Hi, I was wondering, I have a Big Apple Thermostat. Is it safe to plug several heat pads into a power strip then into the thermostat in a rack situation? Thanks!
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A Thermostat Question
snowcrash
Jun 28, 2003 02:05 PM
Replies (5)
jfmoore
Jun 28, 2003 05:27 PM
>>Hi, I was wondering, I have a Big Apple Thermostat. Is it safe to plug several heat pads into a power strip then into the thermostat in a rack situation? Thanks!
ross2k
Jun 29, 2003 08:56 PM
The Big Apple Herp thermostat really seems like its the best bang for the buck. I'm wondering what happens if you intend to use exactly 300 watts on that thermostat? I'll need a thermostat to control 15 feet of 11" heat tape (at 20 watts per foot). Perhaps I should scrape by with only 14 feet to play it a little safer?
jfmoore
Jun 30, 2003 12:58 AM
This thermostat has a 6 amp fuse on it, so it sounds like there’s plenty of headroom. But I’m no electrician, so…………
The instruction sheet comes with a little stick on label that reads: “Warning: Thermostat is equipped with an internal wattage indicator. Warranty will be voided if more than 300 watts is used without the 1000 watt power boost accessory.” My internal BS detector fired off when I read that, but again, who knows? Why don’t you just give them a call, describe your application, and ask for their advice? Then you’re in the clear with no worries.
I’ve bought 15 of these units so far and I’m a satisfied customer.
-Joan
markg
Jun 30, 2003 11:00 AM
Its not like there is some switch that at 301 watts blows up the unit. However, the power semiconductor internal to the unit has limitations on the current running through it. Also, the internal wire guage in the unit limits wattage. It is best to follow the label and use no more than 300 watts per unit. I like to drop about 10% from the max. Yeah, 14ft of Flexwatt would be better.
BTW, the 6 amp fuse does not mean you can use 6 amps - it is an overload safety. Overloads happen in a fraction of a second.
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Mark 
Bahamar1
Jul 02, 2003 08:51 PM
It is only safe if you can honestly say that all the heaters you are plugging in can't overheat the animals if the thermostat fails. The pet industry/reptile industry makes a decent thermostat however MOST of them can fail in such a way to deliver FULL power of your heaters with no regulation at all. It doesn't often happen, but responsible reptile keepers have lost animals by using to strong of a heater and using a thermostat to regulate it down. I know that may sound unlikely, but you'd kinda hate to wrong wouldn't you?
