Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just recently finished a hatchling rack using dual 11" flexwatt (8' worth) down the back. Its hooked to a dimmer and when its turned on it has a slight hum to it. Not a crackle but more like the hum of a power line. Is this normal? I could not find any flaws in the tape nor is my wiring wrong. The three top sections are 12" sections on each shelf and there is no hum at all. Non of my other python cages humm either using 11" flex a 24" pieces. Any thoughts?

TT

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Reptile-Pit.com

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I wouldn't take the chance with it. To me it sounds defective.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com
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The hum you hear is from the magnetic energy emitted due to the switching 60 Hz AC power on the heat tape. The topology of the conductors in Flexwatt laid flat against a non-conductive surface can emit the hum quite loudly, especially when dimmed. This might be annoying but is not harmful or indicative of a problem.

Interesting. And good to know so I don't freak if I hear it myself.

Later
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com
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Thats what I was thinking as well. Thanks for the quick response. Seeing how it is back heat and is placed flat against the rear wall this would make perfect sense. I also e-mailed Flex-watt and they confirmed it. Thanks!

TT
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Reptile-Pit.com

1.1 Children's Pythons
2.1 Irian Jaya Carpet Pythons (w/ Clutch)
1.1 Jungle Carpet Pythons (w/ Clutch)
1.1 Coastal Carpet Pythons
0.1 Olive Python
1.0 Madagascar Tree Boa
0.1 Baja Rosy Boa
1.1 Blue Tongue Skinks (Female Irian Jaya - Male Merauke)
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Rose Hair Tarantula