another fire strikes one of our own

[ReptilesK2]

One main reason I say Stay away from the clip insulator sets on Flexwatt, When they get loose they spark. Which is capable of causing problems like fires to happen.


Solder every connection and do so the right way and you should never have problems unless you overload the circuits.

Good to know... especially since I use those clip insulators

[RichsBallPythons]

Good to know... especially since I use those clip insulators

Seen it happen when they come loose, T-stat kicks on/off and you see small blue sparks. Which if house is dusty will ignite it and or melt the tubs burning the snakes.

When wiring up anything take your time and test it. When I solder and plug in flexwatt, I tug on the wire as its plugged in. If all still a go ill be good to go.

[Robyn@SYR]

I have struggled to think about this over the past couple of days.

I know how hard it is, and how long it lasts.

But I didn't lose my home. Grant did. That's an entirely different level.

I am really sad about this. I trust that Grant will find strength within, and strength from others, as we did.

And things will never be the same.

[Mike41793]

One main reason I say Stay away from the clip insulator sets on Flexwatt, When they get loose they spark. Which is capable of causing problems like fires to happen.


Solder every connection and do so the right way and you should never have problems unless you overload the circuits.

Now you got me all worried lol. Is there a video or a set of pics on exactly what youre talking about? I learn better by seeing it.

[RichsBallPythons]

[Wes]

I feel for him and wish him and his family the best.. Is that the same Grant Whitmer that fought MMA?

[kitedemon]

I hope that he gets back on his feet soon it is a devastating loss.

I am going to add a recommendation to soldering flexwatt. Use heater cord not cheap lamp cord. It is higher power rating but also higher heat and will catch on fire at the source of an arc unlike plastic lamp type cord, it is a few cents more but worth the cost IMO.

Nothing can replace checking every connection on a regular basis. I clean my rack once a month and check every connection and the flexwatt during the cleaning every time.

[L.West]

Ok, now I'm freaking out. I bought my racks from RBI already wired with flexwatt - I have no idea how to check the connections - you can barely get to them.

Are the premade racks from RBI soldered or clipped - do I need to be worried about this.

Any help is appreciated.

[Slim]

And things will never be the same.

I went through a similar situation in late '09 when I lost my entire collection to a T-Stat malfunction that resulted in my rack system melting around my snakes. Luckly there was no fire and I did not loose my home. But, you are right, things will never be the same, and I am just now getting back into the BP community.

My thoughts are with Grant and his family. I'm glad they are all safe.

[Don]

Every time I hear of something like this my heart goes out to them. It is a devastating loss and I don't think there are words that can provide comfort.