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I'm installing porcelain light fixtures into some new display cages and had a question. The electrical box which I have fitted into the cage drops the whole fixture about two inches or so and is a real eye sore. I want the smallest profile, if I put the porcelain into direct contact with the wood, am I asking for a fire? As well, does anyone know how hot is too hot for a snake to touch? I've got a 25 Watt incandescent on a rheostat now, the bulb temps don't go over 115. At what temp will a bulb become dangerous? Oh, anybody have some good bulb guard designs to share?
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>>I'm installing porcelain light fixtures into some new display cages and had a question. The electrical box which I have fitted into the cage drops the whole fixture about two inches or so and is a real eye sore. I want the smallest profile, if I put the porcelain into direct contact with the wood, am I asking for a fire?

I have done this before and no the ceramic usually doesn't get hott enough to worry about starting a fire. Now if you are using a MVB then it could be a problem.

But if you are still woried you can always use a low profile electrical box they are app. 3/4" tall but I am not sure. If that is still not enough you could cut out a hole and subset the box in the hole.

Like I said I don't think you will have to worry about a common buld starting a fire due to heat its the electric part that is to worry about. More fires happen because of faulty wiring then because the bulb socket got to hot. The other problem with surface mounting just the ceramic socket is that ther is little or no room behind these for wiring.

>>At what temp will a bulb become dangerous?

If it burns you than it will burn them!

>>Oh, anybody have some good bulb guard designs to share?

Do a thread search on that topic there was a thread not to long ago on that very topic with some excellent pics. If you come up short I am sure somebody will post a new one for ya.

Good Luck
Jeremy
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

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It was the wiring I was worried about. What is the "standard" for wiring? I set it up and it works, but there may be two, three stray copper threads of wire. If I get them all tucked in is there anything to worry about? I haven't done much electrical before.
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0.0.1 Snow Corn
1.0 Ghosts
0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0 Albino Burmese Python

>>It was the wiring I was worried about. What is the "standard" for wiring?

Its ok most people get real nervous about electricity, my father in law is amazed by what I do with wiring. Anyways it can be easy and fun just play it safe and slow.

I set it up and it works, but there may be two, three stray copper threads of wire. If I get them all tucked in is there anything to worry about?

Stray wires can cause some problems. If they make a circuit they may not trip the breaker or could cause a tragic spark.

Trick most outlets, switches, and fittings recommend solid copper or CU clad wire. Since copper is easiest for you use solid wire ya its a pain but no loose strands. If stranded is all you have and are worried twist them together a bit before making the connection. You could even tin the wire with solder if that up you alley.

I haven't done much electrical before.

Most people haven't welcome to the game!
Jeremy
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow Red Tailed Boas -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino Red Tailed Boa -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse

Since I seem to be posting on wiring issues, I'll hit this one too.

I've done the same, heat is not really the issue, BUT, I do not see your exact setup,, ok that is the real paranoid side of me.

Key may be, it does NOT meet code. I've heard some insurance companies really have issues with a number of hobbies. Trains, fish, herps, lots of extention cords and home made setups. If teh top of the cage is 3/4" plywood, they make a very shallow electrical box. Maybe embed the box in the ply? Just a thought.

good luck.
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6 baby female Western hognose, 3.5 adults some friend some mine,,,building breeding stock)
1 Corn snake (bloodred) 0.1 MIA
1 baby creamcycle 0.1
Degus
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0.2 Cats,,
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tom

www.herpzilla.com

The cage is made from 5/8 inch particle board. It is laminated. I'll put up a picture later in the day.
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0.0.1 Snow Corn
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1.0 Albino Burmese Python

Tom,

Wasn't that you who posted many months ago about homemade red lights?

What kind of paint was it that you used? It came up in a thread recently.

Yea it was me. OK, I should keep my mouth shut on my secrets, as I may be making such items for sale one day. But, if you read my site, I usually offer how I do it and if you want to do it, cool. I first used red high temp engine paint. 1 can does at least 20 bulbs. That’s a couple of coats.

WARNING:

They stink for a about a day. DO not place in a cage. But this is probably due to not letting the paint cure. The bulb on cures it fast. I have come up with an etching process, just because. I have never had a bulb peel, but I felt it helps. If I do sell some one-day, I would have a better application method.

Also I used black as an experiment. The bulbs look like gothic Easter eggs with the light on. Functional, but looks like crapola. lol

Hope it helps?
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1.3 Bearded Dragons
6 baby female Western hognose, 3.5 adults some friend some mine,,,building breeding stock)
1 Corn snake (bloodred) 0.1 MIA
1 baby creamcycle 0.1
Degus
2.0 Dogs,
0.2 Cats,,
0.1 Wives,
1.1 Kids (Paininthearsius takamemonii) J/K great kids
-----
tom

www.herpzilla.com

If you are a visual person this what they look like installed. I don't flush mount any of mine so no pics. Sorry

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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow Red Tailed Boas -Coming Soon-
0.1 Albino Red Tailed Boa -Coming Soon-
1.1 Hypomelenistic Red Tailed Boas
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino Red Tailed Boas
0.1 Suriname Red Tailed Boa
0.1 Anerthrystic Red Tailed Boa
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse