Rack design and heat tape maintenance.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I just didn't want to loose structural integrity by having the whole back come off. 12" x 12" heat tape for each level and maybe a 10" strip down the back to come off would be enough. I plan to route the wires straight down that strip. This way I still have strong corners that are permanent. I was going to hinge and latch that panel so no screws to bother with. I may go with a 12" door. Your right 8" wouldn't be enough but 10-12 wi be I think.

As for removing the heat tape... I was going to use foil tape to hold it down. I haven't thought about removing it for cleanings but that isn't a bad idea. Maybe I can just screw thin pieces of acrylic along the sides to hold it down. I will probably just tape it though. Something to think about.

Have you used the THG heat tape with the new connectors? Exclusive snakes carry it in Canada! Very happy about this. For my personal reasons I want to support that product. I am just not sure how much I like the connections. I hate soldering but I may consider it. Lol again I a. Leaning on your experiences. I would trust the alligator type clips and theatre insulators. I also true solder. I think the new connection is interesting. I love the low profile and heavey duty insulator tape makes sense. I just don't know about that rivet. The flat part will make good contact but if the hole the rivet goes through is loose at all it could cause a potential issue.

I have some of the THG Heat tape with the riveted connections. Personally I think it is a much better connection than the old clip system. There is no play in it at all.