Yes it was on a thermostat and that I know of it is working properly.

Yes it was on the flexwatt placed in a corner where it wouldn't be disturbed.

I highly doubt there have been power surges, they are on surge protectors

It was not damaged when we got it, it defently is now.

And we were going to have the rack built this week and thought we would be alright. It was on two different circuts not all connected together. And weirdly enough the heat tape only shorted UNDER the tubs, not anywhere else.