Helix Question

[FIREball]

OK everything has been working great the last three months with temps and my probe being about an inch behind the flexwatt. I was cleaning my tubs the other day and smelled something burning, what had happened was the flexwatt temp was around 130 (Helix was set at 96) and had gotten so hot it started melting a hole in the Iris tub (thank god no snakes were harmed!). The rack is a RB so the tubs arent sitting on the flexwatt but since then I placed the probe back directly on the flexwatt and set to 98. Temps are back down to mid to upper 80s on warm side and 80 on cool side. Room temps get no lower than 74 at night and no warmer than 80 during the day.

[starmom]

I would call Rich at RBI and run this past him. He is very knowledgeable about heating issues and obviously knows his product. He'll help you out so you can get it right!

[twh]

this is a prime example of how 10 watt flexwatt is potentially dangerous.when you can get working temps with 6 watt why use 10 watt? not only is there a overheating potential but when running several racks there is a real cost savings to using 6 watt.

to the original poster you were wise to go thru the tweaking process with a empty rack,many people don't.have fun !

OK everything has been working great the last three months with temps and my probe being about an inch behind the flexwatt. I was cleaning my tubs the other day and smelled something burning, what had happened was the flexwatt temp was around 130 (Helix was set at 96) and had gotten so hot it started melting a hole in the Iris tub (thank god no snakes were harmed!). The rack is a RB so the tubs arent sitting on the flexwatt but since then I placed the probe back directly on the flexwatt and set to 98. Temps are back down to mid to upper 80s on warm side and 80 on cool side. Room temps get no lower than 74 at night and no warmer than 80 during the day.

[starmom]

this is a prime example of how 10 watt flexwatt is potentially dangerous.when you can get working temps with 6 watt why use 10 watt? not only is there a overheating potential but when running several racks there is a real cost savings to using 6 watt.

to the original poster you were wise to go thru the tweaking process with a empty rack,many people don't.have fun !

Oooops!~ not so fast!!
I don't see that we were told whether he has back heat or belly heat for the rack system from RBI. On Rich's website he says: "Heating is accomplished with 11" Flexwatt heat tape on the back OR 3" Flexwatt in the shelves for the belly heat. Heat tape is fully recessed into the shelves for long product life and safety." This is for the 4-drawer 32-qt rack system that he says he has. So, if he has the belly heat, that is 3 watts. Also, on Rich's site under Flexwatt FAQ's, he states that putting the t'stat probe directly on the tape is the way to do it.
I really believe that he needs to get in touch with Rich and figure out what is going on.
My 2 cents (sense?!)

[twh]

the original poster mentioned several times that he moved the probe BEHIND the flexwatt in his tweaking process,this would be impossible with back heat,so it's reasonable to assume he's using 3" belly heat which comes in 6 watt or 10 watt per foot (not 3 watt as you mentioned).RB only lists the 10 watt at there site.

Oooops!~ not so fast!!
I don't see that we were told whether he has back heat or belly heat for the rack system from RBI. On Rich's website he says: "Heating is accomplished with 11" Flexwatt heat tape on the back OR 3" Flexwatt in the shelves for the belly heat. Heat tape is fully recessed into the shelves for long product life and safety." This is for the 4-drawer 32-qt rack system that he says he has. So, if he has the belly heat, that is 3 watts. Also, on Rich's site under Flexwatt FAQ's, he states that putting the t'stat probe directly on the tape is the way to do it.
I really believe that he needs to get in touch with Rich and figure out what is going on.
My 2 cents (sense?!)

[starmom]

Yes, you're right, I see that now on Rich's FAQ page. I still feel it is important for the poster to contact Rich and see what is going on since he is having big problems. We don't know how many racks he's got hooked up and since he moved the probe off the tape....well, we just don't know enough about his situation. Really, I would have called Rich right away; but that's just me!

the original poster mentioned several times that he moved the probe BEHIND the flexwatt in his tweaking process,this would be impossible with back heat,so it's reasonable to assume he's using 3" belly heat which comes in 6 watt or 10 watt per foot (not 3 watt as you mentioned).RB only lists the 10 watt at there site.

[FIREball]

I did call Rich right away and got his voicemail, still havent heard back. I have (2) of his 4 unit 32qt tub racks hooked up to one Helix. Also I do have the belly heat.

[starmom]

Shoot him an email from his site. He has always responded to me well within 24 hours! Also, one Helix can easily deal with 2 stacked racks. Huh, I wonder what the heck is going on?? Keep us posted....

I did call Rich right away and got his voicemail, still havent heard back. I have (2) of his 4 unit 32qt tub racks hooked up to one Helix. Also I do have the belly heat.