Heat Tape, Space or no Space?

Hello all,

I have completed the construction of our (first) snake rack at home and am busy doing trials with the heat tape (not Flexwatt, its 220V that I ordered it from Freedom Breeders).

I have seen many online videos where folks install it such that there (appears to be) no gap between the shelf, the heat tape and the tub. I have also seen opinions expressed that indicate one should not "sandwich" the tape between the shelf and the tub.

Can anyone give me any help/advice here?

Regards

Richard

When I use it, I have always "sandwiched" it

My racks are made of oak faced plywood and have no space. I have never had an issue. The tape is secured with foil tape directly to the shelf. Hope this helps

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

Ideally, you would recess the tape slightly into the shelf so the tub doesn't rub and potentially damage the tape when you take it in and out.

If your heat tape is not recessed over time the tub will rub on the tape and possibly damage it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Annarose15

Ideally, you would recess the tape slightly into the shelf so the tub doesn't rub and potentially damage the tape when you take it in and out.

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Correct, ideally there is a small air gap.

I have 2 to 3 layers of foil tape on the edges of the heat tape to take some wear off of the tape from sliding tubs over it. I haven't had any problems at all in over 3 years.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

I have 2 to 3 layers of foil tape on the edges of the heat tape to take some wear off of the tape from sliding tubs over it. I haven't had any problems at all in over 3 years.

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The risk here (albeit unlikely), is that now the entire strip will transmit electricity through the foil if there is a loose connection or damage to the heat tape.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Annarose15

The risk here (albeit unlikely), is that now the entire strip will transmit electricity through the foil if there is a loose connection or damage to the heat tape.

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Multiple pieces per shelf, insulated at cut end as well as soldered end, non conductive rack, and the tub only rubs on the center of the tape.
I built them the way I do with high use, wear in mind and ease of replacement in mind.:gj: