Mama Heating Pad in the Brooder (Picture Heavy) - UPDATE

[FlyWheel]

She did but more recently was planning to get more this spring. Haven't seen any posts from her for a month though.

Well that's certainly good to hear. Maybe she's waiting until she's no longer chickless?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Just asking because I want to satisfy my own curiosity. Has anyone here in this thread had an actual person that you know or report that you can verify, as opposed to the my next door neighbors mama's 2nd cousin 3 times removed knew a guy, experience ANY fire related incidents resulting from using a heat pad for this type of application?
As expected, Spring has brought about all the how to brood your chicks posts and it's without fail anytime I mention the MHP that someone must try me and about what a "horrible fire hazard" this is and how they should" never be used in such a way" yet not once has anyone provided me an actual verifiable report of it being problematic. That of courses in contrast to the multiple very well confirmed reports of fires caused by heat lamps that have come out each and every year

 

[aart]

Just asking because I want to satisfy my own curiosity. Has anyone here in this thread had an actual person that you know or report that you can verify, as opposed to the my next door neighbors mama's 2nd cousin 3 times removed knew a guy, experience ANY fire related incidents resulting from using a heat pad for this type of application?

Nope, not that I recall....and I would have remembered that.

 

[blackdog043]

Nope, no fires that I have heard of from using a heating pad, but heat lamps, yes every year there are fires because of them.

 

[bruceha2000]

I agree with @aart and @blackdog043. I've read every post on this thread starting when @Blooie created it and there has never been a report of a heating pad fire. However, Blooie will tell you and HAS posted that wires in old heating pads that have been folded and crunched for years could have brittle wires that could break and potentially be a fire hazard (her husband is a retired electrician). So, start your MHP with a new pad, keep it in good shape for future brooding.

BTW, if you happen to have the newer arc fault breakers in your house, they will trip if a broken wire arc occurs. The electrician that worked on the part of my house that had to be rebuilt said one reason they came about is due to people running extensions cords under rugs and walking over them for years. I have no idea how often that caused a fire but the people who make circuit breakers must love this new code requirement, they are a lot more expensive than a regular breaker.

 

[aart]

BTW, if you happen to have the newer arc fault breakers in your house, they will trip if a broken wire arc occurs.

Breakers or outlets...or are both available?

Ditto the using a new pad and also that not just the pad but all the electrical power sources/wires can cause fires if not properly used/installed/maintained.

 

[Molpet]

both available

yes.. required NEC 2017
different than a GFI, but dual are available

and my house doesn't even have a ground, much less circuit breakers..... still on fuses LOL

 

[Cryss]

Would it then be wise to use an extension cord with those thingys that shut it off in case of emergency?

This may have been answered already but I haven't caught up yet.

 

[RevRico]

My less than 5 day old chicks are completely ignoring the MHP i built, ad cuddling up in the corner closest to the pellet stove instead. It's warmer under the MHP, but not as hot as the 150w incandescent that I used yesterday. I really want them to use the MHP instead because of where they are in the house, right in front of the tv.

I've taken a few different ones and put them under it to see that it is warm and safe, but dark, and they stay about 5 seconds before going to the opposite side of the pen.

I just turned the light back on, shining on the unplugged MHP and they're still refusing to go near it. Any tips?

 

[Leahs Mom]

How 'bout moving it to where they are?
And...possibly turning down the heat a bit on the MPH?