How to properly attatch probe to heat tape? Also, dimmer?

I'm trying to figure out what kind of sticky (or perhaps less sticky) tape i can use to secure a thermostat probe to heat tape in a rack. Anyone have suggestions? My first guess is electrical tape, but not sure if there's anything better.

Also wondering if anyone here uses a dimmer with their thermostat? I just freaked out after reading a sad thread about the probe coming off and cooking someone's poor snake. D8 So I'm curious what brand of dimmer would be good to use! I've got a spider robotics herpstat and a RBI rack, the CB70 size...

I use the metal tape used for a/c installation. I know some people use an on/off backup for their proportional thermostats

I use black electrical tape

I use the aluminum tape, as was already said. I like it because it doesn't soften up with heat like the plastic kinds of tape, and it sticks very nicely. I don't personally use a dimmer along with my thermostat, but after reading that thread I think I just might. That was so sad :tears:

I use the aluminum tape as well, although I have heard it's not ideal and can cause a few problems, and electrical is the best way. I can't find the sit now that stated why it shouldn't be used, something about hot spots and something else. Anyways, it's been done for years with little to no known issue, but I will be switching to electrical tape in the near future.

I don't have a backup for my rack, however it wouldn't be a bad idea. My rack is directly up against a wall, so nothing could pull the probe off the heat tape like that thread (which I agree, is very sad :tears: ). I think as long as you are alert as to where your rack is and the surroundings and check all these things as much as possible, there is little to no risk. A backup on/off or a dimmer sure wouldn't be a bad idea though, just to be extra safe.

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Originally Posted by LGray23

I use the aluminum tape as well, although I have heard it's not ideal and can cause a few problems, and electrical is the best way. I can't find the sit now that stated why it shouldn't be used, something about hot spots and something else. Anyways, it's been done for years with little to no known issue, but I will be switching to electrical tape in the near future.

I don't have a backup for my rack, however it wouldn't be a bad idea. My rack is directly up against a wall, so nothing could pull the probe off the heat tape like that thread (which I agree, is very sad :tears: ). I think as long as you are alert as to where your rack is and the surroundings and check all these things as much as possible, there is little to no risk. A backup on/off or a dimmer sure wouldn't be a bad idea though, just to be extra safe.

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Alot of people use the aluminum tape , I just prefer electrical tape because it is insulated vs aluminum which is conductive.

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Originally Posted by iCandiBallPythons

Alot of people use the aluminum tape , I just prefer electrical tape because it is insulated vs aluminum which is conductive.

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I know, me included :) I read on a website why it's not ideal though I wish I could find it..

Oh but I just found this on backups for the OP...while searching for the darn info on the aluminum tape lol. If I find it I'll post it <sigh>
http://spyderrobotics.com/home/suppo...edocument.html

I read somewhere that it is not reccommended to use aluminum tape on Herpstats.

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Do not use aluminum tape to secure the probes. This will cause false readings and poor regulation.

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Directly from Spyders owner manual.

http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat4_manual.pdf

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I been using aluminum tape for 5+ years holding my probes down and every racks has been running spot on to the temp gun readings.

I use packing tape to hold flexwatt down, but aluminum foil wont give false readings nor will it be conductive if you properly wire the flexwatt up and cover open ends.