Having a problem with my racks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nagini88

what kind of pictures do you want to see?
(not my pic) this is the rack, there's a channel dug in the back for the heat rope that you can see
http://media.photobucket.com/image/A...lespics046.jpg

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If you can get a picture of the heat tape/rope at the exact location where it's burning. Get a picture of the heating set up, so we can see if there are any glaring defects. things like this may help find your answers.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

I'm not using the heat tape anymore, and the heat rope isnt melting the tubs it just stops working

The red dot is the spot it burned in all levels of the rack(not including the side brace but its in the way in the pic angle
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...Untitled-1.jpg

This is where the heat rope is
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...Untitled-2.jpg

This is where the heat tape was put as per what AP said
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...Untitled-3.jpg

So both the heat tape AND the heat rope are failing?

Sounds like a possible thermostat issue.....

If your still using heat rope, I've got a big long strand I can send you if you need it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2kdime

So both the heat tape AND the heat rope are failing?

Sounds like a possible thermostat issue.....

If your still using heat rope, I've got a big long strand I can send you if you need it.

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I would think that too, but didn't he say that the tape and rope burned out 3 different times at exactly the same location within the rack?

If that's the case, I would look for an issue with the way the tape/rope was installed. Possibly getting kinked in the process of the installation. Other than these 2 possiblities, I'm at a loss.

BTW, thanks to the OP for the pictures. I wish I had an answer for you, but I really don't.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

After going back and reading the original message, the only thing I can think of (other than the thermostat) is possibly an electrical surge. That would usually cause the failure to occur in the same spot. An over voltage/current would probably cause the tape to burn out around the same place. Also, when you cut the tape are you following the instructions for the type of tape you're using. Get me a close up picture of the end of the tape. That would be a picture for each side of the tape, the end that is just cut off as well as the end with the elcetrical connection.

I know, I'm a pain wanting to see the pictures, but I'm trying to troubleshoot an electrical failure from hundreds of miles away and only by looking at a few pictures and your descriptions.

Jim Smith

When the heat rope burns out the entire heat rope burns out not only in spots, when I had the heat tape it burned out in the same spot down the whole rack. I used 2 different thermostats to see if that was the case, it still burned out with a new thermostat that I had only used once previously on my incubator. When I installed the heat tape I did it the way the instructions dictated. I made sure it didnt twist in the process and it worked fine for about 6 months before it just stops working

Can you get me the pictures of each end of the heat tape?
This will rule out one of 2 possibilities. Glad the thermostat isn't the issue. That's one thing we can discount.

Jim Smith

like I said, I'm not using the heat tape anymore, last I used in the racks is heat rope. The heat tape was 6 months ago and I threw it out a long time ago

Opps, my bad. Sorry about that.

Okay, here's my opinion. I believe you are most likely experiencing a voltage/current surge on the electric circuit (120vac wall outlet). This is the most obvious thing I can see that would cause your recurring problem. I would buy a decent surge protector and plug your thermostat directly into that.

There is one other possibility, but you would need an electrician to check the circuit.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

this has been spread over an apartment, a 1700 sqft house and now our current house, but I'll try a serge protector.

Since I need to replace the heat, what would be a good heat source for the rack itself?