Fire hazard?

[freeflyin]

That's what I was planning on doing. I have a 75 W bulb right now, it heats up the incubator really well and I've gotten my temperatures stable, but after thinking about it I am considering getting a 40 or 60 W bulb. What do you think? Would it lower the risk for fire?

 

[tec27]

Honestly i really dont think you'll start a fire. I made my own...i mean like seriously it was like $20. Its just styrofoam box with a hole for the light bulb, and ive never had a fire. The first light bulb i used was a 70W. Then i had a 60W. A couple weeks ago i used a 40W. I always change up. The light bulb is on a dimmer switch though so i can control how powerful the light is. I did buy a brinsea however and just use the styrofoam box as a mini brooder now. The only problem i ever had was the styrofoam melting. And like i said it was easily fixable.

 

[freeflyin]

Do you think the open wires or the screws that connect to the thermostat are capable of starting a fire? I've covered them in black electrical tape to be safe. Is that good enough? I also can't figure out how to secure the thermostat to the wall of the styrofoam box so that the silver side is facing outward. I read that it reads temperature better with the silver side out. I have it sitting on the floor of the incubator and it's working well, just want to feel super secure that I won't cause any fire!

 

[tec27]

Do you think the open wires or the screws that connect to the thermostat are capable of starting a fire? I've covered them in black electrical tape to be safe. Is that good enough? I also can't figure out how to secure the thermostat to the wall of the styrofoam box so that the silver side is facing outward. I read that it reads temperature better with the silver side out. I have it sitting on the floor of the incubator and it's working well, just want to feel super secure that I won't cause any fire!

I think you'll be fine. Sitting on the floor is fine. If your styrofoam isnt melting then you'll be great. If after 24 hours no melting occurs then its safe...usually. Starting a fire at such a low temperature is rare.