One step closer....

[Flatheadhunter33]

Almost done with my first custom enclosure! I sealed and painted this past weekend...before I lay down the linoleum tile I want to insert the heat pad underneath....I got a Zoo Med heat pad today and noticed on the back of the package it says not to use the product with wood.... It goes further to say that it can cause discoloration to the wood and in fact the only material recommended for use of the heat pad is glass...

So here is my question now; Can I use the heat pad within a wooden enclosure sealed beneath linoleum (for water proofing)? Also got a rheostat for temp control and thermometer for monitoring purposes.

I know, I know...the instructions say not to but I figured that I would ask anyway...Is this more for fire hazard purposes? Am I the only one who has ever wanted to try this set up?

[sarahlovesmiike]

We use heating pads for tubs all the time. They don't get hot enough to be a fire hazard because they are controlled by a thermostat. I'm sure the same rule applies with wood.

[Flatheadhunter33]

Thanks! I also read on another site where a guy was actually talking about using Flexwatt inside his enclosures as long as it was water proofed...

Dont get me wrong, I woud not comprimise safety for anything in my home but I was just wondering why Zoo Med says not to use their pads on wood? I also know that there are plenty of folks who use heat sources in different typed of scenarios for their custom set ups.

Thanks again.

[Kaorte]

I would recommend getting a good digital thermostat if you are using the UTH inside the enclosure (even under tile) rather then a rheostat.

I think the zoomed warning is really just a precautionary thing. It won't set wood on fire, but if it did, the warning is there so zoomed would not be liable if something like that were to happen.