Yes you need a thermostat, but most of the digital display types for home use, are designed for 24volt systems, and can't switch 120volt heat tape directly. It's more complicated to use them as you need a 24 volt transformer and a relay .
I recommend you buy yourself whats known as a "wafer thermostat" They are great for a low price, and control within a very tight range of about a quarter degree which is surprisingly tight.
These wafer T-stats are what is used in the Hovabators. They use a big bi-metal disc which moves with temperature changes and turns on and off a microswitch which is rated for direct line use. The microswitch has big wires that you simply can hook up to your heat tape
Wafer thermostats are the best underused thermostats on the market, especially for the price.
Its true they do wear out after years of service, because they have moving parts, that are susceptible to metal fatigue, but parts are always available and can be easily ordered on line. ...get yours here, check the incubator section under Hovabator spare parts, you need the the thermostat(complete assembly)
http://www.berryhill.on.ca/b-cart/pr...d=TS115&cat=C4
Hybrid Mode
