Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can any one suggest an inexpensive alternate power source for power outages? I'm using in my snake room about 800 watts in heat tape. Use as few Helix DBS 1000's for thermostates.

I'm in Vermont so the power can go out for a few days in well below freezing temps.

If i get a inexpensive small portable generator, say 3000 watts or less, my plan was not to use a transfer switch but extension cord The helix's directly into the generator, along with a portable electric room heater.

I don't want to damage the helix thermostates using what they call dirty power. Will this work?

without some type of power converter you will probably burn up you Helix....contact them and see what they suggest for connecting straight into a generator.
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LAIR OF DRAGONS

I have used a generator with the Helix on my incubator many times (Florida in the summer = thunder storms and power outages) and noticed I would get constant error messages even though the temperature seemed to maintain at what I had it set for. After speaking with Helix personnel, we took their advice and now have a Ranco thermostat (on-off, nonproportional) available to switch over to when there is a need to use the generator. I guess you could switch over to a Ranco full time, but I just don't think it would do the same great job as the Helix, temps are right on ALWAYS with a Helix!
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Susan Sentman
SSNAKES Reptiles
susan@ssnakes.com

SS, like your idea on the Ranco. I sent an em to Helix/jeff to see what he thinks. Hey I can always set it up as a safety backup in case the Helix fails.

I've got plenty of heat pads too. I prefer the large foot warmers for my breeder. Safe too, as they max out at 95 degrees.

Hey thanks for the input.

SS has a great idea using a ranco.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbri9/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053#/?c=1&rpp=96
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Ritchie Luna
My Facebook Profile - you can add me if you want- click here

Thanks Richie,

good resoure info. and there is a hd near-by.

I always have 40 hour heat packs on hand. We get the bad weather all year round in R.I. and I live in the woods about 600 feet off the road with my power lines on poles right next to the trees. I wanted to do the same as you but had the same concerns. So far I used the heat packs three times in the winter and did not loose any animals.

I like SS's Idea on the ranco. Can always set it up as a safety back-up in case the helix fails.

Heat packs, I like the foot warmers, covers a big area for my breeders and safe, maxing out at 95 degrees.
Not 40 hrs though.