SPJ
Well-known member
Anyone know what the average life of flex watt is?
Does it work for 2 years, 5 years, etc?
Does it work for 2 years, 5 years, etc?
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Average life of heat tape?
- Thread starter SPJ
- Start date
Fatman608
I'm Hungry
I know this is not the answer you are looking for but the life expectancy on any electrical device depends on how much you use it. I have read threads were people said they have used it for 5 years or more with no problems. Hope this helps.
Clay Davenport
Cerebral Nomad
I have had flexwatt running 24/7 for 7 years and it still heats fine.
Keep in mind that with the wider versions it is made to provide floor heat in bathrooms and such. It is to be mounted between the floor joists and underneath the flooring itself. This means that changing it would be a serious project involving ripping out the floor and all.
I'd say considering this is will last a very long time. Granted when used in that way it's not going to actually be heating nearly as much as when used in a snake cage, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to have some working past the 10 year mark. So far though I haven't had a particular cage that I've used for that length of time and I normally don't bother to reuse a section of it in a new cage when one is replaced. I'm getting to the point now though that I'm happy with my cage designs and the ones I build now will be used a lot longer than some of my earlier styles.
The only time I've had some quit heating were a few pieces that I had wired using the metal connectors. Unless you have the special tool to crimp them it's hard to get a really good fit. Over time I've had a few of these stop heating, but I just opened the connectors and reseated them and the tape was heating again.
Now I solder the connections so that's not a problem.
You also have to consider the way it is used though. For instance if it's in a rack where the tubs are always sliding directly over it I'm sure that would reduce it's life a bit as well as opposed to covering it with the tape or something to protect it from direct contact.
Keep in mind that with the wider versions it is made to provide floor heat in bathrooms and such. It is to be mounted between the floor joists and underneath the flooring itself. This means that changing it would be a serious project involving ripping out the floor and all.
I'd say considering this is will last a very long time. Granted when used in that way it's not going to actually be heating nearly as much as when used in a snake cage, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to have some working past the 10 year mark. So far though I haven't had a particular cage that I've used for that length of time and I normally don't bother to reuse a section of it in a new cage when one is replaced. I'm getting to the point now though that I'm happy with my cage designs and the ones I build now will be used a lot longer than some of my earlier styles.
The only time I've had some quit heating were a few pieces that I had wired using the metal connectors. Unless you have the special tool to crimp them it's hard to get a really good fit. Over time I've had a few of these stop heating, but I just opened the connectors and reseated them and the tape was heating again.
Now I solder the connections so that's not a problem.
You also have to consider the way it is used though. For instance if it's in a rack where the tubs are always sliding directly over it I'm sure that would reduce it's life a bit as well as opposed to covering it with the tape or something to protect it from direct contact.
snakebiteAZ1
United Snakes Of America
I use the
Aluminum foil tape, you can get it at Wal-mart for about six bucks, and it is a good size roll.. I have done 4 racks so far and only used 1/4 of the roll.. Check it out, it sticks great also.. Mike
Aluminum foil tape, you can get it at Wal-mart for about six bucks, and it is a good size roll.. I have done 4 racks so far and only used 1/4 of the roll.. Check it out, it sticks great also.. Mike
Tim Cole
CLOSED ACCOUNT
21 years...
I have some built into a cage that still works since 1984. They are wired to a thermostat.
I have some built into a cage that still works since 1984. They are wired to a thermostat.
SPJ
Well-known member
Tim Cole said:
WOW!
Guess this should last a while then.
Thanks for the responses guys.