flexwatt question

[Gpoop]

When using flexwatt, does your cage need to be raised above whatever you have it sitting on so heat doesn't build up? Does that happen with flexwatt like it does with zoomed's UTH's or I don't have to worry about that?

[The Serpent Merchant]

If you are regulating a UTH or flexwatt with a thermostat, and the probe is attached to it, there is no need for a gap. UTH's/flexwatt shouldn't ever get hotter than 105... And should really stay under 100.

[kitedemon]

The manufacturer recommends an air space so I would suggest that that would be prudent as they know their product better than anyone else does. http://www.calorique.com/pdf/PetWarmingElements.pdf

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this set up inverted would be fine too.

[The Serpent Merchant]

The manufacturer recommends an air space so I would suggest that that would be prudent as they know their product better than anyone else does. http://www.calorique.com/pdf/PetWarmingElements.pdf

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this set up inverted would be fine too.

That's talking about running them unregulated. And just them covering themselves for when people run them unregulated and they burn up.

If the thermostat probe is attached directly the the heat source there is no way for heat to build up. The thermostat will simply send less power.

[kitedemon]

They recommend that it never be run unregulated. The max operation temp they suggest is 95-100º and as it hit easily over 160º (size depending the 3-4 does 17 does not) I can only assume they always intend a regulated heat and they still recommend a gap.

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likely out gassing issues. One side needs to be vented to clear the gas buildup. If iot needs to be enclosed a cable would be better.

[AdamF]

The manufacturer recommends an air space so I would suggest that that would be prudent as they know their product better than anyone else does. http://www.calorique.com/pdf/PetWarmingElements.pdf

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this set up inverted would be fine too.

This link is for the heat "sink", not the FW if i read it right. Any unregulated heat source is NEVER a good idea. There is no space required if a reliable thermostat is used. This link also suggests connecting the FW directly to underside of enclosure. Something I would never do.

Before I switched to tubs, I actually mounted my FW on a cheap ceramic tile, so the heating element had no contact with the floor (or wooden stand).
As a precaution, I used the little rubber/silicone cabinet/drawer bumpers available in any hardware store, on the corners of the tile. This allowed enough space to allow the thermostat probe to fit under the enclosure without the enclosure sitting right on the probe itself. In this set-up, even with a stat failure, fire was nearly impossible.

[kitedemon]

Calorigue is the maker of flexwatt it is the only product they make. This is the instructions for the pet warming application. They recommend a heat sync to create even heat as flexwatt varies in temp by 5% area to area. It does say use of pet warming (heating understood) elements on the top.