thermostat question

sorry for another probably beaten to death question. But I needed an answer on a thermostat. http://www.reptilebasics.com/ranco-e...pre-wired.html this one specifically. Because it comes with a power chord, does that mean i just plug in the pieces of flexwatt to the surge chord and control their temperatures through the thermostat?

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Originally Posted by DJ_Bizarre

sorry for another probably beaten to death question. But I needed an answer on a thermostat. http://www.reptilebasics.com/ranco-e...pre-wired.html this one specifically. Because it comes with a power chord, does that mean i just plug in the pieces of flexwatt to the surge chord and control their temperatures through the thermostat?

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Yes, but you will need to wire the flexwatt to a plug if you haven't already. And you tape the probe directly to the flexwatt. :)

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Yes, but you will need to wire the flexwatt to a plug if you haven't already. And you tape the probe directly to the flexwatt. :)

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Well I am getting the flexwatt and the plug seperately, but all i have to do is connect a chord to the metal connectors to the flexwatt, correct? and if i wanted to use multiple heat strips, should I just wire each strip seperately and plus them in each seperate socket in the surger, or should i connect the strips with extension chords and connectors to eachother ( will that work)? So would you recommend plugging in each flexwatt strip in seperately per shelft for the rack I made or connect them all together for 1 plug?

Wire flexwatt takes a little bit of electrical knowledge. You can either solder the connections or get special clips (cost more money) to crimp the connections.

If you want to keep all the shelves at the same temp, just wire it to one plug. If you want shelves to be different temps at some point, wire individually.

Remember, you can only plug in 6 elements into that ranco unit.

Ok thats fine because I only have 5 shelves and I've been watching videos of how to wire flexwatt with connectors. Can i use then end of the the flexwatt without the plug to attatch more connectors and a wire to another piece of flexwatt on the next shelf down? Also, I head that higher shelves tend to get hotter, probably because heat rises, but would i be able to individually control each of the shelves with just one thermostat?

Look up how to wire in parallel, if you are connecting more than one shelf together then you need to wire in parallel.

You cannot individual control each shelf with the thermostat. Just put the probe on the flexwatt in the middlemost shelf and that should keep it even.

I figured thats what parallel meant, does that mean I shouldnt wire them in an "S" shape on the shelves then? If not, thats fine its not like it would be difficult, also would I be able to use any extension chord? And if I get a thermostat then I wouldnt need to splice a dimmer to the chord then am i right? I woulnd just control everything from the thermo?

I am pretty sure in parallel, you would only clip one side of the flexwatt but both wires will come out of that connection. If that makes any sense.

Yes you can use any extention cord to wire to your flexwatt, just get the kind without grounded probes since you would have nothing to wire that to.

If you use a Thermostat (which you should) then you will not need dimmers.

So It would be good for me to just purchase that thermostat, and make sure I have extension chordes and connectors/insulators for the flexwatt I ordered and i should be all good to go right?

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Originally Posted by DJ_Bizarre

So It would be good for me to just purchase that thermostat, and make sure I have extension chordes and connectors/insulators for the flexwatt I ordered and i should be all good to go right?

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Yes get the thermostat.