Rheostats

[Cracker2012]

I am looking into getting some rheostats for my heat tape, just not sure what kind I should get.

I was looking at the zoomed rheostats but they only have high, medium, and low.. It's not like a normal dimmer switch.

 

[SC Geckos]

Any rheostats/dimmer that I have ever seen does not have temp. settings because its not an actual thermostat that has a temp probe. It has no idea what the temps are it just changes the voltage that is sent to the heater or light depending on which way you turn the dial. The only way they work properly is to set everything up and monitor the temps. Slowly adjust the rheostat until you are in the range you are looking for. I would recommend an actual thermostat with a probe. That way you can set it for a certain temp.

 

[acpart]

If you want to deal with adjusting the rheostat, go to Home Depot or Lowes and get a "lamp dimmer". It plugs into the UTH on one side and the wall outlet on the other side. It's less than $20.

Aliza

 

[Cracker2012]

Anyone have the zoomed rheostat, and like it?

I'm getting my supplies tomorrow, and I just want to be sure what I am getting.

Also for temp. guns what do you recommend? I'd like it to be accurate, good quality and fairly cheap.

 

[forgivenick]

I would get them from amazon if you can wait a day or two.

An actual THERMOSTAT for under $30 (way better than a rheostat):
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPRTC-Digital-Thermostat-Heat/dp/B000NZZG3S

Temp gun for under $20 (I have this one. It works well.)
http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Temperature-Non-Contact-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B00837ZGRY/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

 

[Cracker2012]

Okay so with that thermometer, I hook up my heat tape, plug it into the end of the thermometer, and place the probe to accurately take the temp. Plug it into the wall with the attached cord?