How to Solder Flexwatt

Flexwatt is a brand of electrical heat tape that can be placed under a reptile terrarium to warm the environment for the animal inside. This flat tape is versatile for pet owners because it can be cut and modified to fit under any sized terrarium. Flexwatt tape is often sold without an electrical connection to a power supply. You can make your own connection by soldering an AC electrical cord to your Flexwatt tape.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire strippers
  • Two-prong AC electrical cord
  • Razor
  • Soldering iron
  • Solder
  • Electrical tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Strip the plastic insulation from the ends of a two-prong AC electrical cord. This will become the connector between the Flexwatt tape and a power supply. Use wire strippers to remove about an inch and a half to two inches of the coating.

    • 2

      Twist each of the two exposed wires of the stripped AC electrical cords onto themselves to ensure there aren't any loose strands. Do not twist these two strips together to ensure they remain separate.

    • 3

      Remove part of the plastic coating that's covering the copper buss bars of the Flexwatt. These strips are located along the sides of the Flexwatt. Use a razor to scrape away about one to two inches of this plastic away from the bottom of one side the device. This is where you'll attach the electrical cord.

    • 4

      Apply heat with a soldering iron to one side of the exposed AC electrical wire. While it's still hot, place the wire on the Flexwatt's exposed copper buss bar.

    • 5

      Apply the solder on top of the wire and copper buss bar connection. The solder should begin to melt immediately and puddle through the electrical wire onto the Flexwatt. If it doesn't, you'll need to reheat the electrical wire. Repeat this process with the second AC electrical wire on the opposite side of the exposed Flexwatt copper buss bar.

    • 6

      Insulate both of the new connections by wrapping electrical tape around the exposed ends. Make sure all the wires and areas are covered to avoid stray voltage.