iHerp Answers: Water pipe heat cable connected to a dimmer...safe?

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Water pipe heat cable connected to a dimmer...safe?

Posted By:

gluttony32

Theres a vid of this somewhere, and It looks pretty safe..I was wondering if anybody has or is using this method.


Points:	150
Topics:	Caging , Caging Plans , Heating
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Member Comment

1/26/2012 12:35:20 AM

Doomtrooper

It should be safe as long as it is wired correctly Just keep an eye on it for a while

Member Comment

1/26/2012 2:12:35 AM

spiderboy1974

I 2nd doom but would check it with a temp gun if you have one!! i dont know how hot they get.

Member Comment

1/26/2012 10:49:46 AM

NCCPythons

I build my own racks and that is what I use, minus the dimmer as I just plug in to my Helix therm. Have never had a problem. But as Doom mentioned, as a test, I would set it up (minus the animals) and run it for about a week only when you are home.

Accepted Answer

1/28/2012 6:58:20 PM

Jeffriey

I have before and I know a lot of people that use heat cables for water pipes, roof and gutter de-icing because you can get them in pretty long lengths and it is cheaper to buy. They are always hooked up to a Helix or other control. Some of these cables can get pretty hot. Dimmers have been used for years to adjust heating. It's pretty old school. The problem with them is if there is any fluctuation in room temperature you're going to have the same in your enclosure, where a thermostat will keep the temps constant. You would need to always monitor the temps.

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