Heat tape and Heat cord- custom length questions

[DrNick]

Hey all,

firstly I know the heat cord / heat tape topic has been done a million times, and believe me I have searched through all the threads, however I still have a few questions that hopefully members who have used these products can advise me on. I already use pre-made heat cords and heat mats, however my questions are regarding custom made lengths and pros/cons of each:

=> Firstly- is heat cord available without the plug already attached, ie can the cord be purchased and made to custom lengths? (My father in law is a Sparky, so no worries with the wiring)

=> Secondly- I have read a few posts on APS where people have said the heat tape can be dangerous and they have changed back to heat cord. As a wise lady once said; 'please explain'..

the heating will be used for a tub style setup so wont have to be waterproof and will have thermostat control.

TIA,
Nick

[Glimmerman]

Nick, from my research, Heat cord can not be bought in custom lengths. I will have to cut the plug off one and see how it is connected as I too would like to shorten some of mine.

In relation to Heat Tape, I know some people who have used the custom heat tape and have found serious 'hot spots' on the tape. IThey have had tubs melt on this type of tape. The tubs were place where a 'hot spot' was melted through the tub. Luckily the herps were OK. And yes they were all Thermostatically controlled.

Some styles of this tape can exceed 80 degrees Celcius. So to use this without a thermostat in conjunction with a dimmer of some sort would highly advised.

[DrNick]

Thanks glimmerman, I was planning on using cord as my first choice

I had a cord that I trashed removing from my frog tank- I semi-disassembled it but I should have had a look at the wiring at the plug end, D'OH!

I was hoping that there may be forms of heat cord for some industrial uses that would come in different lengths.