THG Heat Tape Question..

[zeion97]

Assuming I understand your question correctly, if you have the sections wired with seperate plugs, as in multiple slots in a rack, just plug them all into a powerstrip and plug that into your t-stat. I usually just paralell connect all the sections and run one power cord per rack.

You can either plug them all into a powerbar, or you can simply splice all the "+" wires together, and all the "-" wires together, then splice that to 1 plug. If you don't know how to properly splice wires together then for sure use a power bar!

This is what I meant.. It will be for a 8 tier rack. Also I'm sorry o didn't reply sooner, I just saw that people, had replied.. Can I get a picture to make sure I plug them into the power strip right? I've never done splicing, my father can but he works to much to help me right now, and he's never dealt with THG heat tApw either. Thanks though everyone!

Here is how I do mine and it seems to go loads faster and be far easier to make sure you have a good connection

First I make up a buch of "pig tails" maybe 4-5" long install them in the heat tape as directed. PS I've tried using something other than the crimpers RBI sells for them and don't bother buy the crimpers and live long and prosper.


Then simply cut the female end off of a 10' two strand indoor/outdoor extention cord and seperate the two wires (leaving the plastic casing entact.

No go to your local electrical supply warehouse and get these. Make sure they are for the same gauge wire that your extension cord is.


then starting at the bottom install the tap connectors and pig tails as thus


When you're done you should have a fully wired rack with no risk of poor connections or solder failures.

I do agree, this is sticky worthy. I'm not a expert but I feel after reading that it was more informative than most I've seen. I just don't trust myself to do that yet. Lol. Very very good post though!

[Darkbird]

When the strips have seperate plugs you don't have to worry about how they get plugged into the powerstrip. Most plugs are polarized now anyway so they only go one way. Only time it really matters is when your paralell connecting like freakie frog or I do. But I also solder all my connections so it's really a different method for me. And I wouldn't suggest soldering to anyone unless you are very good at it, as its a good way to screw up expensive heat tape.

[zeion97]

When the strips have seperate plugs you don't have to worry about how they get plugged into the powerstrip. Most plugs are polarized now anyway so they only go one way. Only time it really matters is when your paralell connecting like freakie frog or I do. But I also solder all my connections so it's really a different method for me. And I wouldn't suggest soldering to anyone unless you are very good at it, as its a good way to screw up expensive heat tape.

Thank you very much! I haven't soldered since high school... I WAS good at it but I only have a few weeks of experience, same with welding... I will work on it later, but right now ill just let RB do it.