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Info TGR Rack Heat Tape Connection Issue

E

elthznd901

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I have gone back and forth about writing this informational post. I am not disputing with TGR, but simply want to spread the info for others to make their own decisions. Ignoring all previous issues, the final straw that broke the camels back for me was a heat tape issue. TGR seems to think since they have been using this connection method for years, it is ok.

Let me explain..

TGR has its heat tape wired in parallel for each shelf. The important part here is the wires are simply twisted together and placed on the heat tape for a connection. There is no physical connection with the heat tape. The connection is simply held together by gorilla tape(I believe). Here is the danger.. If over time the tape that holds this connection together slowly comes apart(not uncommon for any adhesive tape) obviously the connection is compromised. Typically, as recommended by the manufacturers of heat tape, the connection is soldered, crimped, riveted, etc... creating a true connection.

Supposedly all new racks are being done correctly. What bothers me is I have seen no official announcement on the older racks to notify people who have these racks of the potential issue.

As a hobbyist, regardless of backlash, I simply cannot be quiet while 1000's of keepers have these racks. All it takes is one mishap and collections can be destroyed, or even worse... I may make some enemies or even hurt myself by making people aware of this, but I couldn't live with myself if something would happen and I knew about it without saying something. Given the business owners demeanor in my communications, I don't feel like people will be rightly notified.

I feel all connections with AC power should be made to typical manufacturers standards at the very minimum for safety reasons.

I hope this helps someone.

Thanks...
 
You need to upload your image as an attachment since pictures on other sites can be removed. Instructions on how to do that are at http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...d.php?t=304671
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Thanks picture attached in this reply.

What previous issues did you have?
I have sent TGR notification of this thread via their site, so that they might respond if they wish.
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Maybe I shouldn't have even mentioned any other issues. I don't want to detract from the more serious problem of the heat tape connection, but they were simply issues with basic customer service and the heat tape not holding in place.

I want to be clear, I am not looking for anything from this company. This is more of an informational post. I just think its important everyone knows who may have these racks so they can choose for themselves if they are comfortable with this connection(being this is not a recommended way to connect heat tape). I contacted a few individuals I knew after most references of this on Facebook disappeared and they had no idea of the issue. This is more of a PSA. I do know supposedly TGR will send you a new heat tape assembly if you pay for it(minus labor) assuming you happen to know about the issue.
 

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While I may have limited knowledge on heat tape, I do know that connection is dangerous and wrong.

That is definitely not industry standard when it comes to heat tape. To fix this issue, they should send out new heat tape to all their customers who have tape that can (and likely will) cause catastrophic failure, either by failing to heat or catching fire, free ... a customer should not have to pay for a manufacturers mistake.
 
I did buy one of these racks, and with this bothers me. I would have appreciated a notification email from them, but will just make the assumption that mine is not wired properly, either. It's such a ridiculous shortcut to take. The least they could do is notify former customers, and offer to ship clips for free. I will be rewiring this myself, but that would be a step in the right direction. Overall, their lack of communication with customers regarding delays has been a little frustrating.
 
Louie, I remember this being discussed on Facebook but I don't remember which page. I do recall there being additional photos, however. If you have them please upload them here.

In short, there is a small pocket between the plastic sheath and the copper leads on THG heat tape. Instead of soldering or crimping the connection between the wire and the copper leads, TGR simply coils the exposed wire of the extension cord, slips it into this slot, and holds the connection in place with tape. I do recall TGR defending this connection despite the concerns of many that this type of connection is unstable and can be dangerous (I was one of the commenters on that post). I doubt any electrician would come to TGR's defense on this one, and it's such a simple fix I'm not sure why they were defensive instead of proactively addressing a serious safety issue. I personally would not purchase a rack from them until they fixed their connections.
 
snowgyre said:
Louie, I remember this being discussed on Facebook but I don't remember which page. I do recall there being additional photos, however. If you have them please upload them here.

