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Flexwatt specs and some qustions!

F

freetv-5

New member
Ok found great plans for a nice clean looking rack system to build.
Ok first off I have done some searching and think I am cable of all the wiring.
So number one: how thick is the flexwatt tape, I know it's pretty thin but how thin? What do people do in regards to it being a little thicker at the back of the shelf. Does the tube simple compress over it? If so does the rubbing on the tape cause a concern for wear?
Do any router out a very shollow channel for the tape to recess in?
I maybe getting to fussy/concerned but only want to build racks ounce, well possible have to replace heat tape at some point but not for a very long time I understand.

Ok not a biggie but the racking I am going to build is designed for 20 tubs, 4 per shelf 5 shelves. I am pretty sure it will be easy to build another unit the same width but with maybe 2 or 3 more shelves which can then be placed on top.
Would it be easier as I do see this happening in the future to add wiring in place to go up to the next level and work from there? If so what would be the safest way to leave these live ready to hook up wires? Electrical tape, would it just fall off in a short while causing wire to possible touch and short out whole heating system, shrink tube, or is there some kind of crimp on that will stay on 100%.
Sorry some of these questions might just be a bit anal but really want a nice clean proffesional looking finished rack system
 
Lets see if my wee self can help a bit....

freetv-5 said:
So number one: how thick is the flexwatt tape, I know it's pretty thin but how thin?
Click to expand...

very thin - like laminated paper thin.

freetv-5 said:
What do people do in regards to it being a little thicker at the back of the shelf. Does the tube simple compress over it? If so does the rubbing on the tape cause a concern for wear?
Do any router out a very shollow channel for the tape to recess in?
Click to expand...

I built 2 - 8 shelf units. I welded the connections and covered them with electrical tape. My Tubs slide easily over these, I didn't modify my shelves at all. I periodically check my connections and haven't had a lick of trouble (they've been in use 2 1/2 years now). I will occasionally replace the electrical tape or reinforce for wear.

freetv-5 said:
Would it be easier as I do see this happening in the future to add wiring in place to go up to the next level and work from there? If so what would be the safest way to leave these live ready to hook up wires? Electrical tape, would it just fall off in a short while causing wire to possible touch and short out whole heating system, shrink tube, or is there some kind of crimp on that will stay on 100%.?
Click to expand...

My flexwatt is serially wired from one shelf to the next. I wouldn't add the ones above until I'd added the shelves rather than leave wire exposed in any way.

Good Luck!!

-Tonya
 
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