Problem with heating pad

[lastdoctor]

I got up this morning and went to check the temps in the cage and the hot side was 75. I opened it up to check and the heating pad isn't working. So I turned the basking lamp on and that has brought the temp up to where it should be. I unplugged the pad in hopes that it needs a break. Do you always leave a heating pad on, or should you unplug it periodically? I have only had it since this past Tuesday, and have had it on the whole time. Thanks,

Jeremy

[Thump]

Lastdoctor, good morning. I've had my heating pad on constantly for the last month with no problems. I check temps & humidity several times a day but have been concerned as to whether or not I should leave it on 24/7. I'm interested in hearing answers to your question as well.

[steelsack]

Yup, I'm also using a medium sized (8 x 11) heating pad 24/7. Have it hooked up to a sliding dimmer that I got at Wal-Mart (for all your herp needs!). Got it set so the floor hits 91.8. Has been running for a little over a week now with no probs. I couldn't find a human heating pad no matter where I looked that didn't turn itself off after two hours (safety reasons) so I wound up paying about 20 bucks for the one I'm using from a pet store. Maybe yours cooked from running full tilt the whole time.........or do you use a dimmer?
Your problem has got me thinking that I should go and get a spare in case the one I'm using craps out........
How are you checking your floor temp over the heat pad? I use a simple digital oral thermometer. Only cost a few bucks at the pharmacy and has been quite reliable.........just stick the sensor end under an edge of the hide to hold it against the floor nice and firmly for a few minutes, then take a reading.
However, I am saving my nickels for a handy dandy temp gun!

[Tigergenesis]

I think that for the most part anyone who uses an UTH leaves it on 24/7.

[Ironhead]

Have had mine for approx. 3 months running 24/7 with no problem. Floor stay's right around 88.

[CTReptileRescue]

We always leave our UTH's on 24 / 7.
I think we probably have about 20 or so running plus 2 pig blankets, they are always on also.
I've never had a problem. I do always inspect all of them to make sure there is no fire hazard and such
Thanks
Rusty

[rockgecko]

I run my uth 24/7 has run for 6 mos. no problems so far. the tempholds at 90 on the floor.
oops i just checked it make that between 88 and 90.

[Wizill]

i have 4 that run all day and all night, in fact i dont think i've turned them off since I bought them... months at a time.

wal-mart has the greatest heating pads.

[Hoomi]

Heating pads for human use will have at least one safety device installed, if not two. As already mentioned, many of them will turn themselves off after a certain length of time, and in my experience, most home electrical heating devices also contain a thermal fuse that is designed to cut off the electricity if the internal workings get too hot. Unfortunately, these are "one shot" fuses, so if it goes, you either take a trip to the local electrical supply store and get a replacement, or you go buy a new electrical appliance.

UTH's will vary in how they're supposed to be used. One brand that I have requires open air beneath it so that it does not overheat and damage itself, while the other recommends insulating beneath it to direct the heat up into the enclosure. I guess it all depends on how they manufacture them. At any rate, mine have been running steady for weeks with no problems.

[lastdoctor]

I plugged it back in after I had cleaned out the cage and it is working again. Seems kind of strange. I will definately keep an eye on it. This is kind of off subject. I just got my first bp, and first snake for that matter, on Tuesday and handled him for the first time today. It was really weird. The other day I had picked him up to move him in his cage so I could change the water and he was ok. After I had sat him down, I was gently petting him and he struck at me. More of a leave me alone thing as opposed to trying to bite. Since then I have been a little hesitant to touch him. It is really weird as I am 6'4" 300lbs and generally fear nothing. All of the sudden I am almost scared to touch a little 24" python. I finally worked up the nerve and got him out. I know it's hilarious. I put him in a little warm water in the bath tub so I could clean out his cagewhile my wife watched him. I got him out to put him back in his cage and he started moving around a lot and I started freaking out. I got him back in ok without any problems. I feel like an idiot telling everybody this. Go ahead and laugh, I am still laughing.