Reptile & Amphibian Forums

so i build my own melamine snake racks and never had a problem with the heat cable until a couple days ago. i have had the cable break befor from somthing hitting it and it stop working but in my small rack (5 tubs) i had no snakes in it because i built a new bigger rack anyway its been un plugged for a couple months and i went and plugged it back in and went back in the house i went back out like an hour later i smelt burning i pulled out the bottom tub and the cable burnt a hole right threw it! it did it to the bottom 2 tubs. i un plugged it and pulled it out today and looked at the cord no breaks or anything but it had a couple bubbles and was a little miss colored where it burnt. i plugged it back in (not in the rack) and within maybe 30 sec give or take the cord was hot it got hot enough i had to let it go and un plug it i was not planning on using it again but i wanted to see how long it took to get hot

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reed at www.ReedsDragons.com & www.KillerEnclosures.com

That is why you should always use a thermostat and not just plug them into the wall . With a thermostat and proper probe placement it would have shut down when it got hot . I have had a problem with them and found that if you don’t router out a channel for the cables to lay in flush to the surface they will roll and twist when you slide your tubs in and out and cause a sort in them as they brake down inside. Thanks David

>>That is why you should always use a thermostat and not just plug them into the wall . With a thermostat and proper probe placement it would have shut down when it got hot . I have had a problem with them and found that if you don’t router out a channel for the cables to lay in flush to the surface they will roll and twist when you slide your tubs in and out and cause a sort in them as they brake down inside. Thanks David

it was pluged in to a thermostat but only the bottom 2 drawers got super hot and melted all the racks are routered so that the cable is right below the surface i also use the aluminum heating tape on the edges and in the middle to make sure the cable dont pop up (i do not put it across the full length)
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reed at www.ReedsDragons.com & www.KillerEnclosures.com

be glad that it didn't cause a fire.

Pitoon

My thoughts exactly. And be thankful you didnt have animals in those tubs.
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This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

0.2 chocolate lab Harley and basset Capone
0.1 leopard gecko (Nacho)
1.0 Normal ball (Arwen)