I need to find a heating element to melt accumulated snow and ice on parabolic reflectors used for the comunication industry. I would like to use a resitance wire sandwiched between two sheets of aluminum tape. The foil heater will be adhered to the back of a reflector so accuracy of the reflector will not be hindered. I do not know what resistance wire to use. I know that the system will have an input of 120-240 Volts, but I am not sure how to calculate the power without knowing what the resistance of which ever specific heater cable I choose.
I do not need to achieve high temperatures, I am looking to have a maximum temperature of 150 degrees Farhenhiet. The system will be controlled by a on/off controller with the time being limited to about 5 minuets on and 5 minuets off while the sensor detects humidity ar a temperature below 38 defrees Farhenhiet.
Can someone clarify how to choose the right heating cable?