Heat cord routing & Installation specifics

[Mr.James]

I know there has been many threads on this subject but I need some specific questions answered if anyone can help out, who has experience with these setups it would be greatly appreciated.

I have a Dremel bit fitted into the drill to create two small channels for the heat cord into melamine, this is just going to be a one level shelf to heat a couple of tubs. I have a thermostat to use with the heat cord.

Now once the channels are done do I need to put any kind of protection (eg. silicone, tape etc..) before placing the heat cord into the channels? It is a 20W heat cord.

Second question: Do I need to place anything on top of the cord before I place the tubs on top?

Third question: Should the thermostat probe sit inside one tub in contact with the base (plastic) or should it sit wedge between the underside of the tub & the heat cord?

 

[Jay84]

Hey there,

There seems to be no need to line the routed groves with anything. I just place the heat cord directly into these groves. I do however then cover these with aluminium tape, this conducts the heat and spreads it over a greater surface, therefore heating a greater area.

In regards to thermostat probe placement, i have heard different things, i myself have this placed on the substrate of one of the tubs, to get an accurate temp reading where the animal will actually be in contact with the substrate.

 

[Mr.James]

Thanks Jay, I just thought I'd check & get fresh up to date answers instead of relying on old threads.

I'll have to see if mitre10 stock the aluminium tape, would the fact the heat is then trapped potentially cause any problems?

& yes the where to place probe question I'm sure will get a few different answers...I would have thought in the substrate aswell..but some say in contact with the heat source..?

 

[Bez84]

ive used a similar setup to heat a few tubs in the past, i just put cord in grooves and keep it in there with cloth tape.
I sit one side of the tubs on the cord, you can put tiles ontop if you want and it should even out the heat a bit better.
Also id sit the probe in one tub at the hot end, stick it threw the top and have the probe sittin on the floor of the tub.

 

[Mr.James]

Tiles are easy enough..I'll have to test it out, not sure if the 20W cord will heat the tile enough to heat the tub aswell, having only two channels..

 

[Bez84]

if you can add more slots or space them closer together

 

[Mr.James]

I've just finished routing two channels in and setup them up, so I'll see how the temps go. I don't think I'll attempt it again without the right power tools...LOL! They turned out very average & not so straight. (so no pics lol)

No aluminum tape used, & probe is inside the tub touching the base above the heat cord.

 

[Choco]

Mr Boyd,
Yeah I'd be interested in seeing how the results turned out.

Cheers,
Allan