there is still a chance of it coming loose not to mention on a zoomed heat mat the cord has a nice box right around the cord so it still sticks up quite a bit not to mention for a flexwatt you need to buy thermostat to plug it into heat foil lots of extras that will run you a pretty penny so its not always cheaper this setup is quick and easy and very safe for the snake. a 10 year old can build this rack with no complications (given parental supervision of course).