Heat Tape And Melting

[sbord_tom]

When you use heat tape to heat you plastic rack or breader chages do you ever have melting or over heating i know you need a heat controler but at even 90* do plastic melt ?

 

[PaulSage]

I don't think 90* would bother the plastic. Afterall, I wash my tubs, hides, etc. in scalding water that's at least 150* and the plastic doesn't even warp. I have seen heat tape that has melted when folded over on itself though.

 

[sbord_tom]

well the plastic contaner says do not leave in hot place and some under tank heaters say do not use with plastic but it's good to know not to fold the heat tape

 

[featheredfamilyfriends]

I've heard horror stories....seems like a high quality dimmer would be a way to go since it limits the amount of electricity(so even if the flex watt tape malfunctions - seems to have that happening or else a on/off thermostat or rheostat I guess its called) it doesn't have enough electricity to fry anything living or melt plastic and cause fumes that are toxic.

 

[featheredfamilyfriends]

Oh and everything I have read says to use heavy duty industry type plastic, Iris tubs were one type I read a lot about in racks.

 

[SC Geckos]

When you use heat tape to heat you plastic rack or breader chages do you ever have melting or over heating i know you need a heat controler but at even 90* do plastic melt ?

90 - 95 degrees is well below the tubs melting point.

I've heard horror stories....seems like a high quality dimmer would be a way to go since it limits the amount of electricity(so even if the flex watt tape malfunctions - seems to have that happening or else a on/off thermostat or rheostat I guess its called) it doesn't have enough electricity to fry anything living or melt plastic and cause fumes that are toxic.

A high quality proportional thermostat is the best way to regulate the heat source.
Also the statement about the dimmer is not correct. A dimmer switch does not lower the voltage at all. It basically acts like a gate that opens and closes to allow voltage through faster or slower depending on where you have it set. If a heat source fails using a dimmer it can "fry" you or the animal just the same as sticking your finger in the socket.