Reptile & Amphibian Forums

buy a jonson controls thermostat.

Q. 1. What model do I need? I am pretty sure I need the A419 but there are a few different A419s.

Q. 2. I am running a 1500w oil filled heater, so givin' that the Jonson is rated to exactly 1500w is it safe to assume that it would not be a good idea to run the heater on hi? Should I run the heater at medium (1,000w)? Right now I am stuck to running it on low because my herpstat can't handle any higher than that which is why I am getting the Jonson. So...Hi? or Med?

And Q. 3. Where might I find a good price on this unit?

Thanks

I got my Johnson Controls thermostat from Pro Exotics a couple of years ago and am very happy with it. The price was good and the service was excellent. I have also seen them on the RBI website for a good price and have had great experiences with RBI as well. Pro Exotics wires theirs to a 6 outlet power strip as does RBI. RBI does have an option to have it wired to a single outlet power cord which is nice when using it with a room heater. Either way is fine, just personal preference.

As for the wattage. I did have trouble with mine tripping the breaker on the power strip when I first got it. Once I started running the heater on the medium setting, however, I had no issues. I have a pretty small herp room and I live in FL so the medium setting is plenty to keep the room warm even on the coldest days.

I don't know about the different A419s. Could just be the difference between night drop capable or not. Overall, I am very happy with mine. Hope this helps.

Rob

>>buy a jonson controls thermostat.
>>
>>Q. 1. What model do I need? I am pretty sure I need the A419 but there are a few different A419s.
>>
>>Q. 2. I am running a 1500w oil filled heater, so givin' that the Jonson is rated to exactly 1500w is it safe to assume that it would not be a good idea to run the heater on hi? Should I run the heater at medium (1,000w)? Right now I am stuck to running it on low because my herpstat can't handle any higher than that which is why I am getting the Jonson. So...Hi? or Med?
>>
>>And Q. 3. Where might I find a good price on this unit?
>>
>>Thanks

Just go to Home depot or Lowes and buy a residential t stat rated for 102/240v 30a this will handle the load better than a jhonson control tstat and about a quarter of the price yoou would be able to run heater on high, only problem is you will need a box for it and need to wire it to a receptacle. Just point of info I am a master electrician. the jc are good for small ampere loads only and tend to stick on when there is an issue because of the digital electronics which are really made to turn on a relay to control the heat source. where the later are rated for high current loads and designed to directly control heating. good luck hope this helped.

Rich at Reptile Basics wires them with or without the night drop, it is handy to have the night drop for a room heater. The power strip breakers might have trouble with the 1500w, but the johnson will be fine. It is an industrial grade t-stat that has been in use forever in refrigeration and other controls. But, you always want to run any heater on the lowest setting that will get the job done. Be sure the 1500w doesn't trip the circuit breaker in your house panel.

I agree with what you said. My dad works in Heating and Air conditioning and he got me a johnson controls A419 from work, for like $50? It is what people use in their houses as well as commercial facilities.
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Teresa
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3.0 Dogs (2.0 Chihuahuas, 1.0 Toy Poodle)
1.3 Cats
1.0 Cockatiel
1.0 Indonesian Blue tongue skink

Ball Pythons
0.1 100% Het Albino (Watson)
1.1 Pastel (Sweets and Camille)
0.1 Spider (Daisy)
1.0 Albino (Gormagon)
1.0 Lesser (Wendell)
1.1 Normals (Fisher and Sexy)

I bought one from RBI. Looking forward to getting it. Thanks for the help.