heat tape problem

Ok built my rack got my heat tape cut it to length on each level had it all wired as they show'd on the flexxwatt site. hooked everything to a dimmer to adjust heat insulated the ends that were not plugged in with electric tape. But all the tape and areas of each tape are reading different temps. What should I do help???


Thanks kindly,

Lance

Did you use clips ? If you did, you may not have good contact. Try crimping it again.

Are all the lengths the same?
Post a pic and we might be able to help better.

Another question is how are you taking the temp readings? I have found it very difficult to get direct heat readings with a temp gun off heat tape, probably because of the reflective surface.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Are all the lengths the same?
Post a pic and we might be able to help better.

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yes they are all the same length

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Herp Hugger

Another question is how are you taking the temp readings? I have found it very difficult to get direct heat readings with a temp gun off heat tape, probably because of the reflective surface.

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I am using a temp gun what should I use then just a thermometer with a probe for better reading?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by R&DP

Did you use clips ? If you did, you may not have good contact. Try crimping it again.

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I did use clips and I didn't use a crimping tool I used a heavy set of pliers like I saw Justin Kobylka use and had my dad do it since he is a retired power plant engineer of 38 years.

I wanna make sure its perfect I will get pics for you all tomorrow maybe Ill make a video of it as well.

thanks again for you help

Lance

How much of a temp difference are you having?
I know my 11" x 12" sections have a couple of degrees difference.
Mine are crimped and soldered.

the temps arn't going to be 100% constant across the heat tape, the middle part will be the hottest or close to it, heat tape is made with the cheapest heating elements you can possibly get, so don't expect much as far as consistency.

you really shouldn't care about the heat tapes temp unless its 110+. stick a tub in there, wait a bit and see what the temps are inside the tub. you may have to have your thermostat set for 98 degrees to have your tub be at 92.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

How much of a temp difference are you having?
I know my 11" x 12" sections have a couple of degrees difference.
Mine are crimped and soldered.

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some levels it reads from 79 to 77 next level reads 82 to 79 next reads 101 to 91 next reads 77 to 80 last level reads 95 to 91

thanks

You got me there, that is a big difference:O

Could that have anything to do with the dimmer guys?... What if he tried a low cost tstat.. That what I use and it works great, I use the zoomed 500..