Quote Originally Posted by jpman78 View Post
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!
Hey, I know you!

I found that the tape I use to hold the probe to the heat tape actually keeps in some heat as well. So if I temp gun over the exact area that the probe is taped to it will only say, roughly, 96/97 even though that probe thinks it is at 99 since it is insulated by the tape used to hold it down. The other thing is that I have my prob taped to the heat tape on the second from the top slot...which is the hottest slot in the rack. If I move down to the bottom I am at low 90's and the slot above it as well. So these are the absolute hottest temps in my rack.

I agree that these may be 1-2 degrees higher than I would ideally like. Unfortunately, the snakes live with me in my bedroom so I can't stand having the ambient temp in the room hotter than 76 or so. As a result, I have a bit of an exaggerated heat gradient, which is not ideal but has worked just fine thus far. It will be easier when I have a dedicated snake room.

I also have a backup Ranco (as everyone should have a backup!) in case something were to fritz.

JonV