Not a good day, but could have been worse..

[zina10]

glad your snakes are ok. i use aluminum tape to tape the wire and the probe stays under the heat tape great!

I could use that to tape the wire, but not supposed to use it on the probe itself (according to thermostat instructions)

But since the probe attaches to the side wall inside the rack, not underneath the tubs, I need something to keep the probe in contact with the tape, as gravity won't help me with that. I wish I could use the alu tape, as it sticks like crazy and its easy to use, but now I'm paranoid, LOL.

Hm, I guess I could push the probe between the wall and the tape, but since nothing is sitting on top of the tape, I'm not sure it would keep good contact that way.

I might try to use the probe under the tape, under a tub, in the recess. But I will have to see if that pushes the tape up to high, to where the tub will rub on it each time I pull it in and out.

[JodanOrNoDan]

I used aluminum tape for everything that did not have exposed contacts. I never had a problem. I am not a chemist but i would think that the temp fluctuations would really screw with the hot glue. Silicone maybe?? I am definitely open to better ideas also, since my isolation rack still has heat tape.

[zina10]

I used aluminum tape for everything that did not have exposed contacts. I never had a problem. I am not a chemist but i would think that the temp fluctuations would really screw with the hot glue. Silicone maybe?? I am definitely open to better ideas also, since my isolation rack still has heat tape.

I've never tried the Alu Tape for that. If that was ok, it would be a great way. It sticks well and takes heat.

But I'm hesitant to use it, it says in the instructions to not use any metal tape, it can create false readings or a "heat sink" or something along those lines ? Perhaps I need to investigate this further.

[zina10]

This is what I'm talking about .

This is in the Herpstat directions. Does that perhaps only apply to Herpstat thermostats ??

[JodanOrNoDan]

I've never tried the Alu Tape for that. If that was ok, it would be a great way. It sticks well and takes heat.

But I'm hesitant to use it, it says in the instructions to not use any metal tape, it can create false readings or a "heat sink" or something along those lines ? Perhaps I need to investigate this further.

If heat syncing is why that is being recommended maybe surround the sensor with hot glue then put the aluminum tape over that. I am somewhat guessing because like I said, I have had no problems. Hopefully someone that has actually had an issue will chime in to help you out.

[Reinz]

I went through a very similar thing once. The probe slipped out the back of an enclosure. I was fortunate to catch it soon as well.

So glad to hear that no one is worse for wear Zina.

[Ax01]

the aluminum tape doesn't cover the probe, it only secures the wire. the probe is underneath and in direct contact with the heat tape in my racks. is there a way for u to secure the probe and wire using a screw/fastener? something like this:

[cletus]

I use aluminum tape for pretty much every except securing the probe to the flex watt. I use a little piece of black electrical tape for that. Just on the tip to keep it flat and flush against the flex watt. I do use hot glue to secure thermometer probes inside my tubs.

[zina10]

the aluminum tape doesn't cover the probe, it only secures the wire. the probe is underneath and in direct contact with the heat tape in my racks. is there a way for u to secure the probe and wire using a screw/fastener? something like this:

Hm, not really. The heat tape runs inside of the rack. It starts on a side wall (flush against the inside wall) then runs under the tub, in a recess, then up the other side wall, under the next tup, up the opposite sidewall and so on. It sort of "snakes" it way in a "s" shape under each tup and up a wall. The probe is attached to the tape on the side wall, as I can't put it under the tub (would rub the tub I think)

Here are a couple pics, disregard the weird reflection on back wall..

This is the bottom shelf. To the right is where the flex tape begins. You can see the holes where the cable comes in for the heat tape and also for the probe. Probe is fastened right there.



Picture from further away, the distorted looking thing in the back is just a reflection of the heat tape



and this is the next shelf up



Hope this clears it up a bit..

and yes, time to vacuum and dust in there !!

[Ax01]

are u opposed to moving the placement of your probe altogether? like this. run the wire like the arrows and place the probe in the recessed channel underneath the tape where the star is.