Ok I am at the final stages of designing my new rack with great guidance from many preppie here.

I don't see anyway to access the heat tape on closed rack designs. Mine is going to be 6 41 qt tubs so about a 3' deep cabinet. I am planning on putting an 8" access door at the back so I could switch out the heat tape if I need to. I am going to recess the 12" heat tape because I don't want the tubs to rub and wear it out. I don't think I will loose too much heat fr the minimal air gap.

Why don't people put a door on the rack? Btw it will be a plywood rack with screws hidden so I won't be able to take it apart. I wouldn't want to have to to fix wiring or heat tap problems anyways.

Am I over thinking this?