Human Heat Pads?

I was reading through the BP caresheet on this website and came across the statement
"Human heat pads should not be used" (as an undertank heat source)
but doesnt state why.

Can anyone tell me specific reasons using a human heat pad without an auto shut off is a bad idea? Ive heard of people using them before without problems, im just curious what the reason are.
Thanks!

Human heat pads get a lot hotter then a standard uth. Uth also get too hot without a thermostat or a dimmer at the very least. So if a uth gets too hot then a human heat pad gets 10 time hotter you can easily burn your snake really bad.

ok, well not to defend the HHP but more to create a debate...
They are made for human use, used at the right setting (low-med-high bepends how thick the cage is) through a cage and it sustains the right temp, they shouldnt get hot enough to actually burn skin. Even on the high setting they wouldnt burn human skin on direct contact right?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mues155

Even on the high setting they wouldnt burn human skin on direct contact right?

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Yes, yes they will. Direct contact on high can blister your skin. Also they are not designed to run for extended periods of time, hence the timers built into them;)

+1 pit
They are not designed to stay on 24/7, which leaves room for obvious safety issues such as overheating and also you have to think of fire hazards. They are designed for humans for a reason, otherwise they'd say "great for reptiles too!". I have heard of instances where a person was burned from one of those, and a snake who hugs the hot spot is just as much at risk.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mues155

Even on the high setting they wouldnt burn human skin on direct contact right?

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It would eventually blister your skin. BP's run at lower temps, and even something that doesn't feel very warm to you can be dangerously hot to a BP.

In my humble opinion whatever you are using as a heat source should be run through a thermostat and periodically checked with a IR thermometer, such as www.tempgun.com

ok, thanks guys.
I just wanted to know some great points on why you shouldnt use one.
Since the caresheet left it open for discussion :)