Flexwatt on a dimmer

[Jahbeard]

I have switched from lamps to Flexwatt UTH. My problem id the flexwatt temp wont stabilize on the dimmer. Turning the dimmer down just allows the heat to climb at a slower rate. Should'nt there be a max temp that it will reach with certain amount of current? or will it always keep climbing until I get a thermostat on it, which will make the dimmer moot? Any feedback will be appreciated.

[elevatethis]

Flexwatt is much more effective when controlled by a thermostat, and having a good thermostat makes life much easier, as you are seeing first hand.

Given that flexwatt can reach temperatures upwards of 120 degrees uncontrolled, I would not use it at all unless controlled by a reliable thermostat.

[Jahbeard]

So then flexwatt will reach 115 deg no matter how little current is put to it?

[bigballs]

the dimmer should bring the heat tape temp down.


it can be controlled with a dimmer but you need to play around with it more than you would if you used a thermostat.
keep testing it and it should eventually stop at your desired temp. just remember that when you dim the heat tape the enclosure will still need to reach reach its max heat(when the reading on your thermometer is constant). when that reading finally sets raise or lower the power to what you need to get proper heat.

its what i would do... hope i helped...

[kplunk]

I had a UTH running off a dimmer it worked great. But I also heat my house so my furnace keeps the ambient temp constant in the house making a dimmer switch easier to use. but sill Took alot of fooling for it to get where I wanted it.

You only have to turn the dimmer a little bit to see a temperature change but you have to let it sit and heat the whole enclosure and stabilize for you to see if its where you want it.

maybe put a mark on the dimmer so you can tell how much your turning it.

I don't think a dimmer would be good if you're going to be trying night drop temps cause it doesn't seem to heat the same when put back to the same spot. if that made sense to you. Atleast that was the case for me.

But currently I have a Herpstat Pro and am loving it. Use the dimmer if need be but as soon as possible get a thermostat.

[liam_rokocoko]

i am using a lamp dimmer on flexwatt now and its doing an ok job, i am using a dimmer because i would save money by not having to buy a thermostat. but i am now sick of the fiddling of having to adjust the dial all the time and don't want to risk the health of my ball python anymore because one time while i was at school i came home and the temps were way to high. so i have a ranco thermostat that should be arriving in the mail any day now.

[Jahbeard]

I ordered a thermostat last night. I don't want to come home to roasted snakes, so I'm not going to risk it. Thanks to all.

[Kizerk]

dimmers work great if room temps are stable

[ECLARK]

Have used dimmers forever, constant monitering and adjusting is part of the deal. switched to good thermostats just recently and cant believe how much less work they have made keeping correct temps.