Heat Tape question?

gaparicio

Let's Go Bears!
Messages
617
Location
Chicago
I was wondering if a $10 Dimmer Switch from Home Depot could be used instead of a rheostat or thermostat for heat tape. I saw this Dimmer switch on some breeders web site (can't remember who's) for their UTH's. Would they work for heat tape as well?
 
T

TheHiddenGecko

Guest
I use those exact dimmers. The only bad thing is that you have to keep adjusting it until it reaches your desired temperature.
 

dragonflyreptiles

Resident PITA
Messages
2,139
Location
Winston Salem, NC
The dimmer switch affects the amount of power to the heat tape so As long as the room temps do not change they will work Ok. Once you get it set to your desired temp, if the room temp goes up or down so does the heat on the heat tape.

A rheostat does basically the same thing, only a thermostat can compenstae for temp changes in the room an they can only compenstae of the temps remains below the temp you set.
 

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