Heat Help Please

[Spooky]

I just discovered I have a problem with my T-stat and could use some advice. My setup is a 7 level 32qt Animal Plastics rack with a Ranco T-stat I bought prewired from Reptile Basics. I've never had a problem with either product until this evening. Just 2 days ago I moved my rack from 1 room to another and this evening I noticed my temps are down to 77 degrees. I know the outlet is working and my T-stat is still reading and seemingly operating correctly. All the cords look to be in the same condition they were in before being moved and the tubs haven't been changed in any way. I just fed all my snakes last night so the drop in temp is especially concerning right now. I have no idea what's wrong or how to go about fixing it and any advice at all would be appreciated.

[JLC]

Is it the HOTSPOT that has dropped to 77 degrees? Or the ambient temps?

If it's the ambient temps...I would imagine the room you've moved the rack into is colder, or draftier than the other one.

If it's the hotspot...have you checked the thermometer probe placement? (assuming you use one with a probe) Also, have you checked all the connections between the power cord and the heat tape to make sure nothing came lose in the transport?

[Spooky]

The room I moved the rack into does have a small draft but overall is much warmer than where it was before. I checked the probe placement and it's right where it always is. I actually taped the probe cord to the back of the rack a long time ago so it wouldn't shift during moves. I used my infrared temp gun to check the temp of the actual heat tape and the tape itself was reading low. All my connections look good though I'm no electrician.

[JLC]

I dunno what else to suggest.

In the meantime, do you have a small space heater you could use to raise the ambient temps into the mid 80's until they've fully digested their meals?

If no one else chimes in here, you might give Rich at Reptile Basics a call tomorrow. He may be much better at helping to troubleshoot electrical issues.

[Spooky]

I do actually have a small space heater, good tip I'm gonna plug it in right now. What I'm starting to think is the power strip is shot and the heat isn't getting any power. Does anyone know if I could temporarily plug the heat directly into an outlet? I figure it might just turn the heat cable on full power but I'm not sure if it would burn it out.

[JLC]

I do actually have a small space heater, good tip I'm gonna plug it in right now. What I'm starting to think is the power strip is shot and the heat isn't getting any power. Does anyone know if I could temporarily plug the heat directly into an outlet? I figure it might just turn the heat cable on full power but I'm not sure if it would burn it out.

Wouldn't that bypass the thermostat? If so, I would NOT plug it directly into the wall...not for the risk of burning it out...but because of the risk of burning the snakes with an unregulated heat source.

If you mean to plug the thermostat directly into the wall...I think that would be fine.

EDIT to add one more thought: If you mean to plug the heat directly into the wall just to test the theory that it's the powerstrip or t-stat at fault...then that should be fine. Just test that it warms up and then unplug it until you can get a new t-stat or get the current one fixed.

[RichsBallPythons]

Rich will repair it for you fairly cheap. Contact him and he may ask you to ship it to him for inspections.

You could also open it up and check to see if any wires were tugged loose and or shows burning.

[Spooky]

Alright, problem still exsists but I have more information. Called AP and they told me to try plugging in the heat cable directly to determine if that's the problem. Plugged it in and no heat at all, culprit found so I think. My new problem is AP can't get me a new cable until monday and friday I leave for Florida. I have my rack currently sandwiched between a radiator and a space heater and my ambient temps are running between 84-89. All my snakes seem fine and are acting normal I'm just beyond stressed. Thanks for all the advice so far and I'm more than willing to continue to listen to suggestions.

[MitsuMike]

I would lower the temps down to 80ish. If the snakes get too hot they can't escape the heat (at 89) but at 80 they won't develop an RI and that is what the ambient temp should be anyway.