[FourOaks]

Loulac, im not sure if your asking questions, or commenting, but I thought I was thorough in my post. Ill address this point by point. Seems you have some doubts about my intentions and the how and why.

Originally Posted by loulac

I think there's a huge waste of heat under the cables. Why not buy insulating panels -styrofoam - in the building industry, about one inch thick.

This was just a quick and dirty test. It had the added benefit to get the plug trays through the cold night. Matter of fact, I said:

Originally Posted by FourOaks

Since we have some cold weather coming back, I figured now is the time. This is a not permanent install. Just a test. Further tests will be needed, but so far its looking good.

I also said:

Originally Posted by FourOaks

Loosely covered with a scrap of greenhouse plastic. So far the results were promising. During the day, when it was only in the low 50's outside, the bench topped out at about 72.

Originally Posted by loulac

Another suggestion : the heat will be concentrated above the cable. I would bury it in half an inch of sand.

I said this, in response to Rajun's comment:

Originally Posted by FourOaks

You bring up a good point. In the end, I *think* I want to build a bench that contains either sand or pea gravel, with the heat cable about 1/4 inch deep. Something like that.

Being that I plan to build a bench that contains sand or pea gravel, something will have to be in the bottom of that bench to contain the contents. I assumed that something like foam was implied and understood.

Originally Posted by loulac

A thermostat looks compulsory unless you check the temperature constantly and are ready to switch the cable on and off 24 hours a day.

I did say:

Originally Posted by FourOaks

Im thinking if this was really tightened up, it would work much better. Will have to look into a thermostat for it.

Originally Posted by loulac

500 watts is impressive when a 60 ft long gardening heating cable only burns 90 watts...

I said this:

Originally Posted by FourOaks

Several years ago I bought a 100 foot long gutter heat cable. The kind that is designed to keep ice from forming on the roof/gutter line. Its been in my stash, packed away. I want to say its 500 watt. But I could be wrong.

So, its a de-icing cable, rated at 5 watts per foot, not a "gardening heating cable, that is 60ft". Here is the exact product in question:

https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Heat-ADK...=easy+heat+100

Did I miss anything?