Building a rack.

milosh · #1 03-22-2009, 01:01 PM

I am in the process of building a rack for a leopard gecko breeding start up. I have a question about flex-watt heat tape. what do i need to you use the stuff? Do most thermostats come with a clamp to run the flex-watt or is that a separate purchase? And I'm going to be running 3 or 4 shelves on it do i need separate thermostats for each shelf or is there one unit that will run them all?
Thanks, ~Milosh

justindh1 · #2 03-23-2009, 02:44 PM

What you need is the heat tape, metal connectors, wiring, and the plastic insulators or electric tape to cover any showing metal. Everything is sold seperate from the heat tape.

You don't need to have the shelves seperated on differant thermostats. If you don't want to heat all the shelves at once then you can seperate them. Thats waht i am doing with mine. The top shelves heat up more because heat rises. You can seperate the top and bottom to help that out but its not neccesary.

This link is to the heat tape section and if you look right under the heat tape for sale there are technical information sheets that can help you from wiring to put it all together.

Product Listing Heating

milosh · #3 03-24-2009, 01:35 AM

thanks a lot thats some really good info and it is much appreciated

justindh1 · #4 03-24-2009, 10:19 AM

Your welcome! Those info sheets help alot. I went through the same thing lately so I know what its like when you need information and its hard to find.

Phantasy · #5 03-24-2009, 01:44 PM

Yeah, I'd make sure that the thermostat you buy can handle the output wattage of all the shelves, and use a power strip for all of the shelves, plugging that into the thermostat. Also I'd look into some insulation for underneath the heat tape to avoid some extremely unfortunate fires or over-heatings. Don't take shortcuts here, and invest in good quality materials and take your time with the build.

Much respect,
-Matt

justindh1 · #6 03-24-2009, 01:54 PM

Heat tape rarely gets over 115 degrees. Thats not hot enought to start a fire. Fires usually start from the wiring together the heat tape wrong and not insulating the wires right. They electrical is the main culprit that causes the fires because of electric wiring shorting out. As long as you wire everything correctly and insulate the connections, you will be fine.

Phantasy · #7 03-25-2009, 01:25 AM

I'd still have to say you should insulate it. Flexwatt can be dangerous sometimes, and it's worth the extra couple of dollars for precautionary measures. If his thermostat fails or his sensor falls off the tape or cage or wherever he decides to place it, it can unpredictably cause fires, even when wired properly. If your browse around the internet you'll find some pretty knowledgeable people who have had such misfortunes. Just my 2 cents though, and I am by no means an expert on the matter.

Much respect,
-Matt