Incubator/Thermostat Question!

[WestCoastCoop]

Hi!
I need some help with my thermostat on my home-made incubator. Basically I just have no idea how to wire it and how to set it for the temp that I want. I tried wireing it and it caused the outlet to spark when I put it in. Whoops. So obviously that isn't right! It looks like this one http://mobilehomepartsstore.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/210160.jpg but it is only the top section with the four screws on either corner. It doesn't have anything below that like the one in the picture...if that makes sense. Starting to wonder if I just bought the wrong thing...electricity really isn't my strong point!

Thanks

 

[aprophet]

http://mobilehomepartsstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=210150

this is the one most folks use for the homebuilt bators good luck

http://www.afn.org/~poultry/images/incub1.gif

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/Angie_HomeGrown/wiring1.jpg

this may help you wire it properly

 

[jberger10]

@aprophet You probably wouldn't want to use that thermostat you mentioned cause it starts at 110 degrees.

 

[babsbag]

westcoastcoop, I think you have the wrong thermostat. Check out this link.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=8510

This is where I got all the information to build mine. I got the thermostat at Lowes. About $9.00

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
Yep it sure does I did not see that the one the OP listed starts at 110 as well yea lowes is where I got one of mine at I think home depot and probally menards carys the lower t-stats too

 

[azn_baddie]

This is what I am currently using. This thing works great but kind of expensive. This also provided me a peace of mind when I am at work.

http://www.etcsupply.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html

 

[WestCoastCoop]

Thanks for the help/replies

I decided to ditch the thermostat as I most definitely had the wrong one...and am now trying out just a plain and simple dimmer switch. I'm going to be watching it like a hawk, but I have had my incubator plugged in for solid periods of time for test runs and it hasn't gone past 102, so I'm not convinced it even has that capacity. It'll mainly be a question of keeping the heat up I believe as opposed to cooking them. See how it goes anyway, this is a first for me in every aspect possible! Live and learn I guess lol.