You live and learn every day don’t you!

I have applied the comments in my page, and updated them; they are all useful, and quite correct.

I may be needing another 2ft Thermotube myself for the conservatory, as I need to protect the plumbing during the winter! It is surprising how cold it gets at night when it is frosty outside.

A timer/thermostat will be ideal, and then I can leave it on all year round, but it will only operate at say 5 or 3 degrees Celcius and/or during the coldest part of the day/night.

Thank you.

http://mark-lawton.com

The Generalist’s Repostiory

I currently work for Thermo Products (Owners of the old Philips Thermo Tube.)
Thanks for the link back to our site for the credit. Just a few tips for you, in your comment you mentioned using a time switch for when it is at its coldest. If you swap out the time switch for a thermostat controller you will only have to set the lowest temp once.

In terms of a cage we manufacturer guards designed for the Thermo Tube. They are extremely durable and strong, often used in homes to protect from touching the surface as well as in kennels as animals can’t bite/fit through the guard.

With the water protection, our tubes are greatly improved upon the original Philips tube, they are now IP54 rated. This means they are protected from splashing water. However this can be improved by sealing the caps with high heat resistant silicon, effectively making the thermo tube highly water resistant.

Once again thanks for the mention, if you have any questions or queries please do get in contact with us.

Alister.

I am not actually stockist of insulation, I am just a friendly blogger who gives out advice and makes a little money from Google AdSense about different subjects.

Going on the response that I have had on some of my blogs I am beginning to wonder if the start of something is on the horizon though!

You’ll find some good lagging at your local DIY store I’m sure; or a specialist who can spray or fill any cavities with lagging.

Thanks for reading the blog of mine though!

Mark Lawton

http://mark-lawton.com

The Generalist’s Repository

It will all need to be covered, but a bigger diameter is certainly an idea.

You could try this, and put the clip-on lagging over the top of spiral tape.

http://www.earthwhile.co.uk/Shop/Pipe_lagging/Spiral_Pipe_Wrap/product.html

Another is is to fit a Philips Thermotube near the problem, as the loft will be insulated and therefore cold.

http://www.thermoproducts.biz/image-gallery.php

The thermotubes hardly cost anything to run, and I use one inside my car overnight, safely positioned though, to keep the ice off it for an easy drive away to work the following morning.

(added comment on 28/01/11) They have now been improved and come in an IP54 rated units, and the cages are much improved, as you will notice from Alister Sneddon’s comment, as they do sell the thermotubes, and they are now spalshproof, and can be improved further by sealing with heat resistant silicone sealant.

I have a 2ft Philips thermotube myself, and I highly recommended them, as they last a very long time, and hardly use any power, while still doing the job effectively to keep damp and frost at bay.

The 2ft one only uses the same as a large filament light bulb, and you can even use a time switch to save money by only having it on when it is the coldest, or fit a thermostat as well, or combined thermostat and time switch.

Make sure it is safe, insulated, and kept out of the wet, and earthed, possibly using an RCD.

You will be able to run it from the lighting circuit, but ensure that it is switched, earthed and fused with a 3 amp fuse. It can be wired from a switched 3 amp fused spur from the ring main preferably.

use a cage around it if objects or people may touch it, so as to ensure extra safety and fire protection. These improved, child and animal resistant cages are available from the supplier, Thermo Products, as well as the thermotubes.

http://www.thermoproducts.biz/image-gallery.php

Inspect regularly, and ensure water cannot run onto the tube by fitting it away from any possible water flows.

Hope this helps,

Mark Lawton

http://mark-lawton.com

The Generalist’s Repository