17" flexwatt temperature..?

[SAMPSON-BP]

Does anyone know what the max temp for 20 watt 17" flexwatt?

Reason I'm asking is becuase I just set up my rack with what was supposed to be 17" 20 watt flexwatt, wired in to a dimmer switch. Right now the dimmer is as high as it can go, and I'm getting a reading of 91°F. The flexwatt itself has the zig-zag pattern to it, not straight lines like I've seen. Did i get screwed and was sent older stuff? Is my wiring messed up? or is this really as hot as it gets?

[Adam Chandler]

I'm not really sure what the max temp of Flexwatt is, but what I do know is running the smaller stuff constantly at full power is likely to burn it out, not sure about the big stuff though.

I'd recommend contacting Rich from Reptile Basics, he has been selling, wiring and using the stuff for years. He is also in general a very helpful dude. sales@reptilebasics.com

[2kdime]

Check your connections

That stuff gets over 110 if unregulated

COuld also be your dimmer has some resistance and isnt letting out full voltage resulting in lower temps

[PitOnTheProwl]

I would say its prolly your dimmer as well. though I would also check your connections just to be safe. I run 11" and it does get to about 115 when unregulated

[SAMPSON-BP]

Is there a specific dimmer I can look for to replace the one i have? or do I need a good proportional themostat? I don't have $100 to spend right now

[OhhWatALoser]

find a dimmer with lower resistance if thats your problem, dimmer really shouldn't be rescricting you that much tho, wheres the flexwatt placed?

[SAMPSON-BP]

Flexwatt is being used as back heat on the rack, so it's very few connections, and not likely the wiring. The dimmer I'm using is the one bean farm sent, so I'd think it would be appropriate? Gonna buy a new dimmer and test to see if it ups the temp....25° is a lot for a dimmer to be affecting it though isn't it?....

[OhhWatALoser]

is the rack enclosed or open?

also just take the dimmer right out of the equation and just plug the flexwatt in and babysit it, if it gets over 95 degrees you know the problem

[AkHerps]

Try a lamp dimmer from home depot or something like that. They are cheap and work well if the temps in your house stay somewhat steady. I use a lamp dimmer for my ball python and it works really well to control his hot spot, but if turned it all the way up it will get over 110 degrees and I am using a piece of 11" flexwatt.

Dimmers are okay if your temps can fluctuate a couple degrees every now and then, but if you need steady temps for advanced snakes, dimmers aren't good to use, or if your house temperatures fluctuate a lot.

[kitedemon]

The 17 inch I have caps (plugged straight into an outlet) at 89º it is a low temp system I use it for cool end control as even in a runaway it is unlikely to burn my animals, I use 11" for hot sides the 17 just will not do it. My specs say it is only 10 watts per foot however it might not be the same.

http://www.cornelsworld.com/ look under for sale under the left side panel it states

"This heat tape does not get as hot as the 11". Heat on the 17" tape runs about 86 degrees. Would work well for warming mats at shows but not as heating elements on cages"