Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got done building a new snake rack and am using Flexwatt to heat it, just as I did with my first homemade rack. This time though, only 2 of the 5 Flexwatt strips are getting hot. They are all wired together and I would have thought that if one didnt work, then none of them would? My experience with this stuff is pretty limited and was wondering if maybe I got some faulty Flexwatt or if anyone else could think of anything or maybe has had the same problem? Any imput would be greatly appreciated!
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0.1 Normal Cornsnake
1.0 Sumatran Short Tail Python
2.3 Ball Pythons (2 normals, 2 pastel and 1 ?)

>>I just got done building a new snake rack and am using Flexwatt to heat it, just as I did with my first homemade rack. This time though, only 2 of the 5 Flexwatt strips are getting hot. They are all wired together and I would have thought that if one didnt work, then none of them would? My experience with this stuff is pretty limited and was wondering if maybe I got some faulty Flexwatt or if anyone else could think of anything or maybe has had the same problem? Any imput would be greatly appreciated!

I am trying to picture this and wondering if you have good contact to the tape with the wire. I have found the clamps often don't work until they are crushed into place. Other folks will melt some wiring directly into the tape. How are you connecting them?
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Sonya

I'm not mean. You're just a sissy.
Happy Bunny

Yea I have the clamps and I am using a pair of plyers to crush them in place...I guess I will just have to try and reconnect the ones that arent working or something.
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0.1 Normal Cornsnake
1.0 Sumatran Short Tail Python
2.3 Ball Pythons (2 normals, 2 pastel and 1 ?)

This might help.
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/flexwire.shtml

Hmm Nyarlathotep Kthulhu You must be one old dude. Sorry could not resist. ANYWAY. "Curbside To Go" has links for wiring instructions and diagrams on their kingsnake classified adds. go to classifieds then heating and lighting. If you bought from Scott Michaels of serpent city I am sure he would help you out as well..............................Personally, I have had the same problem with the crimping not working out and even when it does I have seen the connection fail later on. I solder all of my connections, NOTE: use electrical solder as the plumming type has flux in it and eats the wire and the strip too. I usually try and remove some of the mylar coating with a good razor blade to get down to the bare metal on the heat strip......NOTE I suggest you go in about 3/8 inch from the edge.......What I also do is take the wire that is to be connected and scrape it many time with a carpenters knife so it is really shiny. This removes any plasticizers from the wire surface, some wires are actually coated in plastic and need to be stripped. NOTE DO NOT CUT YOUR SELF PLEASE!!.......The wire to be connected is placed on the heat tape spot that has been cleaned off with the razor blade. Then the soldering iron is placed on the wire and ON the flex-watt where you wish to make the connection. The wire type solder is placed on the connecting wire and will run like water through the wire and on to the flex watt at the point of connection. WARNING: LOTS O STINKY SMOKE!! Also be careful not to run the soldering iron too long as it will burn through the flexwatt and if on long enough can break itself. throwing molten metal all over you and that F*&#ing hurts!!!!!! Also make sure that the flexwatt to be soldered is resting on an inflammable and NON-conductive surface.............ONE more warning after soldering there is nothing covering the wires at all. It will give you one H of a shock if you touch both connections, so you need to find a way to safely cover them to prevent electrocution. I bought Epoxy glue and rested the finished connected flexwatt on Wax Paper then applied a copious amount of the premixed epoxy on each wire and connector! This worked well and also secured the connection. MAKE SURE the heat tape is functioning properly before applying the epoxy or you will start over from scratch......... It sounds complicated but it is not if you are a little handy......THAT SAID, My disclaimer!! I take ZERO responsibility for any of this. IF you screw up it is YOUR fault so do not try to sue me as I did not make the connection. If you really want to know, technically all connections should be made by a qualified electrician. This is how I have done these flexwatt connections and the way I will always do them. What YOU DO is up to your own discretion. When playing with electricity one cannot be too safe!! VERY IMPORTANT: do not forget to wire in a dimmer so that in the event the thermostat should fail that the flexwatt cannot reach a temp that it burns through the tub or starts a fire..............Last POINT: you can check any connection with a volt/ohm meter to see if power can actually get to the flexwatt and whether there is too much resistance to power up the tape. MAKE sure it is NOT plugged in when you test it, or you will get shocked and burn out the meter!!......Do not be afraid to ask for the assistance of other local herpers to help you..........Good Luck, Lee Van Hyfte