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11-08-13, 12:19 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Oct-2005
Location: Oklahoma
Age: 59
Posts: 1,714
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Heat tape question...
I'm constructing some shelving with 6" heat tape in lengths of 70". How should one secure the tape to the shelving? Aluminum tape?
Thanks in advance for any assistance 
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11-08-13, 12:21 PM
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#2
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Member
Join Date: May-2013
Posts: 4,858
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Re: Heat tape question...
That's how they are secured in my RBI rack system(at the ends of the heat tape)... the heat tape came installed with the aluminum tape so I'm guessing that should be alright, as long as the ends are insulated.
However maybe you could also cut grooves in the shelving so you only have to secure the ends like the RBI rack system, securing the rest just by fitting the tape into the grooves.
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11-08-13, 12:25 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Jul-2012
Posts: 1,236
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Re: Heat tape question...
Yes, aluminum tape is the easiest way. It is very tacky so keep that in mind. You should tape all the sides and not leave any gaps in between strips to avoid edges getting caught.
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11-08-13, 12:27 PM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: Jul-2012
Posts: 1,236
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Re: Heat tape question...
(home depot sells rolls in the duct/work and vent section. Any hardware store that sells registers or ductwork should carry the tape rolls.)
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11-08-13, 12:27 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Oct-2005
Location: Oklahoma
Age: 59
Posts: 1,714
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Re: Heat tape question...
Thanks gents! That helps
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11-08-13, 03:59 PM
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#6
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Village Idiot
Join Date: Oct-2011
Age: 39
Posts: 7,360
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Re: Heat tape question...
Honestly aluminum tape is a bad idea. Heat tape wears out and fails, especially with a bin rubbing on it often. If the tape melts or the laminate peels back it could electrify the aluminum tape.
__________________
I used to be a nice guy but that don't get you anywhere. So now I'm just a piece of ****, idiot,
who's too stupid to care.
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11-08-13, 04:23 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Oct-2011
Location: Coquitlam, BC
Age: 33
Posts: 1,292
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Re: Heat tape question...
Couldn't you just use electrical tape?
__________________
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11-08-13, 04:53 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Oct-2005
Location: Oklahoma
Age: 59
Posts: 1,714
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Re: Heat tape question...
Soooo....aluminum may be bad? Electrical tape possible? Will the heat from the tape affect the adhesive on either tape?
Kevin, thoughts on securing the heat tape? I'm guessing there are probably several options. I just don't want to pick the one that will burn my house down.
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11-08-13, 05:09 PM
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#9
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Village Idiot
Join Date: Oct-2011
Age: 39
Posts: 7,360
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Re: Heat tape question...
Plain gray duct tape is what I'd try. Burning your house down would be bad......
__________________
I used to be a nice guy but that don't get you anywhere. So now I'm just a piece of ****, idiot,
who's too stupid to care.
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11-08-13, 05:34 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Oct-2005
Location: Oklahoma
Age: 59
Posts: 1,714
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Re: Heat tape question...
Quote:
Originally Posted by KORBIN5895
Burning your house down would be bad......
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No truer words have been spoken
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11-08-13, 05:59 PM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Mar-2013
Location: CT
Posts: 3,888
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Re: Heat tape question...
I use aluminum tape on plastic heat cable. I hate the stuff personally, and it tears very easily, nothing like duct tape. Not sure how well the laminate holds up though. I have it taped around the outside of a roach bin. What are you planning on getting that requires all that shelving? Have babies on the way/????
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11-08-13, 09:42 PM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Oct-2005
Location: Oklahoma
Age: 59
Posts: 1,714
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Re: Heat tape question...
Nope, no babies on the way, just trying to make "the snake room" (aka the den) a little more presentable. Funny, when you just add that *one more* enclosure and your wife gets all "what have you done to the den?!?!?!?" on you.....
Snakes or guns....at least I can hide my guns a little easier.
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11-08-13, 09:55 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Jul-2012
Posts: 1,236
Country:
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Re: Heat tape question...
I would not use duct tape. Duct tape will trap the heat where-as the aluminum tape will conduct it. There is not really a safety concern with aluminum tape. If you have a rip in the heat tape- and it does not short itself out- it will be a safety hazard. Aluminum tape does not really conduct electricity. It is coated on both sides with an oxide-layer.
Electrical tape is a bad idea because it does not tack well and will eventually come up.
Edit: to be specific: aluminum does conduct electricity obviously- the coating on the tape will not.
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11-08-13, 10:37 PM
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#14
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Village Idiot
Join Date: Oct-2011
Age: 39
Posts: 7,360
Country:
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Re: Heat tape question...
There is no heat on the edges of heat tape because of the lack of elements.
Also I am totally going to get my continuity tester out and check now.......
__________________
I used to be a nice guy but that don't get you anywhere. So now I'm just a piece of ****, idiot,
who's too stupid to care.
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11-09-13, 06:17 AM
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#15
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Member
Join Date: Sep-2013
Location: Vero Beach, Florida
Posts: 239
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Re: Heat tape question...
Even if the adhesive/film does present somewhat of an insulation barrier, the cut edges will easily conduct current. Any possible safety concern should be avoided in my opinion.
Also check the manufacturers installation sheet for safety tips.
If installing on a shelf, rout a recess in the shelf to provide an air gap between the heat tape and the tub bottom. This will also prevent the tub from wearing into the heat tape.
Use the factory provided electrical connectors as opposed to soldering. Soldered connections are ok, but how do you insulate them properly? Most tape will eventually come loose and liquid tape does not provide a thick enough insulation barrier, especially on the edges.
Any corded electrical device should have the cord secured to prevent it from accidentally being torn loose at the connections. It can be secured to the frame with a strain relief for safety.
Lastly make sure the film is controlled to prevent overheating. Some of the models have a high watt/density and can get very hot.
Here is the tech page from Calorique, one of the heat tape manufacturers. There is some good information.
Technical Information Sheets - Calorique
Don't forget to post pictures of your build!
Last edited by LarryS; 11-09-13 at 06:33 AM..
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