Multiple racks into 1 Helix

[FIREball]

If you have multiple racks, for example 6 Reptile Basics 4 slot 32qt racks and you can safely control all 6 with one Helix how are you plugging them in? There is only 3 outlets on the cord that comes off the thermostat. Are you hard wiring a powerstrip into the Helix?

[Rapture]

If you got the grounded Helix you can just plug in a power strip to the strip on the Helix. If not, just plug in a regular extension cord to the Helix. Send an e-mail to Reptile Basics and ask them how many racks you can safely plug in to a single Helix.

[Jay_Bunny]

I emailed them before and I believe he said you can safely run around 5 racks on the thermostat. But that was a while ago that I asked and I don't have the email to look at.

[Freakie_frog]

The main thing to look at is that a DBS 1000 can handle 1500 Watt output so if you add up the required wattage of your racks and they exceed that then no. But if they are below 1500 then you are good to go.

[Gloryhound]

The main thing to look at is that a DBS 1000 can handle 1500 Watt output so if you add up the required wattage of your racks and they exceed that then no. But if they are below 1500 then you are good to go.

500 Watts is the limit unless you purchase the 500W extender panels! I would go with a herpstat Pro for 4 different racks as each rack will have its own channel and temp probe. Also if you hook one Helix up to 4 racks and have a failure of the heat strip that is being monitored on one rack you just cooked all the snakes except the one that had the heating element failure. If I control more than 4 tubs with one temp probe I normally hook up a Ranco in a configuration that opens and shuts down the thermistat channel (Helix or Herpstat) if the heating an additionally monitored heating pad exceeds set temps by more the 3 or 4 degrees.

[Freakie_frog]

Yes sorry my fingers got a little happy .. Thanks for straightening that out.