Heat tape in rack question.

[Greg West]

Question for all of you who use heat tape.

I am building a snake rack for someone and I have to also put the heat tape in the rack. Does the heat tape need to be recessed so that the tubs aren't directly over the heat tape (air flow)

If it doesn't matter too much I was planning on putting a 1/4" hardboard back on the back of the rack. Does air flow through the rack really matter? I can just put stop strips for the tubs if there needs to be airflow through the rack.

I have heat pads and glass cages sitting on top and haven't had a problems, so shouldn't heat tape be the same? I have heard of people either raising the tubs, or recessing the tape before so I wasn't sure if it was required or not.

Greg West

[Linds]

The main problem, with not allowing a recess is that the tubs will catch when sliding over. The heat tape will be controlled via some device, so overheating shoudln't be a problem, even with restricted airflow.

[Greg West]

The edge of the heat tape will be taped down with foil tape so that shouldn't be a problem.

thanks Linds

[Ron]

Also it's a question of wear; though it shouldn't be a big deal, you must consider the frequent sliding in and out of the tubs.

I know of someone who covers their heat tape with aluminum flashing; it seems to work well protecting the heat tape and distributing heat.

[Tim_Cranwill]

It depends on how much "buffer" space you leave between the shelf and the top of the bin. If it's a tight fit, you might run into problem down the road from the bin rubbing on the tape. If you leave a 1/16" gap, you should be fine.

As for airflow, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Again, if the bins are a REALLY snug fit, make some adjustments and you should be fine. :)

[Invictus]

If you read the "other forum", some people in the states have almost had their houses burn down because of wear on heat tape. I'm personally erring on the side of caution and building my racks with a "no contact" system.

[marisa]

I am also going with the safer rather than sorry idea and building my racks with no contact on the heat tape.

Fire is one worry but I also don't want to have to buy replacement heat tape any sooner than I need too. LOL :P

Marisa