Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How can i wire heat tape such as Flexwatt so i can plug into a thermostat such as a Helix 1000? Thanks Clark

>>How can i wire heat tape such as Flexwatt so i can plug into a thermostat such as a Helix 1000? Thanks Clark

You can purchase various lengths of lamp cord at the hardware store. Simple split the two pieces and crimp on to each conductor on the heat tape from the same end.

There are instructions available on the web, i don't have any links.

Sorry

Hope that helps.
-----
Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

0.0.2 Morelia Viridis
1.0 Morelia Clastolepis

Is it possible to buy Flexwatt in a roll and cut to the length that i need, also how would i seal the end where i cut the tape? Thanks Jeremy

>>Is it possible to buy Flexwatt in a roll and cut to the length that i need, also how would i seal the end where i cut the tape? Thanks Jeremy

You can buy flex-watt from nearly every vendor by the foot, all cut it in one strip. You need to be sure you don't use more amps than the electrical supply can take. Each tape size has a watts per foot, its important you don't exceed the limit of the cicuit in which its connected or the wire you use. for example 3" tape uses 6 watts per foot (I believe) so on a 15 amp cicuit you could have 275 linear feet of tape. That of course doesn't account for voltage drop, but I think you get the picture.

According to Calorque it can be cut at any length although the 11" panels are prefered to be cut at the even foot length as marked on the product. Again in any case so long as you cut cleanly across the tape perpindular to the length and don't leave any partialy cut heat element, you will be safe.

As far as sealing electrical tape works best, I've use aluminum foil glass cloth tape in the past, however there is chance it could become a conductor.

Cheers
-----
Jeremy Payne
JB Reptile

1.0 Snow "Kahl"
0.2 Triple Het Moonglow "Kahl"
0.1 Orange Tail Hypo Het Leopard
1.0 Ghost
0.1 DH Ghost
1.1 "Kahl" Albino
1.0.2 Hypomelenistic
1.3 Pastel Hypo
0.1 Anerthrystic
0.0.2 Normal

0.0.2 Morelia Viridis
1.0 Morelia Clastolepis

Thanks for the info. Clark