wiring flexwatt??

I have a shelf unit (5 shelves), which I am putting 3 inch flexxwatt on each shelf (belly heat), do I need to cut and wire an extension cord for each shelf, or can I bridge the wiring to each flexwatt on each shelf using one cord, is it safe, and recommended??? I am using a helix dbs-1000 and it can only take 3 inputs, I dont want to have to hook up a supply strip with severals plugs hanging everywhere

you can run them in series and it will be okay. just make sure you keep your hot on the same side as the rest.

Hi,

I always prefer to wire them in paralell so I end up with two circuits.

It is probably just personal choice but I like to know if one strip fails the rest will keep working.


dr del

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Originally Posted by escomaya

I have a shelf unit (5 shelves), which I am putting 3 inch flexxwatt on each shelf (belly heat), do I need to cut and wire an extension cord for each shelf, or can I bridge the wiring to each flexwatt on each shelf using one cord, is it safe, and recommended??? I am using a helix dbs-1000 and it can only take 3 inputs, I dont want to have to hook up a supply strip with severals plugs hanging everywhere

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Then your best bet would be to use one continuous strip of flexwatt "snaked" up each level. That way you only have to use one connection and one plug.
-Steven

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Originally Posted by stevenkeogh

Then your best bet would be to use one continuous strip of flexwatt "snaked" up each level. That way you only have to use one connection and one plug.

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This is what I would do as well in your situation.

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Originally Posted by Patrick Long

This is what I would do as well in your situation.

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me also :) adds a bit of side warmth to the shelves as well. and to be honest If u can run it like that it is a LOT easier then wiring each heh :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stevenkeogh

Then your best bet would be to use one continuous strip of flexwatt "snaked" up each level. That way you only have to use one connection and one plug.
-Steven

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i was going to do this too but it does work better if you think about it ahead of time and your sides are not preglued and nailed LOL

Hey i use ring terminals on mine.simple and effective...i got it from this diy on racks from this site http://www.westerngecko.ca/breeder_rack.htm

hope this helps anyone on wiring flexwatt, its very easy. i scrape plastic off to make sure i get contact.

can anyone show me an example of flexwatt being "snaked" up the rack? I've heard this term before and I can visual it but I'm not sure if I've ever actually seen it done.

If you run series and one goes all after go, parallel ones after still work. Or one piece.

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Originally Posted by Darkenz

Hey i use ring terminals on mine.simple and effective...i got it from this diy on racks from this site http://www.westerngecko.ca/breeder_rack.htm

hope this helps anyone on wiring flexwatt, its very easy. i scrape plastic off to make sure i get contact.

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are you getting a good connection like this? does it buzz??

im curious cause thats such an easy way to do it.

Here are some easy ways. To soider gives a good connection. Running in parallel will allow current to flow to othe pads should one fail. One plug in and one t-stat as long as all FW is sme size.
http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/flexwire.shtml
http://www.beanfarm.com/heating/Flexwatt_parallel.pdf

A good example of what the flexwatt would look like if you "S" run it along the sides of the rack can be found by googling "ballroom rack" (first link at time of posting - boaphile product) and scroll towards the bottom. Hope it paints the picture. :)