Cutting 11" Flexwatt - Can I cut just anywhere?

Probably a stupid question, but I'd always rather be safe instead of sorry! Especially when it comes to electricity.

So I have 2 different types of Flexwatt.

"The usual" kind I've been getting from my supplier; obviously this type can only be cut on the markings.

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_2947.jpg

And I just received more of it, but the 11" looks like the 4" this time, it doesn't have the zig-zags. Does this mean I can cut anywhere, as long as I don't cut through the black parts?

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_2946.jpg

Hopefully my boa will be all set up in his new enclosure tonight; the heat is just one of the finishing touches!

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Originally Posted by SquamishSerpents

And I just received more of it, but the 11" looks like the 4" this time, it doesn't have the zig-zags. Does this mean I can cut anywhere, as long as I don't cut through the black parts?

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/IMG_2946.jpg

Hopefully my boa will be all set up in his new enclosure tonight; the heat is just one of the finishing touches!

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Yup. Just cut along the clear areas between the black parts. Just like the 4inch kind.

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Originally Posted by satomi325

Yup. Just cut along the clear areas between the black parts. Just like the 4inch kind.

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^^^^^this^^^^^

Thanks, I was 99% sure I could cut where ever :P But just wanted to make sure

If it has the zig-zag you have to cut it where it is marked to do so. If it has straight lines than you can cut anywhere (just not through the black)

X3 just make sure you dont cut into the black bars youll be fine I have several different lengths of 11in all cut this way and working fine :)

Does anbody else cut there flexwatt with a paper cutter just so both sides are as straight and even as possible lol...? When i use scissors it didnt come out as clean and even though i only see it when i check it every month or so it still bothers me lol.

I just used scissors, lol.

Does anybody know why there are 2 different types of 11" the zig-zag ones really piss me off, lol.

Just different styles.

The zig-zag allows for a higher density of heating element vs the straight stuff. This means that the manufacturer can use a slightly less powerful heating element (cheaper) on the zig-zag style but achieve the same heat output.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Does anbody else cut there flexwatt with a paper cutter just so both sides are as straight and even as possible lol...? When i use scissors it didnt come out as clean and even though i only see it when i check it every month or so it still bothers me lol.

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I've used a paper cutter before...

I just use scissors. I would like to think I cut pretty straight. Never had any problems.

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Use a Razor knife and a straight edge on mine :)

As has been said, with the straight line material, cut where you please as long as you stay between the black lines. Works just like the 3"/4" element. I have used both scissors and paper cutter, pretty much anything you can cut the element with is fine.

What happens if you cut the black lines- well not much really, as long as you don't run your finger along that edge when it is plugged in. You have basically exposed the conductive element and made the whole edge potentially "live" instead of just the buss bars. Cut between the lines.

The zig-zag type has been around as long as I have been in reptiles, which is quite a while now. A couple years back I was asking the manufacturer why I could not get straight element like the 3"/4". They said sure, we have that. No one asks for it. So I asked for it. As far as I know- and may be wrong- I "pioneered" the straight line element on the 11" at that point. So there you go, just ask I guess. Who knew??

Why zig-zag? The wattage density is the same and I would speculate if you added up the total square inches of black on the two elements you would end up right about the same. Many things in the reptile hobby have been hi-jacked from other hobbies or human endeavors and a lot of times you see something like this that just does not make sense. I am not really sure the real reason for the original zig-zag but I do know it gained acceptance and no one ever asked about straight element. I imagine some other customer/reasoning many years ago needed zig-zag, a reptile person got a hold of it and the rest is history. I suggest you get the straight line style for this hobby and that you get it from ME :)

I too have some of both. Recently I have the straight stuff. I was curious so I tinkered and as near as I can tell the max temp is about the same. The only difference I saw was that the zig zag produces more even temps. The straight bars seem to vary more. I prefer the zig zag my self. I can deal with the pain to cut it for the sake of even temps.