4x2x2 PVC Build Heating/Ventilation

[Homebody]

With a radiant heat panel,I see that they're placed inside rhe enclosure. How do they keep the snake from burning itself by touching it? How do you maintain a proper gradient with one? Where should one be placed, the wall or the ceiling? And what kind of thermostat should be used with one?

Also, in terms of safety, I hear they may create fire risks. Should their thermostats not be plugged into a surge protector or should they?

In terms of ventilation, I plan to cut some slits across the top and sides that could be partially closed with thin plastic sheets to regulate ventilation/humidity. If I used CHEs would these be redundant since I'll already have lots of ventilation/humidity loss out the cutouts that allow the CHE to radiate down from?

You should place the RHP on the ceiling at one end of the enclosure. They don't get hot enough to burn your snake. The enclosure temperatures will drop the further you get from the RHP creating your gradient. You should use a pulse proportional thermostat because they maintain steadier temperatures and prolong the life of your heating element.

My thermostat is plugged into a surge protector. I don't know if that makes it safer. I put it in there because I needed outlets.

I wouldn't add vents. Retaining heat and humidity is the most important thing with BPs. Unless, you're planning on making your glass front airtight, you'll have adequate ventilation.

I use an 80 watt Vivarium Electronics RHP that I got from Reptile Basics in my 3x2x2 plywood enclosure. You can see my set up here and here.