just come across potential parts to a solution, I'd be interested to hear. Everything I've looked at in the way of de-icers has been 120v AC or greater, and 100-1500 watts. Seems like DC shouldn't need that much current to make heat? Or is that a gross misunderstanding? No AC in the chicken house at present.
Found something about converting regular heat tapes:
CONVERT HEAT TAPES TO 12 OR 24 VOLTS! If you're not afraid to cut and splice, here's how to make a low voltage heat tape:
Buy a conventional FLAT heat tape.
(2) For 12V, measure 1/10 of its length from the thermostat end and CUT. For 24V, use 1/5 of its length.
(3) Strip the cut end and connect the two inner wires together using the barrel of a crimp terminal. Be careful, the wires are thin and delicate. Protect the end with silicone sealant and/or tape.
You now have a low voltage tape. It will draw the same wattage PER FOOT as the original. The thermostat (if present) will work, but the neon indicator light won't. The remaining tape may be cut into more low voltage tapes by splicing lamp cord to one end, and tying the other end together (using crimp connectors). Add an external thermostat* because heat tape thermostats sometimes turn on as high as 50?. One line voltage thermostat can switch several tapes on and off.
http://www.affordable-solar.com/pv.surviving.winter.htm
Regards,
Pat