How to Solder Flexwatt

[RichsBallPythons]

This is how my racks are done, Each rack gets its own surge protector and plug per shelf.


I number everything, The power strips number is which rack its powering, And numbers on the cords, represent which shelf its powering. And then each plug has a smaller number indicating which surge protector it goes to.

[armison89]

is the solder that comes with the soldering iron the stuff i need?

[RichsBallPythons]

is the solder that comes with the soldering iron the stuff i need?

If is says Rosin Core on it then yes

[armison89]

yes it does thanks. i will be doing a diy thread in the next few days with lots of pics.

[kitedemon]

I would just add that cheap vinyl insulated cord the insulation burns easily and at low temperatures I would recommend using a high heat flame retardant insulation on the wires, the type found on cord designed for heaters. IMO anything that might help prevent a fire is worth the effort.

[gardenfiend138]

So i just did my first try at soldering flexwatt, but I watched this video AFTER I completed all 4 sections... I did not put any solder onto the flexwatt, but rather melted it over the top of the wire and sort of smashed it on and rolled it around. I have insulated all the metal and plugged it in, and it is working. If there is a poor connection, will it not work at all? Or basically, how do I know if I have a good connection? I gave it a little tug (not too hard though..), and it definitely holds when I carry the heat tape by the cord, does this mean I'm probably good? Thanks!

[gardenfiend138]

So my heat tape is now maxing out between 100-110 depending on the piece (just laying flat on ground). Does this mean I might not have a good connection? I'd rather re-do it all now than have to take the rack apart later to get to it... Thanks for the input!

[spitzu]

I would take it all apart and make sure you do it right. Saving yourself some time and a few bucks is not worth the risk of running a few extreme fire hazards 24/7.

[gardenfiend138]

Yeah I decided on that... so I re-did 1, gave it a huge tug, still stuck. I have them all plugged in right now to see what the max out at and even the one I just re-did is still maxing out around 100. I'm starting to think this has been an epic fail! The solder I'm using is pretty thick (.062"), could that be affecting my ability to do this correctly?

[RichsBallPythons]

open air flexwatt will only max in 100-110. Within in the racks itll hit up to 120F. So your fine with your connections