Ughh don't tell me I did it wrong..

[mynewturtle]

Well I decided after having the flexwatt for two weeks I decided to wire it. So we use clips put the copper wire through the clamp, clamp it on the heat tape.. connect it to my circut. (coverd with electrical wire dw)
Plug it in my helix.. says its on 5 mins later boom a spark flashes.. and I don't feel it heating. Someone help.

 

[Grinning Geckos]

Can you take pics? That might help.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

Sounds like you short circuited it. Check the power strip and the outlet that it is connected to, to make sure it still works. If the outlet doesn't work, it would be best to call an electrician.

 

[Ccrashca069]

yeah you shorted it. If the socket still works then you shorted out something either your circut or something like the heat tape.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

You couldn't have shorted the heat tape seeing as though it is a controlled short anyway which is what generates the heat lol I would say check the Helix (I dont known if they have a fuse in them) or the power strip it is connected to because all strips are required to have a fuse

 

[Ccrashca069]

I hope it isn't the Helix. Those are nice but expensive.

 

[paulnj]

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/flexwire.shtml

I have a feeling you must have shorted out the power wire going to the heat tape. The heat tape never got power because it didn't heat up. So either the Helix was bad or when you sperated the extension cord wires you exposed one.

Were was the spark coming from and when electric archs it usually leaves a burn. search your wiring and heat tape for a burn mark and there is the problem.

 

[mynewturtle]

I just seen the spark when we plugged it in and it scared the crap out of me. I will check every thing tonight, I have to go to work my helix is still working. So I assume that it was the wire.

 

[Leopardbreeder]

Unless its your hand paul, then you get a tickle from 120v!! lol


Sounds like its the cord. Maybe something touched both sides of the connection on the heat tape?