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bassett524
03-09-2006, 08:02 PM
so I'm new a building one of these. I'm doing heat tape, but I'm not quite sure how it all hooks up. I'm assuming it's simple, just strip some cords, find a way to solder or clamp it to the tape and plug it in.

My question is how do you connect the different layers of heat tape for each layer of the rack so that you don't have like 7 cords to plug in. Or would I just get eeh 11" thick tape and fasten it vertically? Either or, is there a way to splice the wires so I don't have multiple plugs to plug in.

also how hot will heat tape get? woudl it be smart to get some sort of regulator or dimmer switch?
sputnik
03-10-2006, 01:20 AM
Yeah, you can clamp them. There are diagrams on www.mgreptiles.com (http://www.mgreptiles.com) that should answer answer your questions. You can run heat tape under the shelves, what size heat tape you use depends on the size of your rack and containers or you can run it vertically down the back of the rack as well.
sputnik
03-10-2006, 01:23 AM
Here, I did the work for you! LOL

http://www.mgreptiles.com/FLEXCRIMP.html

http://www.mgreptiles.com/FLEXFAQ.html

http://www.mgreptiles.com/FLEXWIRING.html

Hope that helps you! :wink:
bassett524
03-10-2006, 03:59 AM
that helps a lot, thanks scott
Cool Evil Liz
03-10-2006, 10:46 AM
He will be sending you his bill :biggrin:
Joker
03-10-2006, 03:06 PM
Lazy College boy! And yes I would suggest a thermostat, but if all you can do at the time is a dimmer switch that will work. You really dont want this stuff running wide open. Or we could all come over for a BBQ?:icon_keel:
Josh
bassett524
03-10-2006, 04:22 PM
I'll get a thermostat

and lazy.. I'm going on 4 hours of sleep here in the past 72 hours. been workin my butt of getting stuff ready, lol... and on all taht good sleep I got int eh apst 72 hours I'm leaving for an 18 hour drive in about 30 minutes....
Joker
03-10-2006, 07:16 PM
I'll get a thermostat

and lazy.. I'm going on 4 hours of sleep here in the past 72 hours. been workin my butt of getting stuff ready, lol... and on all taht good sleep I got int eh apst 72 hours I'm leaving for an 18 hour drive in about 30 minutes....

Geez Mike dont take things so personal :icon_super: Its all good just dont want you to bee cooking kids unexpectedly. Ill save the best for Tinley. LOL
Josh
MapleLeaf
03-20-2006, 05:02 PM
You may want to try some switches to turn off the racks that are not in use.

Unless you are heating your house with it as well.
sputnik
03-20-2006, 05:26 PM
A thermostat is a must have, just my opinion! You won't regret getting one, peace of mind!
bassett524
03-20-2006, 10:43 PM
Geez Mike dont take things so personal :icon_super: Its all good just dont want you to bee cooking kids unexpectedly. Ill save the best for Tinley. LOL
Josh

yea that came out a lil more defensive than I meant it to sound.... and cooking kids?? I can't eat them raw!!! sicko!