probably a short in one or both heating pads. I had one heating pad (though in my case it was a normal human type heating pad set on lowest setting). It shorted out and started to melt the plastic tub but I caught it in time before any serious damage was done. I had another similar pad just stop working completely.

Plastic in itself doesn't have a very high melting point so there is always a risk if a heating element or controller fails, it can cause issues with melting plastic etc. It is always a good idea to inspect your heating pads, tapes or cords regularly to look for signs of shorts etc. Also good to check your thermostat control, be it a dimmer/rheostat or even the more expensive thermostats. (though the better quality thermostats have auto shutdown features, if they should fail...so they don't end up letting heating elements go on full force. Some even sound an audible alarm when they fail or have issues.)

Also a good idea to have a smoke detector in your snake room or near where your snakes are kept...just in case.
-----
PHLdyPayne

[ Hide Replies ]

• heating pad melted tub - lilman, Sun May 2 23:03:18 2010
• RE: heating pad melted tub - PHLdyPayne, Mon May 3 10:01:10 2010
• RE: heating pad melted tub - JYohe, Mon May 3 16:40:31 2010
• RE: heating pad melted tub - lilman, Mon May 3 20:28:23 2010
• RE: heating pad melted tub - kingofspades, Tue May 4 01:50:45 2010