Hmmm help me figure this out...

Ok, I have a problem with my UTH's shutting off on me. I have 4 UTH's hooked up to 4 dimmer's. Yesterday, I found all 4 UTH's cold (as in completely off). They still had power because the LED on the dimmer was on, but they were not heating. I unplugged them and replugged them and a they immediately started heating up again. I thought maybe a power glitch? Well I come home today to find 3 of the 4 cold again! Unplug...plug back in...fine. They are plugged into 2 different outlets on 2 different breakers. Any ideas??? The only other thing I can think of is maybe they shut themselves off if the ambient temp gets too high. I do have the room heated to about 82 deg with an oil filled heater. I know the dimmers have a maximum wattage of 300W, maybe they don't work so good with the low wattage of the UTH? Anyone care to take a stab at this???

Hi,

How feasable is it to connect the mats to only two dimmers? or do all 4 need to be able to be independantly adjusted.

This is obviously better tested away from the animals if possible.

What heat are you trying to reach with the mats?


dr del

Dimmer switches are variable resistors. When used in a low wattage circuit they become extremely hard to adjust. Try adding a 60W light to each in parallel with the heat mat. This will make adjustments much easier and may be enough additional draw to keep the circuits pumping current! Use a red light that way the room will always have a red light glow and the snakes will not notice it. Be prepared for the electric bill to go up also though!

save your self the headache and if you can afford it get a thermostat that you can plug all of those into. :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

How feasable is it to connect the mats to only two dimmers? or do all 4 need to be able to be independantly adjusted.

This is obviously better tested away from the animals if possible.

What heat are you trying to reach with the mats?

dr del

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Very feasible. In fact that is what I am going to try next. I am only trying to get to 82/92, but like I said, the ambient temp is about 80 so the dimmers are turned way down.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gloryhound

Dimmer switches are variable resistors. When used in a low wattage circuit they become extremely hard to adjust. Try adding a 60W light to each in parallel with the heat mat. This will make adjustments much easier and may be enough additional draw to keep the circuits pumping current! Use a red light that way the room will always have a red light glow and the snakes will not notice it. Be prepared for the electric bill to go up also though!

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Thanks for the input. I plan on combining the UTH's as described above. This may provide the additional draw I need.