A different kind of heat tape question...

[Zuma22]

I'm getting a couple new additions that are going to have to go on my extra rack, which has been serving as storage for all my supplies. I have 20ft of 6" heat tape that is meant to line that whole rack at some point, but I'm not ready to do that yet as it'll just have one level of snakes on it (and I need the storage space). Anyway, my question is: Can I leave most of it coiled with only the length I need on my rack? So, one end would be plugged in, the tape would run along one level, and then the extra would be coiled off the side (secured with metal clips or something) Does that make sense?

Is it safe for the heat tape to be heated while coiled? I keep my thermostat set to 90. Thanks!!

[Annarose15]

I would be concerned about the combined heat of the coils impacting the integrity of the tape itself. Just run the tape loosely to the other levels without securing it yet, so it isn't sitting in a big hot cluster.

[Zuma22]

Thanks, Anna...that was my concern too. I'll just have to figure something else out!