Another heat tape wiring question...

Ok so im trying to hook up some heat tape with two pieces side by side & tried to wire it like my drawing below. I believe this would be considered a series. My problem is the heat tape isnt getting hot like this. I tested the wiring & im getting 122v on the two ends but from either of the ends to the center two im only getting 60v. so do i have to rewire it for a parallel circuit?http://puu.sh/2X1YQ.jpg

This is how it needs to be:

http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps90b024df.jpg

Wire the leads from your power cord to one heat tape only. Then bring a wire from each side of your two connections, and wire it to your other heat tape. Then you should get heat from both heat tapes.

Yes that is how it should be wired, just like the post before mine I'am sorry for being behind with my post.

yeah thats what i thought I was trying to take the easy way. what i dont understand is why the voltage dropped by half with the series wiring

Yup, I went through the exact same thing a couple weeks ago. Wired up 6 pieces just like that and learned the hard way wire cutters and wire nuts.

Short answer to you voltage drop is because essentially you doubled your load by wiring in series. In parallel not connections have the same potential voltage.

If you connect batteries in series you double your potential power (voltage) and is you run them in parallel you increase you amp hours.

Bottom line is you need to connect your heat tape in parallel like others have already mentioned. It is a pain to redo but you will get the desired results.

No issues running six pieces in parallel. All have the same temp. Now once installed in my tax there was slight differences because it is six bins high and ambient room heat plays a roll. Don't be surprised if your bottom bin(s) are lower. My top is a little lower too but no insulation there either.

This thread is great, but what tools/parts are you using to wire these strips in parallel?? What I really need to know is: how can I do it without soldering?? Went to RadioShack and got wire and connectors, but then the guy told me that the connectors I had wouldn't support 120V and he didn't know what would. I'm hoping to either do this by crimping or riveting, but I'm hoping you guys can tell me exactly what parts and pieces you used to do this.

I already have one end wired with the plug, and was just planning on running a continuous strip, but I would now prefer to cut into strips so I'm not wasting any heat. THANK YOU!!

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Originally Posted by jedidiah578

yeah thats what i thought I was trying to take the easy way. what i dont understand is why the voltage dropped by half with the series wiring

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You don't have it wired in series. I'm not sure what you have.

This would be heat tape wired in series.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...psf57e8fdb.jpg

This would be heat tape wired in parallel

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ps93497cb2.jpg