Quote Originally Posted by CaGirl5 View Post
I had a zoomed heat pad short out and catch fire a few weeks ago. I wouldn't say it's rare. You can google it and its happened to tons of people. A thermostat wouldn't be able to do anything in that situation.
This is a good case for reptile specfic better T-stats (Herpstat,Helix,ecozone,herpkeeper,habistat •VE series• I am unsure about it is not mentioned in manual or specs...) If the probe were to be damaged in a short it still cuts power. Other units may when the probe is damages continue to power the pad. This is also a good case for a failsafe which will shut down the power in a short.