Heat Tape

[MrLang]

How does this compare with the same test run on the other tape? I saw that video because a youtube friend had commented, got a little spooked, but I trust science a lot more than a random dude on youtube.

[Reptilebasics]

I had very similar results. Again, this varies a lot depending on backround temp and the insulators used and how well they "sink" the heat. To put this in a little perspective- You take a hot shower and wash your hands in water at around 115. The number sounds big but is not. The danger here is that the laminates used (either make) will not tolerate that for ever and will start to break down and wrinkle. Eventually this changes the resistance at the point in the element and it fails.

[Reptilebasics]

You want to calculate the wattage density (watts/sq ft.) - the 1" width is your difference in wattage.