Heat cable question...

[ladyjustice33]

Okay, going to build a rack for my daughter for Christmas and I've been researching heat cable versus heat tape. Now, this rack will be in my child's room so you can see where safety would be my primary concern. From what I have read, the heat cable is probably somewhat safer than the heat tape, in particular the heat cable you can buy specific for reptile cages. Anyone have any experience with the heat cable and/or any suggestions for a rack design that works well with heat cable?? I found a few ideas on youtube but wanted to ask here since this forum has never led me wrong!!!

Thanks again!!

[Snakefood]

Wow, are we ever on par with each other. Hubby and I are on the same step in the new rack system. I've had good and bad reviews on the repti-cables, and we are also researching the pipe heat cable (plumbing, anti pipe freezing product) as well as the heater wires that you use in the dog dish to stop it from freezing in winter or the heater cable out of towel warmer racks!!

There are so many possibilities, it boggles the mind!!

[ladyjustice33]

Wow, are we ever on par with each other. Hubby and I are on the same step in the new rack system. I've had good and bad reviews on the repti-cables, and we are also researching the pipe heat cable (plumbing, anti pipe freezing product) as well as the heater wires that you use in the dog dish to stop it from freezing in winter or the heater cable out of towel warmer racks!!

There are so many possibilities, it boggles the mind!!


Yes it does, lol !! Heat tape concerns me because I've talked to a few electritions about the wiring aspect of it and they have told me to be careful, etc. Also talked to a few people that ran into a problem with the flexwatt having "hot spots" and burning through tubs even with a thermastat on and working. I know this doesn't happen often, but not taking any chances. The Repti heat cable doesn't require any wiring.

[red ink]

I prefer cords to mats.. I have heard of a lot of mats burning but never cords. I also have full control on heat distribution using cords but not with mats (I'm pedantic like that) by the amount of coils and their distance distribution.

I have a gecko rack that runs on several heat cords controlled by thermostats.

The hottest my 6 meter (50W) cords get measured with a temp gun is 47C and that's the cord itself. Not hot enough to burn anything...

[Snakefood]

Yes it does, lol !! Heat tape concerns me because I've talked to a few electritions about the wiring aspect of it and they have told me to be careful, etc. Also talked to a few people that ran into a problem with the flexwatt having "hot spots" and burning through tubs even with a thermastat on and working. I know this doesn't happen often, but not taking any chances. The Repti heat cable doesn't require any wiring.


The heat tape is actually not allowed to be distributed in stores here in Canada due to concerns about the safety of the product. And anywhere that will ship to Canada (or within for online companies) have MAJOR disclaimers on the product, so I have to consider that. This is why I am considering all the different options of heat cables.