another flexwatts heat tape question

[francisco_24]

So I finally decided to give building my own rack a try after being so close to buying one.
Main reason(aside from being cheaper)was the wait time. I did not want to wait a month to get my rack.

My only concern is the flexwatts heat tape. I've been reading stuff about it and how to set it up & most everything I read says to daisy chain the shelves, but would it be bad if I just use one long piece of flexwatts and just do a "S" kinda pattern to avaid all the soldering since I dont know how to solder.

Also, if I do have to daisy chain the flexwatts..where do I get the the wires to solder the different pieces of flexwatts together? ...I'm thinking from an extension cord, right? just wanted to be sure.

Thanks!

[DakotaB]

You dont have to go the solder method, you can use the clamps. But on the S shaping. Be careful about over heating. Each bin is gonna have bottom and side heat. But you should be alright. Just be sure not to get the tub caught on it when u remove and put them back.

[francisco_24]

You dont have to go the solder method, you can use the clamps. But on the S shaping. Be careful about over heating. Each bin is gonna have bottom and side heat. But you should be alright. Just be sure not to get the tub caught on it when u remove and put them back.

That's what I was thinking at first but after reading about how soldering is the best way to go, I think that's what I want to do.

I'm thinking that if I do go for the S shape, I can order the flexwatts from helixcontrols.com and have them do the only soldering necessary.

[mikel81]

Reptilebasics will wire flexwatt for free.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/flexwatt-heat-tape

[kitedemon]

No there is no problem running a long s curve either. The thing to remember is unless you plan carefully the top slot only has heat on the bottom not the bottom and up one side and the temps can be lower there so if you do choose this run it along the side of the top and end there as if there was another level above it.

[francisco_24]

No there is no problem running a long s curve either. The thing to remember is unless you plan carefully the top slot only has heat on the bottom not the bottom and up one side and the temps can be lower there so if you do choose this run it along the side of the top and end there as if there was another level above it.

hadn't even thought of that, you just saved me a whole bunch of work.

ill keep you guys updated on how it all turns out

thanks so much!

[kitedemon]

I would not have either but a few weeks ago some one had wacky rack temps the top being the coolest (usually the warmest) and this is exactly how that one was set up and that missing 4 inches made a few degrees of difference.