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Dimmer switch with UTH

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  • 12-14-2015, 01:58 AM
    HenryTheSnake
    Dimmer switch with UTH
    Hello again!
    I was wondering if it is possible to use a standard dimmer switch (One that regulates amount of electricity going into an object) with a Zoo Med UTH?
    Would it work as I expect it should, as in would the temperature of the UTH go down if the dimmer switch is put at low dim?
    Thanks,
    HenryTheSnake
  • 12-14-2015, 02:27 AM
    BCS
    Yes, but watch the temperatures carefully as they will fluctuate depending on room temperature. I used a lamp dimmer switch for my very first snake rack (now using herpstats). I now use that dimmer switch for my corn snake who lives in a terrarium. Many people should not suggest it, but for one animal, it makes sense and I have had no issues at all using a lamp dimmer switch.
  • 12-14-2015, 07:23 AM
    PitOnTheProwl
    Yes but how much is your time worth to keep it regulated?

    http://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-ETL-Cer...ermostat+plant

    You are going to spend $5-$10 on a dimmer and continually adjust it when the temperatures in the room change.
    These are not the greatest but hard to beat for $33.
    I have a couple that have been going fine for a couple years.
  • 12-14-2015, 10:42 AM
    HenryTheSnake
    Re: Dimmer switch with UTH
    I have had trouble with those not getting hot enough.
  • 12-14-2015, 10:49 AM
    MarkS
    Yes, dimmer switches work quite well. Here is a link to a guide I wrote showing how to wire one up.

    http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...r-cheap-skates
  • 12-14-2015, 11:14 AM
    bigSAK
    ^^ Great write up but you could just buy an in line dimmer switch for $12 from home depot and save yourself all the wiring (even though it's quite basic wiring).
  • 12-14-2015, 11:28 AM
    MarkS
    I know that, but I like doing things for myself. I also don't really like the way those plug in types are designed where you have to plug the heating unit into the back of the plug on the dimmer.
  • 12-14-2015, 11:33 AM
    Kris Mclaughlin
    Re: Dimmer switch with UTH
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bigSAK View Post
    ^^ Great write up but you could just buy an in line dimmer switch for $12 from home depot and save yourself all the wiring (even though it's quite basic wiring).

    Not suggested. You will instantly loose half of the uth's heating capacity.
  • 12-14-2015, 11:38 AM
    MarkS
    Re: Dimmer switch with UTH
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Kris Mclaughlin View Post
    Not suggested. You will instantly loose half of the uth's heating capacity.

    ???? Where did you hear that? And isn't moderating the output of the heating device pretty much the reason for a rheostat or thermostat?

    I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.
  • 12-14-2015, 01:51 PM
    PitOnTheProwl
    Re: Dimmer switch with UTH
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by HenryTheSnake View Post
    I have had trouble with those not getting hot enough.

    Please explain??
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