Issue with heat tape temps in rack...

[redshepherd]

My 4 level rack is set up with a different heat tape square and its own plug per level. So I have four plugs, and plug them all into an extension cord, and plug the extension cord into the herpstat.

The problem I'm still having is the heat tapes are all different temps, and particularly the level the probe is sitting under, often randomly jumps up to 94 degrees, while the other levels are 88~91. But sometimes it'll just be 91~92 degrees. What's the problem here? Does this just happen when the heat tapes are on different plugs in an extension cord? I tried switching around the plugs, but it's the same.

[Kaorte]

Heat rises. Are your top levels the ones getting hotter? Which level is the probe on? You also might have some faulty flexwatt connections. Maybe double check and re-solder them.

[Eric Alan]

Are the tape squares all the same width, length and brand?

[redshepherd]

Heat rises. Are your top levels the ones getting hotter? Which level is the probe on? You also might have some faulty flexwatt connections. Maybe double check and re-solder them.

No, it's the 3rd level with the probe under it. I really hope it's not flexwatt connection problems, because I have no idea how to fix it. The rack maker made the heat tape for me, and he glued down the cords on the heat tape using this black sticking putty stuff.

The top (4th) level is around 89~90, the 3rd level is randomly 91~95, the 2nd level and first level are both around 88~90.

Are the tape squares all the same width, length and brand?

Yes they are, they're 12" flexwatt.

[Kaorte]

Try moving the probe up or down a shelf and see what happens.

[redshepherd]

I only just realized when I went to measure again... some spots on the same heat tape will give me 97, while another spot 1 inch to the left will give me 89 and another spot will be 90~93, whatever within 89~97. Wtf lol. Is this normal for heat tape or is my heat tape broken? Could the way the heat tape is wired cause this?

I doublechecked if it's a broken temp gun by measuring different spots on in my dumeril's enclosure, and it's accurate (around 90).

[Albert Clark]

The different plugs (levels) all plugged into a extension cord is going to be problematic and potentially dangerous. Is the extension cord a surge protector type? I would consider a Herpstat 4 for this situation or a top quality surge protector may help. Belkin Electronics makes the best surge protectors and extension cords. Just my thoughts and i hope this helps you. The varying degrees along the heat tape i think is normal.

[redshepherd]

I can't move the probe to a different shelf, because it sits in the recess in the pvc, below the heat tape.

The different plugs (levels) all plugged into a extension cord is going to be problematic and potentially dangerous. Is the extension cord a surge protector type? I would consider a Herpstat 4 for this situation or a top quality surge protector may help. Belkin Electronics makes the best surge protectors and extension cords. Just my thoughts and i hope this helps you. The varying degrees along the heat tape i think is normal.

Darn, I thought it seemed iffy, but the rack maker seems to make all his heat tapes this way and he said it was alright. No idea if that's true or not LOL.

I don't think the extension cord is surge protected. What kind of risks does not having a surge protected cord have?

Thanks for the reply Albert

[Aste88]

My 4 level rack is set up with a different heat tape square

Has the tape the same size and wattage on all the levels?

If it is try moving the probe and making sure it's well attached to the tape and possibly with some heat refracting tape to keep the temp stable.

There's always a bit of difference between levels. Extension cords are used on all professional racks and a surge protector AFTER the thermostat seems an overkill. Before is suggested tho.

[Albert Clark]

Well, the biggest risk is fire of course. Especially with a overloaded extension cord. Remember that these simple extension cords internal diodes and structures wear out and become faulty. I was told they should be replaced annually. You are probably okay but i would look into at least a surge protector extension cord until you can really figure out something alternative. And thats easy , to replace the cord and it might even correct the issue.