Could I use one thermostat to run two heating pads?

[Lorgakor]

I am getting a sand boa in a few weeks, and was also looking at getting a ball python. I was wondering if there is a thermostat that can run two heatmats at once? It would seem that these two species would both do well at a similar temp in the hot side, around 90 degrees? So I was hoping I could find a thermostat that would run two mats at once so I wouldn't have to buy two. Is that possible?

I was probably going to purchase from here, would any of these work?
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora...._Control&xm=on

Or would something like this be better?

http://www.shpreptiles.com/images/gg.jpg

Johnson A419 temperature controllers

Raw Units $125
Wired $155

A419 Series: Electronic Temperature Control

Description

The A419 series controls are single-stage, electronic temperature controls with a Single Pole, Double Throw output relay. They feature a lockable front-panel touchpad for setup and adjustment, and a Liquid Crystal Display for viewing the temperature and status of other functions. A Light-Emitting Diode indicates the controls’ output relay (On/Off) status. The A419 controls are available in 24 VAC or 120/240 VAC models. The A419 controls have heating and cooling modes, adjustable setpoint and differential, an adjustable anti-short cycle delay, and a temperature offset (setback) function. The setpoint range is -30 to 212°F (-34 to 100°C). The controls feature remote sensing capability and interchangeable sensors. The A419 controls are available in either NEMA 1, high-impact plastic enclosure suitable for surface or DIN rail mounting or NEMA 4X Watertight surface-mount enclosures.


Features

Easy-to-read LCD displays the sensed temperature and control-function status clearly and custom icons on the display indicate the control and system status at a glance.
The 30° (F° or C°) temperature differential adjustment range allows precise (1F° or C°) temperature differential settings that are much tighter than electromechanical controls.
The Adjustable Anti-Short Cycle Delay (0 to 12 Minutes in 1-Minute Increments) ensures that the output relay remains off for a user-set time delay, and helps avoid hard starts, nuisance overload outages, and unnecessary equipment wear.
The Temperature Offset Function shifts the cut-in and cut-in setpoints by an adjustable offset when a user-installed, external switch closes the A419 control’s binary input circuit.
The high-impact thermoplastic type NEMA 1 allows surface or snap-fit DIN rail mount; the Noryl® high-impact thermoplastic type NEMA 4X enclosures allow watertight surface mount.
Lockable front-panel touchpad allows easy set up and adjustment of the A419 control setpoint, differential, and other functions; a concealed jumper locks the touchpad, and deters unauthorized adjustment of the control settings.
Low and line-voltage models provides options for almost any refrigeration or HVAC control-voltage application.

[flynn]

As long as they use the same amount of voltage you can run them from one thermostat. Otherwise one will be overpowered / underpowered, depending on which pad the sensor is placed on.

If your not sure what voltage the heat pads use to get to temp, then just stick to same size, same brand heat pads and you should be fine.

[jason79]

As long as they use the same amount of voltage you can run them from one thermostat. Otherwise one will be overpowered / underpowered, depending on which pad the sensor is placed on.

If your not sure what voltage the heat pads use to get to temp, then just stick to same size, same brand heat pads and you should be fine.

Its the "watts" that you need to look at they are all going to be 120v most likely. Every 120 watts at 120 volts = 1 amp so 240 watts at 120v would be 2 amps. You can run two off the same thermostat if they are the same size and watts and the cage is set up the same but they will fluctuate some still. you need to put the probe from the thermostat directly on one of the heat pads and check it often because if the heat pad the probe is on fails the other will get very hot. Or you could buy a herpstat II it can control two cages with one unit.
I just noticed your in Canada. I'm not sure what voltages they use up there but they still need to be the same voltage and wattage.

[flynn]

Bingo, thanks for the correction

[Lorgakor]

Thank you for the replies. Wow that Herpstat II is expensive!

[Kaorte]

I would go with a johnson controls or a ranco from reptile basics

Chances are if you are getting 2 snakes, it will soon become 3...4...5...6...

I went from 1 to 5 ball pythons in a little over a year.

[RichsBallPythons]

wattage and brand. You dont want 2 different brands on same heating pad, for the reason of one heating up faster that the other. Pick a brand you like and stick with them for the whole thermostat

[Lorgakor]

Thank you. I've decided to go with the Johnson A419, I spoke with a gentleman who sells them and he said he runs multiple pads off of them with no problem. They will both be Zoo Med heat pads. Hope those are okay, as that is what my local pet store sells.

[spyderrobotics]

It can be done but be aware there are risks. I get enough emails about this same question that I wrote an brief article on our website.

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/suppor...letankuse.html

Hope that helps!

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics