?AP Rack Heat Cable Life ?

[spykerherps]

Well I ordered a replacement heat cable for yet another rack and ordered an extra in case I had another failure and thank goodness cause tonight another went out.

Those Using AP racks what have you found to be the longevity of the heat cables? I was wondering if it had to do with the type of thermstat I am using right now. this is what I am using http://www.bigappleherp.com/site/po...ia.nl?id=3944&c=583636&h=d12f223465ebf5f3c17c for my racks
do you think I need to invest in helix or herpstats. I was wondering if the life span had to do with it being a proportional thermostat or not.

I also will be contacting AP but just wanted your opinions.

THX

 

[geckobabies]

Old post but just wanted to share. Every AP rack I've had has had the cable burn out within two years. I've heard this happening from many people that have their racks. I love AP and their service is great. Contact them they will replace.. but it IS a pain.

 

[spykerherps]

I'm pretty sure it is due to the thermostats being proportianal or not. I admit I was trying to save some money and went to the local reptile shop and got the best non proportionals I could get (which where still like 40 or $50) it would have been cheeper after the fact of all these replacements to go with a helix or herpstat.

AP is great. But the only place that I have seen ap state they suggest the use of proportionals with their units is on the thermostats page on their site. unless it is on the directions that come with the rack which is my fault cause I skip the directions on most things that come with them.

So I suggest a WARNING to those using the racks with out proportionals (I know your out there). They can blow out. both my units with out proportionals had spots on them that looked like they had blown out and they were ruffly 3 to 4 years old. Luckaly their was no damage to the rack or the tubs with geckos in them, I check temps multiple times a day on a regular bases just to makes sure everything is running smoothly, if not caught in time it could have had a more serious affect.

After the fact it does make seance to use the proportionals. the on/offs are just to hard on the cords.
I guess its just something you learn about along the way. you either learn it yourself or read through a million posts.