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

Page 2

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.

Yeah, I guess I forgot to mention that I've been using it with no problems too. I don't know their reasoning behind it though.

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Originally Posted by Focal X

Yeah, I guess I forgot to mention that I've been using it with no problems too. I don't know their reasoning behind it though.

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I think its cause most herpstats arent grounded, and im guessing the probe could cause a short if the cover were to become worn down.

Another Reason why i use Johnsons as their always grounded and i dont have to worry about that stuff.

I used duct tape. Works fine.

Of course, I use duct tape for just about everything since I caught that big sale. :D

Plastic, rubber, soft based tapes tend to melt into a real mess when used in heat tape applications. Especially duct tape.

We have used the foil tape for many years with no issues. Sticks well, wears well, and works over the long term.

That said, we secure most of our thermo probes using zip ties, no tape.

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Originally Posted by Robyn@SYR

Plastic, rubber, soft based tapes tend to melt into a real mess when used in heat tape applications. Especially duct tape.

We have used the foil tape for many years with no issues. Sticks well, wears well, and works over the long term.

That said, we secure most of our thermo probes using zip ties, no tape.

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There is crummy duct tape, and then there is the good stuff.

The kind I use comes from a heating supply company. It isn't just stickum like most of the cheap stuff you find out there. It handles the heat from my furnace just fine, and that is what it's made to handle--heat.

I know what you mean about some duct tape. I've bought some before at discount stores and it was little more than glorified masking tape. Wouldn't stay on the aluminum ductwork at all, or even on a hot glass window. (don't ask-it's embarrasing) But I've checked the surface temps of my furnace ductwork where I have the good stuff in use and having found them to exceed the temp of my flexwatt, which is set to 94 degrees to maintain a surface hot spot of 90. I have a temp gun, check the tubs periodically, and it works.

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Originally Posted by Redneck_Crow

Wouldn't stay on the aluminum ductwork at all, or even on a hot glass window. (don't ask-it's embarrasing)

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It's ok, I was a college student once, that used to be THE way to keep the curtains up! XD

Seriously though, what brand duct tape is that? I need something for non-snake applications that can stand up to warm metal. Sounds great to me...!

I had problems with black electrical tape. Heat doesn't do good things to it, in my opinion. It peels off eventually. Some people may not ever have a problem with it, but I did.

I use packing tape. Doesn't warp, the tape doesn't even feel warm to the touch, when holding the probe up against the UTH. I was afraid I'd come home from a vacation I took recently to find the tape fallen off and my probe on the floor and my snake being cooked to death. Didn't happen, held up nicely. There are other options of course, but I personally like packing tape.

I use either the aluminum tape or the thin silver colored pressure/heat sensitive tape for duct work. The latter sticks so well that it's nearly impossible to remove.

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Originally Posted by Foschi Exotic Serpents

I use either the aluminum tape or the thin silver colored pressure/heat sensitive tape for duct work. The latter sticks so well that it's nearly impossible to remove.

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I've heard from several different people on here that aluminum tape conducts heat a little bit too well, and can give the probe false readings.

But if it works for you, then go for it.

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Originally Posted by darkbloodwyvern

It's ok, I was a college student once, that used to be THE way to keep the curtains up! XD

Seriously though, what brand duct tape is that? I need something for non-snake applications that can stand up to warm metal. Sounds great to me...!

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http://www.amazon.com/3M-1160-HT-Tem.../dp/B001140TS2

This stuff is rated for 200 degrees, and I've used it to hold a split radiator hose 'till I could get my truck into the garage. (two weeks :oops: ) If anyone is heating their snakes over 200 degrees, then they're planning on eating them.