In short, there is a small pocket between the plastic sheath and the copper leads on THG heat tape. Instead of soldering or crimping the connection between the wire and the copper leads, TGR simply coils the exposed wire of the extension cord, slips it into this slot, and holds the connection in place with tape. I do recall TGR defending this connection despite the concerns of many that this type of connection is unstable and can be dangerous (I was one of the commenters on that post). I doubt any electrician would come to TGR's defense on this one, and it's such a simple fix I'm not sure why they were defensive instead of proactively addressing a serious safety issue. I personally would not purchase a rack from them until they fixed their connections.
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I'm sorry I do not have any additional pictures from Facebook and I believe all of those posts have been removed. I haven't fixed mine yet though so if anyone wants more of something specific just let me know.
 
snowgyre said:
it's such a simple fix I'm not sure why they were defensive instead of proactively addressing a serious safety issue.
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It is possible that at first they did not seek legal advice and were apprehensive that fixing the connection might have exposed them to liability because they may have thought that such a fix would be taken as an admission that the earlier connection was defective.
However, in the interests of public policy such a fix is not such an admission:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/fre/rule_407
 
That company is looking for lawsuits and maybe more. That is very dangerous.
 
That is scary and I'm glad you posted so people are aware of the issue. Electricity and wiring are really not good places to take shortcuts - shame on them for not fixing the problem.
 
Lucille said:
It is possible that at first they did not seek legal advice and were apprehensive that fixing the connection might have exposed them to liability because they may have thought that such a fix would be taken as an admission that the earlier connection was defective.
However, in the interests of public policy such a fix is not such an admission:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/fre/rule_407
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I have thought about this quite a bit from a business standpoint. Legally I can see the worry, although big picture its a mistake. It simply takes one incident to take this company down.. and reputation (at least in my opinion) is already in question. Acknowledging the issue/mistake, sending everyone heat tape assemblies to correct, seems to me to not only make legal sense, but longevity sense in the business. In fact I personally would have not been too upset if I knew it was being dealt with fairly.

The fact the business owner refuses to address the issue, putting many people at risk, is my drive for making this known.
 
That connection is so wrong in so many ways it's scary..
how a company could sell something like this that could not only (if lucky) stop working if one contact came loos, but could short circuit, burn or even start a fire is unreal :( serious bad bad bad way.

this is how it should be done, check out exclusive snakes web site, they have a how to wire the THG tape properly.. included a few pictures to help out..

it's surprizing they don't but off the plug too and tell people to just stick the wires in the outlets ???? it's the stupidest thing I've seen a company do as far as safety goes..
 

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a few more pictures.
1- punch hole with paper punch
2-crimp eyelets to wires
3- insert eyelets between layers
4-install rivets and crimp rivets tight
5-use electrical tape or one way rubber tape to secure contacts

this way, wires can't be accidently pulled out and remain secure. the way it was sent to you, looks as if a 5 year old did it.. if they can't properly set it up or know how to set up heat tape, they should not offer it at all..
 

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Solder, Takes lil more time, but makes a solid connection that has never failed on me, unless user error pulled to hard.

This will cause a fail, or Arc bad causing serious issues.
 
yeloowtang said:
That connection is so wrong in so many ways it's scary..
how a company could sell something like this that could not only (if lucky) stop working if one contact came loos, but could short circuit, burn or even start a fire is unreal :( serious bad bad bad way.
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Are these idiots still sending stuff like this out or are they out of buusiness by now doing Three Stooges wiring likw this ??

This isn't sending out a rack where the boxes fit too tight, etc. ... it's sending out a POS fire hazard that could burn down someones home.
 
RichsBallPythons said:
Solder, Takes lil more time, but makes a solid connection that has never failed on me, unless user error pulled to hard.

This will cause a fail, or Arc bad causing serious issues.
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This is the only way to do it. Even the crimp types can fail. All of the wiggling can break the wires at the connector. Proper soldering runs the solder inside of the sheath and makes the stranded wire more like a solid wire.

Also if you solder your heat tape make sure you get to the copper on the tape, below the surface of the silver coating. It provides a much more solid connection for both strength and conductivity.
 
Ah yes, here we go again. I assume you're also the one posting fake negatice reviews of TGR everywhere? Im not surprised Eric has no time for this ridiculousness.

This is nothing but petty paranoia at best, and slander by competiter at worst. Has anyone been harmed, has anything at all happaned? No.

Eric has said he will bring legal action against those posting fake reviews and lying. And I say good! Its his right. Can you afford to cover the costs of TGR's lost profits? Definately not, so i would stop posting stuff like this.

I don't speak for Eric or TGR, i am simply a happy customer. I doubt youll ever see him waste his time on here.
 
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