Just a heads up

Adrian · 02-08-05, 08:45 PM

Reacently while shopping for cage building goods i came across this Warning Label on a sheet of Acrylic Safety Glazing (one of the plexi-glass generics Home Depot carries). It reads-
"WARNING: Acrylic sheet is a combustable thermoplastic. Will ignite and burn if placed in an open flame or any other source of ignition. Use and store with care."

That was a real eye opener considering all the potential heating/light equipment that it will be working with. I've since scratched this stuff off my list.:skull:

Just spreading the word, and always check for these potential safety conflics. This acrylic stuff is normally used for window replacement in places like schools and malls where unbreakable glass is useful. I just assumed it would be fine for a cage as well, but apparently not so~

mykee · 02-08-05, 09:02 PM

I don't think anyone who uses these acrylic sheets for cages needs to worry about a product that is harmful "if placed in an open flame or any other source of ignition". Can you think of a reptile that requires 400+ plus degrees for thermoregulation?

Ptindy · 02-08-05, 09:09 PM

Yea I wouldn't scratch that off your list. Thanks for the heads up though. If you not willing to use something combustable then what are you going to build ur cage outta? Unless your very very very very rich then find something, but mostly all cages we all use are combustable. Maybe it's there so nobody decides to replace their fireplaces doors with it, something long those lines?

Mike

mykee · 02-08-05, 09:15 PM

Good point, I'm guessing that wood (melamine) will burn easier than a plexi and most of us use it without a second thought.

Adrian · 02-08-05, 09:31 PM

There are several types of plexi's. This is just one. Acrylic Safety Glazing is the exact name, there where several others, like Lexan, just that this one was the only kind in lage enough sheets for what I had intended. I realize there are several plastics that are fire retardant, but this ones warning label gives me the impression that it will light up as soon as the heat lamp accidently comes into contact with it, ie: 'Combustable" "use and store with care" words makes me nervous when it comes to pets. Im gonna try out a light bulb test on a peice outside tommorow.

peterm15 · 02-09-05, 10:39 AM

id be careful with that stuff in it proper use too..

if anyone ever thinks of putting plexi or lexan in there windows ( at home, school ect. ect... ) dont...

first off its against fire regulations.. and its unbreakable from the inside as well as outside.. if a fire ever started consider yourself dead..

use it in cages all you want just think before you buy that stuff for other reason..

Adrian · 02-09-05, 03:23 PM

yeah, because 'Safety is no accident'

Edit-
If anyone still cares, the results are in!

Well, under an open candle flame it smolders then lights up at an average(?) rate, kinda like waxed paper or heavy cardboard.
In the more realistic scenario we had put a 100 watt light to it and didn't even get pliable after 2 minutes...

So, perhaps i was a tad over-cautious, but mostly bcoz of the warning lable it had. Without a flash-point to go on it gives the impression the stuff was inflammable, i mean better safe then sorry and have no reptiles or home in the end, right? In conclusion i see nothing wrong with this particular plastic type now, I'll go with it, I just had to see for myself.

Thanks for the imput and for listening everyone, cheers!

Adrian · 02-19-05, 01:28 AM

Quit while ahead is great advise, but naww, im blowing it big time now... Plexi is got to be without question the WORST FU(*^ SH!* iv ever had the displeasure to mess with.... you look at it wrong and it cracks inward to the seam...
its done now but what a pain in the A$$!

greenman1867 · 02-19-05, 05:36 PM

If you can afford it, I would highly recommend LEXAN, it's stronger and more scratch resistant.

Jeff Hathaway · 02-21-05, 03:04 PM

Acrylic sheet is a wonderful material, but it is not the easiest to work with, as you've found out. There are special saw blades available to make cutting it easier, and it solvent welds very easily if you get a nice little applicator for the methylene chloride (or use a syringe if you're only doing a small job).

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!