Any other way to connect heat tape?

I need a way to connect heat tape without clips from reptilebasics or soldering. I need to know because I'm using a temporary heating lamp for one ball python but my parents think its wasting a lot of electricity and wants me to use a human heating pad. I have a small strip of tape that my friend gave me, but I don't have clips or a soldering tool.

I have used rivets and lock washers and I have used screws and lock washers depending on weather I wanted to be permanent or not I can take some pictures and update a little later today after work if you want. It has worked well for me.

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Actually the "human" heat pad uses more electricity.

can you show me some pictures.

Admin..... Am I allowed to link to a different fourm for an example?

Otherwise I will be home from work around 11 hours from now and will do it then

I will pm you

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Just don't try to take the easy way out with heat tape or you may create a fire hazard. Also, using a human heating pad is a fire hazard and I'm shocked your parents would even suggest it. They are only meant to be used for very short periods of time each time they are used. They often get much too hot even on a low setting if they are sandwiched between a tank and table.

Have you ever taken the cloth cover off an older human heating pad that has been used and noticed the brown marks on the plastic? Those are the burn marks. That is why most new heating pads are designed to automatically turn off after about an hour now anyway.

Until you can get properly wired flexwatt heat tape or an under tank heater designed for reptiles, I'd stick with the lamp. Just remember, no mater what you use, it needs to be controlled by a thermostat to prevent overheating and/or burns.

You can also buy heat pads fairly cheap that are pre wired and made for reptiles

The method that I have used with lock washers and screws or rivets, I feel, is safe. I would never suggest anything I don't or wouldn't do myself. It is easier then soldering and better then the clips that are sold for it. I would recommend what ever method you choose to use that you insulate any electrical connection with hot glue or a electrical tape that its rated to withstand some heat. I use hot glue on all my connections.

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Hi,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by krmn22

Admin..... Am I allowed to link to a different fourm for an example?

Otherwise I will be home from work around 11 hours from now and will do it then

I will pm you

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Yes posting a link to that would be ok. :)


dr del

Thanks,

http://www.albertareptilesociety.org...ad.php?t=10697

The only thing I add is I drill a small hole in the tape for the screw

If using rivets I put the lock washer on the head side and a rivet washer on the back side then insulate both sides with hot glue

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