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I have recently built a rack. I am using the 11 inch heat tape wired to a dimmer switch. I am very paranoid of fires and wondering what a dimmer does when it fails? will it turn right off or just crank max power.
How can I make my system failsafe?
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2.2 Columbian common boas (Zeus, Athena, Aphodite, Hades)
1.1 Corn snakes (Appolo, Boreas)
0.1 King snake tri striped cal morph (Helios)
I always assume the worst - max power. Invest in a quality thermostat instead of a dimmer switch. For extra reassurance there are double thermostats on the market. There's a back up if the primary fails. Pricey but well worth it. Adam
I was recommended to get the Helix DBS 1000 thermostat system. Also I know the Boaphile sells quality double themostats. But one should be more than enough to handle 11" heat tape.
I use both Helix and Johnsons Controls. I also use 11" Flexwatt. When 11" Flexwatt at 20w per foot runs on high, it gets very hot. The chances of a problem increase dramatically, especially with certain setups. If the primary therm blows, the second will kick in and prevent a potential problem from happening. Adam
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