Rack Heating Question

[Flikky]

I just got a 32qt rack from a show. This is my first rack and it has 3 inch heat tape in the back. I have a herpstat 1 hooked up to it and that is working fine. The probe is placed on the tape in the correct way (Builder did it himself and other breeder that uses the rack confirmed it) and the tape has been on for about 4 hours. With a temp gun, the tape reads 90 degrees but the rack is not warm. The tape doesn't even feel warm at all. Is this normal? I'm confused..

[kitedemon]

Your body temp is 98º anything under this will not feel overly warm. What is the cool side temp? Racks are quite sensitive to the room temp they are located in. typically racks are kept in rooms at or close to 80º this helps them maintain correct hot spots and cool/ambient temps.

[PitOnTheProwl]

90 degrees is below your body temp
you cannot judge by feel, that is what a temp gun is for

[Flikky]

Your body temp is 98º anything under this will not feel overly warm. What is the cool side temp? Racks are quite sensitive to the room temp they are located in. typically racks are kept in rooms at or close to 80º this helps them maintain correct hot spots and cool/ambient temps.

Wow I feel slightly dumb not thinking about it that way with the body temp. The cool side is 79.5 which is what my room is currently.

[kitedemon]

That is perfect. Sounds like you have it basically figured at this point.

[Flikky]

Alright Thanks so much!

[barbie.dragon]

When it's 90 you should be able to feel it in your hand. Only your CORE body temps are 98. Extremities are significantly less. It can range from 81 (out in the cold) to 90 (when you've been sitting in a warm room). I would get a temp gun though. It's my favorite thing I bought

[kitedemon]

Speak for your self... My hands sitting here at my computer at this moment are 95.8ºF...

[PitOnTheProwl]

speak for your self... :d my hands sitting here at my computer at this moment are 95.8ºf...

x2

[barbie.dragon]

Yeah because you're in a warm environment. But your extremities are usually cooler than your core temperature...