A bad connection would definitely cause a reduction in temp, but so will leaving the tape out in the open. A good way to get around a bad connection is to use a razor blade and peel off the plastic covering over on the leads where the connectors go. Just make sure you don't cut too deeply and cut through the metal. Since the metal is laminated it is easy to make light cuts along each side of the metal strip and about 1/2 inch up then peel that piece off. This leaves bare metal for a good connection.



Heat tape being what it is, is not designed to reach a specific temp. It will only rise a certain amount above the ambient temp. If enclosed it will raise the air temp around it and keep heating up. You can take that same piece of tape that was enclosed and felt hot to the touch hang it in an open room at 70 degrees and it will feel warm. To make the best use of it you really need to have it in a semi enclosed area. Again do not smother it, leave some space for it to breath. You will get much better results from placing it under a cage with a 1/4 inch gap then wrapping it aroung the outside.



George

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