Questions about ordering a pre-wired Ranco Thermostat

I had been using a used ranco thermostat that was wired to a power strip to control the space heater in my reptile room. The thermostat still works, but it appears that the voltage from the space heater was too much for the power strip, causing it to short circuit and shut off frequently. At this point, I've given up on using it (can't find someone to rewire it for me).

I am considering ordering a new prewired ranco thermostat from this site. http://www.etcsupply.com/ranco-etc11...ller-p-87.html but am not sure about the different power cord options they offer (16 gauge cord, heavy duty 14 gauge cord, or power strip). I know to avoid the power strip, but would I need the heavy duty 14 gauge cord to run this heater? (that is not my exact heater model, but I'm pretty sure mine is similar / is 1500w).

I'd appreciate any suggestions you guys have. At this point I don't want to waste money buying this thermostat if it will not work. Right now I'm having to use the auto setting on my heater and check it multiple times a day / adjust it... Which is driving me nuts.

Thanks for your time / help!

Get the heavy duty cord. It's not that much more in price, and you don't want a 1500W cord running a 1500W device, as the device will put surges/peaks on the power cord of more than 1500W when it turns on and off.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

I had been using a used ranco thermostat that was wired to a power strip to control the space heater in my reptile room. The thermostat still works, but it appears that the voltage from the space heater was too much for the power strip, causing it to short circuit and shut off frequently. At this point, I've given up on using it (can't find someone to rewire it for me).

I am considering ordering a new prewired ranco thermostat from this site. http://www.etcsupply.com/ranco-etc11...ller-p-87.html but am not sure about the different power cord options they offer (16 gauge cord, heavy duty 14 gauge cord, or power strip). I know to avoid the power strip, but would I need the heavy duty 14 gauge cord to run this heater? (that is not my exact heater model, but I'm pretty sure mine is similar / is 1500w).

I'd appreciate any suggestions you guys have. At this point I don't want to waste money buying this thermostat if it will not work. Right now I'm having to use the auto setting on my heater and check it multiple times a day / adjust it... Which is driving me nuts.

Thanks for your time / help!

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Hey, I just found out that power strips need to be changed annually bc the triac in most of them goes bad or at least wears out! That may be part of the problem. Spyder robotics recommends that their thermostats get plugged directly into the wall and not into a power strip. Idk about the Ranco thermostats but double check your owners manual for that particular differential. I had a problem with my thermostat and just got some info here when I posed the question. :gj:

Have you thought about taking tours apart and doing it yourself?
You are just going to be removing the power strip and installing a female end plug.
FYI always buy a heavier cord. 14 or 12 would be good.

Thanks guys!

bcr229- I will opt for the heaviest cord they have.

Albert Clark- Thanks for that info! I do plug my herpstat into the wall (glad you mentioned it because I've never thought about that before).

pitontheprowl- I stink at anything like wiring or woodwork. Honestly, I'd be terrified that I would do it wrong and end up burning down my house. I will keep the old one though and maybe try it at some point. I'd like to find someone local to me that knows how to wire and get them to do it and observe so that I would know how in the future.