Heat Trace

[bryanfarris]

I was thinking, what if I were to put heat trace in with my ballast to allow winter operations?

Sorta like those who put the heat trace in driveways.

I would need to make sure the plastic ties were not right on the heat trace.

Wonder if it would help with froze heaving.

I live in Wellington Ohio, south west of Cleveland about a hours drive.
I just moved here in August, lived in Centerville Ohio, south of Dayton, prior.

I get to start my new layout this spring, at least the outside part.
My basement will allow me to use one of the windows as a portal to outside. So I have begun to suspend track in the basement for storage of my trains. I also plan on building a false front of a engine house, so looking from outside it looks as though the trains just are going in the building for service.

any comments on the heat trace?

[cacole]

I'm not familiar with the product you call Heat Trace, but my thought would be to use the heater that is wrapped around water pipes, but power it from a transformer instead of giving it a full 110 Volts. You don't need much heat to keep snow and ice off of your track. I don't think this would help prevent frost heave, though, because the ground is still going to freeze under the tape.

Thankfully, we never have to worry about things like that out here, but I'm originally from Illinois, so I know how vicious those mid-western winters can be.

[Anonymous]

Bryan, I would suggest putting the heat tape down and inch or so below the track in the ballast. This would allow the heat tape to radiate heat through the ballast but not directly on the plastic ties. I would also only turn it on as needed.

Cheak Loeb electric because there are several kinds, maybe you could also find a reduced wattage one.

Very inovative Idea!

[bryanfarris]

Cacole, Heat Trace is the wiring around air and water lines to prevent freezing.

Since I am starting a new, I may do some experimenting with the idea before the spring thaw.

I should not have to step down the voltage, as most Heat Tracing (in industry) has built in thermostats to control the heat, but again this would be the ideal time to experiment.

[Anonymous]

Just curious, is the "Heat Trace" you are referring to weather proof? And is it designed to be buried? If it is hot enough to melt ice and snow, wouldn't that result in the Heat Trace being soaked in water for potentially long periods of time?

This is certainly out of my area of expertise since I don't have to deal with the freezing temperatures you do; but, I would worry about using line voltage (110 VAC) in the manner you describe unless the product were specifically designed for the conditions it will be subjected to.

Jon

[Anonymous]

Jon, It's often used in downspouts to keep them from freezing. Don't confuse this product with the pipe wraps out there they are similar but different. In my experience the ones for downspouts can be found at electrical supply houses, read the boxes carefully!

[SandyR]

I don't think I'd take the chance with it.
SandyR

[Anonymous]

Sandy, Live a little ZZZZ ZZZZZ[B)]dang electricity hurts![:D]

[Anonymous]

Re: Don't confuse this product with the pipe wraps

I think that is what I was probably thinking of as that is what is sold here in Texas. As I recall, the boxes specifically state that it should only be installed indoors - and not where it can get wet.

Jon

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Might have to install some of that downwind of my waterfall, snoplow won't go thru 15" of solid ice from windblown water. Good idea! Otherwise, I think I like plowing better. Maybe ought to install it while still constructing for when I get older and don't want to play in the cold!

[markperr]

Home Depot and Lowe's both sell it. I believe they sell it in the plumbing department and it is made specifically for use outdoors. You either put it at the edge of a roof or in a gutter and it warms up the ice so that it melts and flows away. It's supposed to prevent ice damming under your shingles. It comes as a kit with a timer and everything you need to do the installation. Not sure if you can bury the wire though.

Mark

[Anonymous]

> Home Depot and Lowe's both sell it.

I suspect it might be a regional thing because I've never seen such a product at any Lowes or Home Depot here in Texas. But, it isn't something we need; so, it makes sense not to stock it.

Jon