Multiple Heat Mats!!

[Jimmus]

Hiya. I have 6 or so spare 'small' heat mats, 6" wide, and may be in need of a couple of 10"-12" wide mats soon. I was just wondering if anyone has ever used say, two heat mats for one tub instead of one larger one. Obviously both mats would be controlled by a thermostat and temps closely recorded! I can't really see a prob with it, any thoughts?

Heres a pic to aid my description....

Note that the mats would obviously not be overlapping in anyway once set up under the tubs.

Cheers

 

[Bustacapp]

Other than costing a lil more to operate. If there both controlled with a thermostat it should work fine

 

[MegF.]

I agree. I don't see why it would be a problem.

 

[Jimmus]

Thanks for your opinions guys. I could'nt see any reason not to use them in tandem either. Will save me buying more mats in that case! Thankyou again

 

[antsterr]

If you wire them up in a series circuit then they should produce the same temperature and heat evenly. They would be working like one big heat pad rather than two separate ones.

 

[Jimmus]

If you wire them up in a series circuit then they should produce the same temperature and heat evenly. They would be working like one big heat pad rather than two separate ones.

I have currently got them wired up seperately but to the same thermostat and it seems to be working alright. The only prob is i have a few more of thes e mats and if i was to set up several tubs like this i will run out of spare plugs fast. I think i will look into implementing your advice. Thanks alot

 

[SNAKEWISPERA]

I have currently got them wired up seperately but to the same thermostat and it seems to be working alright. The only prob is i have a few more of thes e mats and if i was to set up several tubs like this i will run out of spare plugs fast. I think i will look into implementing your advice. Thanks alot

remember that they only run 120v or there abouts in the states, we run at 240v. slightly deadlier if you get it wrong
I would stick to one plug per heat mat with them all plugged into an extention board with an rcd better safe than dead

 

[Jimmus]

remember that they only run 120v or there abouts in the states, we run at 240v. slightly deadlier if you get it wrong
I would stick to one plug per heat mat with them all plugged into an extention board with an rcd better safe than dead

Very true, thanks for your advice! If you dont see any posts from me in future then you know of my fate...

 

[Paradox]

Nothing wrong with an extra high voltage...If you're going to die, do it properly. :grin01: I can't see any problems either, it's a nice idea, if I ever end up with a few spare small mats due to circumstances I'll give it a try.

 

[Jimmus]

Nothing wrong with an extra high voltage...If you're going to die, do it properly. :grin01: I can't see any problems either, it's a nice idea, if I ever end up with a few spare small mats due to circumstances I'll give it a try.

LOL yea too right Yea iv got about 6 or 7 of this size mat spare, no point in buying big mats if i can use these for the time being. So far so good they are maintaining a nice steady temp. I have taped them down to the shelf beneath the tubs to keep them in place. I have also taped the power cable from the mat closest to the centre of the tub off to the side, to avoid it running directly over or under the outside heatmat!

Not the neatest of tape jobs...

 

[antsterr]

remember that they only run 120v or there abouts in the states, we run at 240v. slightly deadlier if you get it wrong
I would stick to one plug per heat mat with them all plugged into an extension board with an rcd better safe than dead

I don't see how higher voltage would affect these mats when hooked up in a series, but I do only have a very basic training in house wiring :shrugs:
All you'd do is, of the two wires on the cord that plugs in,hook one wire to the first pad and the other wire to the second pad then hook a third wire between the first and second pad. This would make it work no different than a pad of double the size.

 

[Matthew]

I don't see how higher voltage would affect these mats when hooked up in a series, but I do only have a very basic training in house wiring :shrugs:
All you'd do is, of the two wires on the cord that plugs in,hook one wire to the first pad and the other wire to the second pad then hook a third wire between the first and second pad. This would make it work no different than a pad of double the size.

You'd be correct. It's essentially just making a larger pad out of multiple heating pads. Wiring in a series is simple, and doesn't pose any extra threat.

Voltage is voltage. It's going to be there whether he uses one mat, two mats, or two mats series'd together. Since he's using a thermometer to regulate the mats, the thermo will be taking the voltage and dispersing it. Any fault would come from the thermo, not the heat mats.

Sure, two in series would pull more than a single 6", but there's plenty enough voltage there to supply it.

Either way you do it works fine and if you don't mind an extra plug, then do it that way. The manufacturer intended it to work that way, so it's the safest. But wiring in series is safe in it's own way too, when done correctly (not that it's difficult).

And...the taping doesn't look too bad at all, Jimmus.

 

[Jimmus]

Ok thanks guys.. For now iw ill leaveit as it is. When i get more snakes ina couple of weeks (pay day) i will have a go at converting the mats so as to power them with one plug. The only problem i see is them looking a little less neat, but i will sacrifice this for a spare plug! Thanks for your advice. My electronic skills are not the best but il be able to wire these heat mats up easy enough. I was just worried they might not be able to run at full capacity or sumit but im sure theres anough power there from one connection.

And...the taping doesn't look too bad at all, Jimmus.

hehe thanks