Very important question, help needed

[hotrod128z]

Ok, I know this isn't the right place to post but it does get the most traffic and I need info before tomorrow.

I need to know how the best method of using a rheostat/dimmer for a back up to my thermostat. How is the best way to plug everything up using this method, you know "plug this into that and that into this, etc.". I am going to be using a Herpstat Pro on at least 3 racks if that helps. I know this sounds totally novice but I am new to the whole back up the thermostat thing, but truth is now a days I am at work a lot more than at home so I can't monitor the equipment nearly as much as I used to be able to. So now I know that I really need a back up just in case of thermostat failure.

Much thanks in advance


hotrod

[dapozer]

edited, . you would have to have the rheostat running the tanks and the pro as your back up. so pro into wall set at upper level, then rheostat set to tank desired temp that way the rheostat would decrease elect current to heaters for desired level and in case of failure the pro could shut all power down when reaching desired high level. I am going to use a ranco to back up mine.

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[nitram]

agreed. use the rheo to the heat source and plug it into the tstat. set the tstat at a higher temp than usual.

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[Smtie]

Yep I agree with dapozer completely. The thermostat has to control the dimmer and the dimmer control the heat source. So t-stat into wall, dimmer into t-stat, heat source into dimmer and thermostat probe in cage on hotspot.

If you attempted to control the thermostat with a dimmer/rheo you would just be limiting the voltage to the thermostat itself, causing it to turn off and possibly reset your temps or damage the unit.

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[hotrod128z]

Originally Posted by dapozer

edited, . you would have to have the rheostat running the tanks and the pro as your back up. so pro into wall set at upper level, then rheostat set to tank desired temp that way the rheostat would decrease elect current to heaters for desired level and in case of failure the pro could shut all power down when reaching desired high level. I am going to use a ranco to back up mine.

ok, so if I were to go with a ranco(could have one here within a day or so), would I use it as the back up and my herpstat as my primary? I 'm starting to think that a rheostat as a back up is not a good idea with multiple racks, am I correct?


hotrod

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[Icicle]

Why not just buy another Herpstat pro and be done with it.

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[hotrod128z]

Originally Posted by Icicle

Why not just buy another Herpstat pro and be done with it.

Well I also have a Helix on a small rack but I always thought that you shouldn't back up a proportional thermostat with another proportional thermostat. Maybe I'm wrong, but that was always my understanding.


hotrod

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[Icicle]

I thought having a back up meant having one on hand encase one went bad.
Besides why would you want to plug into a rheostat.
Herpstat sends out X amount of power when temp comes to point.
it would seam that if you had your rheostat in between that and heat source Power would always be at 100%.

The Herpstat will do 0%, 10%, 20%, and all the way up to 100% power depending on desired temp.
Just doesn't make any sense to me.

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[Morgans Boas]

Your best bet is to plug your proportional t-stat into an on/off style t-stat as a back-up . The reostat is just a dimmer , and will not work as a back-up.

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[Smtie]

Originally Posted by Icicle

I thought having a back up meant having one on hand encase one went bad.
Besides why would you want to plug into a rheostat.
Herpstat sends out X amount of power when temp comes to point.
it would seam that if you had your rheostat in between that and heat source Power would always be at 100%.

The Herpstat will do 0%, 10%, 20%, and all the way up to 100% power depending on desired temp.
Just doesn't make any sense to me.

Having a "back up" is having a device that oversees your herpstat. In the event that your herpstat fails in the on position, continuing to heat your cages, your back up device will kick in and shut the power down. Your back-up should be set a few degrees higher than your desired hot spot temp.

Basically if your t-stat fails and your not home you dont come home to a bunch of fried reptiles, or a burnt down house.

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[Smtie]

Originally Posted by hotrod128z

ok, so if I were to go with a ranco(could have one here within a day or so), would I use it as the back up and my herpstat as my primary? I 'm starting to think that a rheostat as a back up is not a good idea with multiple racks, am I correct?
hotrod

I'd use the ranco as the back up and your herpstat as the primary. Rancos burn out quicker from what I hear. They aren't exactly designed to be turning on and off as often as they do when used with reptile mats/flex watt. Whereas the herpstat is and will keep your racks closer to your ideal temps.

I'm not a fan of dimmers, they burn out quick when their loads are pushed and multiple racks will most likely do that.

I'm not sure if starving your heatsource of its optimal voltage effects its life span either? If something is designed to run on 110v I'd imagine giving it 110v on and off would be better than giving it say 80 constantly.

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[dapozer]

The Ranco is the perfect back up. It is easy to adjust and set, has very few issues, and is priced right for a top of the line t-stat. It is an on-off-on type t stat. set to 4 degrees hotter than norm hot spot and go. The pro has a great reliability record and is programmed to fail in the off mode but I fully understand the need for the back up. go ranco and don't look back.

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[Stargazer]

I'm under the impression that digital thermostats don't have this overheating problem if they fail. Is this true? Also, there are some thermostats on the market that already have their own back-up, even one inexpensive analog (on/off) type.

The best resource I've found for info on thermostats and rheostats is Bob Pound of Pro-Products. He manufactures radiant heat panels and is an expert on heating sources. Here is his info:

promist@comcast.net
Welcome to Pro-Products!
845-628-8960

But sounds like you're already getting some good advice here.

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