I have a really stupid Flexwatt question...

[SpiffyYoshi]

This is embarrassing. I know I can wire the first length with an extension cord but I have no idea what to use if I want to add more to the same circuit. I don't want to use something that can't handle the amount of electricity or something like that. Obviously I am not very knowledgeable in this area...

My rack will have 8 levels of 2 foot. Do they sell a type of wire that will work for it at a hardware store? I don't want to have them all individually wired. Thanks.

[Simple Man]

You just use the same wire you used to wire the first chunk up. In my case it is $2 extension cords from Walmart with both ends cut off. You want to make sure to use the same wire for all connections. That is the only important portion!

Regards,

B

[SpiffyYoshi]

You have to buy a bunch of those extension cords?

[dragonboy4578]

I usually use lamp wire. They sell it at home depot in the electrical dept. They can cut it to any length that you like and you can just buy a plug end to attach to it....

[Simple Man]

If you are wiring a bunch of Flexwatt. You can trim them down and use one cord for two portions. I like some slack in mine and I try to keep wire lengths uniform. That helps keeps the resistance the same and the Flexwatt temps closer. If you have different lengths and different wire your temps are going to be a different. It is simple electronics theory.

Regards,

B

[Amon Ra Reptiles]

Just use small pieces of extension cord and wire it in a series like this...



I did it on my rack and this way it only has one plug. Couple things to remember, make sure the total wattage isn't more than you're tstat can handle and make sure all lengths are equal or different lengths of flexwatt will be different temps. Hope this helps have fun and good luck!

[LizardPants]

Depending upon the amount of flexwatt in your run, simple lamp wire may not be safe. Lamp wire and thin gauge extension cords are rated for 15 amps.

You need to calculate the correct amperage that you will need, and you should always exceed the amperage rating by at least 30%. Now in most racks it will be ok, but you should always do the math just in case. Here's the math:

Calculate the total watt draw of the flexwatt. Multiply the total length in feet, by the watt rating per foot (8, 10, 20).
Then use the total watts in the equation of Watt's law to get the amperage
w = total watts
v = voltage
a = amps

w / v = a

[SlitherinSisters]

Just use small pieces of extension cord and wire it in a series like this...



I did it on my rack and this way it only has one plug. Couple things to remember, make sure the total wattage isn't more than you're tstat can handle and make sure all lengths are equal or different lengths of flexwatt will be different temps. Hope this helps have fun and good luck!

x2

[chapskis1]

Or you could just get one long piece of flexwatt and weave it between the levels of the rack.

I have a Boaphile, and I know that is how it is wired, and I think that might be how Reptile Basics makes the racks too.

Either way would work...whatever you are comfortable with and what would work for you.

Also, if you have more than one thermostat, or a herpstat II or something simliar that can control more than one device you could wire the shelves in two seperate sections. Then you would have the freedom of housing different snakes with different temp requirements -- ie balls and maybe colubrids....