More rack problems, need help!

So, of course, my rack is having more problems. I currently have the Iris Sweater Box rack with the heat tape underneath, http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06...93dcfead15.jpg and I have the VE-100 thermostat http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06...5e570f1450.jpg

I've had both for about 2 or 3 years now, and about a year ago my thermostat started having problems. It would just randomly shut off, so now it only stays on if it's in a VERY specific position. If it accidentally gets bumped out of position it turns off.

Anyways, my NEW problem is that my temp gun is showing me that some of my shelves are several degrees below what is set on the thermostat, and what the thermostat says the temps are at. I have the thermostat set to 92 degrees (this makes the bottom of the tubs about 89-91 degrees) and I have the probe tucked between the heat tape and the second tub (second tub from the top). Only my top tub and my bottom tub are at the temperature that I have the thermostat set to. The second tub (the one with the probe under it!) is reading 85-88 degrees (even though my thermostat is saying its at 90-92 degrees!), and the third tub is reading 82-85 degrees.

I don't know what to do! I can't just turn the thermostat up, because the top and bottom tub are at the temperature that I set on the thermostat. And I can't really replace the heat tape because all the heat tape is connected. It's all just one big piece of heat tape that goes underneath each tub. Not to mention that I would have no idea how to replace it all.

I'm not sure if it's the heat tape that's the problem or if it's the thermostat.
Has anyone else had this problem or know what to do??

This is a heat tape issue. I've had it many times. Are you using flex watt? Check your connections to make sure they aren't frayed or lose. If you can manage it, there is the new THG best tape that is proving to be much more consistent.

Is it one piece or individual flex a watt per shelf?

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Is it one piece or individual flex a watt per shelf?

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If it was the original setup, it's one piece snaked through all shelves.

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

If it was the original setup, it's one piece snaked through all shelves.

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Thats why I was asking. One piece shouldnt have that kind of swing.

Since your using one single piece, it's strange that you would see that fluctuation. Was it always like this? How often have you been monitoring the temps?

I say it would be flexwatt gone bad, and the heating elements aren't evenly heating.

When you take your temps, are you testing in the tub on the plastic or on the shelf directly on the heat tape? Or, when you use the temp gun could you be pointing it between the elements on the laminate by mistake?

Could it be your gun went bad?

Also does your thermostat have power modes such as trickle, or proportionate etc..?

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I've actually had pieces of flexwatt that register significantly different temps on the same strip. But with discrepancies between the thermostat probe and temp gun I would say one of those is at fault as well

I think you should try to reposition the probe first. Disconnect it from your thermostat (probe). Wipe the probe down with a clean cloth and let it dry b4 you reconnect it. Unplug the thermostat as well. After about 30 minutes reconnect everything. This time tape the probe wire over the recessed area where the flex watt is. Don't tuck it under anything. Just sit it on the shelf over the flex watt and tape it to the shelf. Allow the probe to sit on the tape but do not tape over the probe or cover it in any way. Set your temps and see if this helps.

agreed on the probe setup with albert. Also use your thermostat gun to check the temps of the actual tape to see if the tape is heating unevenly. A rack I built a long time ago had a back that wasn't flush with the shelves to the heat was traveling up so each tub up was warmer, but your saying its cooler in the middle, which makes me think your having an issue with the heat tape. if the tape is registering different temps then call the rack builder and he may send you out a new piece of heat tape for free. As far as Flexx Watt vs THG, I have used both and found the THG to not be as consistent (which isn't what you hear most).

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Originally Posted by Tsanford

Also does your thermostat have power modes such as trickle, or proportionate etc..?

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VE-100 is on/off only

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Originally Posted by BrianDallek

If the tape is registering different temps then call the rack builder and he may send you out a new piece of heat tape for free.

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The rack is 2 to 3 years old so probably not.