What kind of thermostat?

Question

What is the best thermostat to use with a heat mat? Are heat mats even compatible with a thermostat? By what type, I mean what kind of one - dimming, pulse....?

Answer 1

The Mat stat is a simple, economic thermostat, designed to be used with heat mats to a maximum of 100 watts.

The Temperature Thermostat is an on/ off switching device, that can be used with a variety of heaters. It has an accurate dial calibrated in both Farenheit and Celcius. Ideal for controlling heat mats, and other low powered heaters up a maximum load of 300 watts.

pulse proportional thermostat, ideal for controlling higher power ceramic heaters. The function of this thermostat is far more sophisticated than the simpler on/off switching devices. It will very accurately control heaters and has a maximum load of 600 watts. A normal thermostat switches a heater on full power until the set temperature is achieved. It then switches the heater off completely until the temperature drops below the set value, when the cycle starts over again. The gap between the heater being switched on and then off is called hysteresis. It is between these points that the accuracy of the controller is assessed. The pulse proportional thermostat pulses electricity to the heater.

The sequence of events are as follows: The temperature is set on the dial. The cage and heater are cold so the heater is on full power.As the temperature in the cage nears the set temperature the unit cuts the power down to pulses.The degree of pulse (i.e. the ammount of time the heater is on and the ammount of time it is off) is dependent on the cage temperature. In the early stages of approaching the set temperature the 'on' pulses will be long and the 'off' time will be short. In a correctly set up cage, as the desired temperature is neared, the 'on' pulses become shorter until the cycle levels at approximately 50% on and 50% off. In a cage where the heater is of the correct capacity, the cycle should remain at this point. The heater is only powered enough to maintain the temperature set. It does not have to continually start the heater from cold. This vastly improves heater element life and is far safer for the animals as the heater rarely, if ever, needs to run at full power.

Dimming thermostat, designed specifically for controlling light bulbs. The Dimming thermostat is one of the most accurate methods of temperature control and whilst it is perfect for controlling light bulbs, it can be used on almost any heaters. Unlike other  thermostats, it does require a minimum load of 40 watts, but has a maximum capacity of 600 watts at 230 volts.

This is the only thermostat  recommended for use with incandescent light bulbs. It uses the latest technology and operates in a manner similar to the Pulse proportional thermostat. Instead of pulses of power being supplied to the heater, it is supplied with a continuous variable supply of power or voltage. In principle this has a similar effect to light dimmers or rheostats in your home.

If the Dimming thermostat is being used to control a primary basking spot, then the size of the heater needs to be engineered to the temperature required and the size of the enclosure. In other words, if the heater is too large then it will be running at a very low level. Clearly, not what is required of a basking light. If the wattage of the light bulb is reduced, then the intensity of the heat locally will be greater, or proportional.

So bearing these factors in mind if your heat mat is under 100 watts go for a mat stat,if over 100 watts then you need to use the standard temp on/off thermostat.You can also use pulse thermostats on mats over 40 watts and this is what alot of people use in incubators as it provides a constant heat and doesn't switch off at any point.

Answer 2

I like proportional (dimming) thermostats.

I know shoot about electric appliances and the like, but when a thermostat, that shuts off the mat comes to its limit temps, it does just that and off goes the heat. I have no problems with this because I live in fairly warm climate, but in a cold eviroment the temperature can fluctuate dangerously by a good 10 degrees (F). So IMO, dimming stats are better as the heat will be kept constant, but regulated.

So which is better really? This is more of a question of "What are you willing to pay?", all mats are made to work with T-stats, and as long as the plugs are compatible, what you choose is up to your budget, as proportional Tstat is more expensive that one that pulses or shurts off the mat completely.

That being said, my favorite Tstat has to be the Helix proportional, and although it may seem expensive, it is one of the best. Other Tstats I have tested that work well with mats are the BAH1000 and the Johnson's Controls.

Answer 3

habistat make a specific thermostat called a mat stat, this is perfect for controlling heat mats xx

Answer 4

I second the advice on the proportional. On/off is "ok" but if you can get a proportional well worth it.

Answer 5

In the wild, herps actively maintain proper body temperature on their own. The temperature of your herp's environment affects many aspects of his health. In captivity, your herp relies on you to provide an environment that he needs to stay healthy. A primary heat source is necessary to keep the temperature of the entire cage within the proper range. A secondary heat source creates more heat in specific areas of the cage to provide a temperature gradient. Keep an eye on the temperature of your herp's environment with a good thermometer, such as the Exo-Terra Liquid Crystal thermometer or our Precision Analog Thermometer.

Temperatures in your home may vary five or more degrees between furnace cycles, or when air conditioning kicks in. Install thermometers to monitor both cold and hot zones of the habitat. Use an appropriately sized rheostat to manually control the temperature of basking lamps to keep them at a temperature appropriate for your herp. Be very careful how you place your lights and heat sources. Install a smoke detector in any room where you are using heat generating devices. Hot rocks are not recommended.

Since natural temperature requirements vary widely from species to species, remember to research your pet's particular needs.

Answer 6

An on/off stat will work fine for a heat mat, as will a pulse or dimming stat.