THG Heat Tape Question..

I've watched a few videos on wiring the HTG heat tape.. But I am still confused on one aspect itself... And I feel stupid asking but I can't find it... How do I connect the wired tapes "power cord" to the thermostat when you have multiple? What is the easiest and safest way? Sorry if this question is stupid it's myself first time and I want to do it right... Thanks in advanced... And yes I DID try to find the answer before asking..

Do u have a soldering iron?

What kind of thermostat and caging are you using? If your thermostat only has one probe you should only regulate one cage/tank our one rack of same size tubs with your tstat.

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Assuming I understand your question correctly, if you have the sections wired with seperate plugs, as in multiple slots in a rack, just plug them all into a powerstrip and plug that into your t-stat. I usually just paralell connect all the sections and run one power cord per rack.

You can either plug them all into a powerbar, or you can simply splice all the "+" wires together, and all the "-" wires together, then splice that to 1 plug. If you don't know how to properly splice wires together then for sure use a power bar!

Here is how I do mine and it seems to go loads faster and be far easier to make sure you have a good connection

First I make up a buch of "pig tails" maybe 4-5" long install them in the heat tape as directed. PS I've tried using something other than the crimpers RBI sells for them and don't bother buy the crimpers and live long and prosper.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps24fe6c98.jpg

Then simply cut the female end off of a 10' two strand indoor/outdoor extention cord and seperate the two wires (leaving the plastic casing entact.

No go to your local electrical supply warehouse and get these. Make sure they are for the same gauge wire that your extension cord is.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps7b7e7da2.jpg

then starting at the bottom install the tap connectors and pig tails as thus
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps32165aa4.jpg

When you're done you should have a fully wired rack with no risk of poor connections or solder failures.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psd5580987.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

No go to your local electrical supply warehouse and get these. Make sure they are for the same gauge wire that your extension cord is.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps7b7e7da2.jpg

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Wow, these are awesome! I've never seen these before - but will for sure look for them if I ever need to wire TGH again! THANKS :gj:

Those are AWESOME connectors... Can we isolate that post and sticky it or import it to one of the DIY Rack threads? Come to think of it... your racks are awesome. Wanna do a write-up including your heat tape wiring?!


Also what do you do with the ends of the extension cord... just tape them up or use a connector to cap them or what?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MrLang

Those are AWESOME connectors... Can we isolate that post and sticky it or import it to one of the DIY Rack threads? Come to think of it... your racks are awesome. Wanna do a write-up including your heat tape wiring?!


Also what do you do with the ends of the extension cord... just tape them up or use a connector to cap them or what?

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The cut end of the cord is at the bottom of the rack and doesn't stick out past the connector.

I've got to put another rack together this weekend so I'll get some good pics and try and do a write up..

I think that Freakie-Frog's post is sticky-worthy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Darkbird

Assuming I understand your question correctly, if you have the sections wired with seperate plugs, as in multiple slots in a rack, just plug them all into a powerstrip and plug that into your t-stat. I usually just paralell connect all the sections and run one power cord per rack.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rickys_Reptiles

You can either plug them all into a powerbar, or you can simply splice all the "+" wires together, and all the "-" wires together, then splice that to 1 plug. If you don't know how to properly splice wires together then for sure use a power bar!

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This is what I meant.. It will be for a 8 tier rack. Also I'm sorry o didn't reply sooner, I just saw that people, had replied.. Can I get a picture to make sure I plug them into the power strip right? I've never done splicing, my father can but he works to much to help me right now, and he's never dealt with THG heat tApw either. Thanks though everyone!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Here is how I do mine and it seems to go loads faster and be far easier to make sure you have a good connection

First I make up a buch of "pig tails" maybe 4-5" long install them in the heat tape as directed. PS I've tried using something other than the crimpers RBI sells for them and don't bother buy the crimpers and live long and prosper.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps24fe6c98.jpg

Then simply cut the female end off of a 10' two strand indoor/outdoor extention cord and seperate the two wires (leaving the plastic casing entact.

No go to your local electrical supply warehouse and get these. Make sure they are for the same gauge wire that your extension cord is.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps7b7e7da2.jpg

then starting at the bottom install the tap connectors and pig tails as thus
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps32165aa4.jpg

When you're done you should have a fully wired rack with no risk of poor connections or solder failures.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psd5580987.jpg

---

I do agree, this is sticky worthy. I'm not a expert but I feel after reading that it was more informative than most I've seen. :P I just don't trust myself to do that yet. Lol. Very very good post though!

When the strips have seperate plugs you don't have to worry about how they get plugged into the powerstrip. Most plugs are polarized now anyway so they only go one way. Only time it really matters is when your paralell connecting like freakie frog or I do. But I also solder all my connections so it's really a different method for me. And I wouldn't suggest soldering to anyone unless you are very good at it, as its a good way to screw up expensive heat tape.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Darkbird

When the strips have seperate plugs you don't have to worry about how they get plugged into the powerstrip. Most plugs are polarized now anyway so they only go one way. Only time it really matters is when your paralell connecting like freakie frog or I do. But I also solder all my connections so it's really a different method for me. And I wouldn't suggest soldering to anyone unless you are very good at it, as its a good way to screw up expensive heat tape.

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Thank you very much! I haven't soldered since high school... I WAS good at it but I only have a few weeks of experience, same with welding... I will work on it later, but right now ill just let RB do it. :P