Tough luck on the rack Jon.......but sounds like it's totally fixable!

I don't recall where the number came from (or if I made it up ) but I believe that the max temp heat tape should be, for safety issues, is 95 degrees to avoid warping and potential fire risk....again I'm not sure on this (I'm sure there is some figure that is the max it should be?)

I personally don't set the temps above 95 on the tape.

Also from VPI's book they talk about their studies finding that the BPs themselves generate about +2 degrees of heat while digesting. They also talk about 90 degree hot spots being on the high side for a BP if I remember correctly.

Depending on the rack and time of year I run my racks anywhere from 90 to 95 on the tape.

Something that might help raise the temps for racks where the tape isn't in direct contact with the tub (the space is routed out) is to use foil tape to add another layer of protection on your tape and to also spread the heat outward more for more surface area.

Hope that helps!