Re: Would this be alright?
Quote:
Originally Posted by rabernet
Flexwatt can heat, I believe I've read, up to 145 degrees if not controlled by a thermostat. If you're going to use flexwatt (or any UTH for that matter), a thermostat is a MUST!
You are correct. I took a piece of 11" flex, wired up, and plugged it into a wall outlet to see how hot it would get. In 15 minutes it reached 147degrees, according to my Flukes temp gun. I don't know how hot it would have gotten if I just let it run, but 147 was hot enough for me to get nervous.
Re: Would this be alright?
Hey Roundabout, You're in luck, Matt's got plug-n-play dimmers on sale right now! Check this out.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...343#post329343
Re: Would this be alright?
Oh i know i need a thremosdat when i switch over to plastic/flexwatt
Re: Would this be alright?
How exactly does the dimmer work? If i'm thinking correctly i just turn the knob and it'll adjust the temperature from there? Is there anything in particular that i need to conenct it to the flexwatt?
Re: Would this be alright?
Dimmers are the same thing people use in their homes for lights. They're technically Rheostats, and they allow more or less electricity to pass thru to the heating element (or light) depending on which way you turn the knob. The ones Matt has on sale are already wired with a plug end and three recepticle end (I think its three). If you flex is already wired, all you need to do is plug it into the dimmer. So, you're not actually "controlling the temperature", you're controlling the amount of electricity going to the UTH. More electricity=more heat. You'll need to monitor your temps with your accurite, and adjust the dimmer setting accordingly.
