How to Load a Rheostat

If you have pet reptiles in your home, it is very important to keep the temperature of their environment at a constant warm temperature. A rheostat is a device that you can purchase and install in your home to regulate the heat lamps or warming instruments you have in place to keep your pets warm. Before you can begin using a rheostat, you must load it with the proper connections from your reptile warming equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the rheostat in a location where the power cables from your warming equipment can reach it. Connect the power cord from the rheostat to an open and grounded AC outlet nearby. Once it is connected, move the temperature control knob to the "Low" setting until you load the rheostat with the warmers.

    • 2

      Connect the plug from one rock-heating device or one overhead lamp into one of the open outlets on the rheostat. Turn on the device and let it run for a few moments to ensure that the rheostat can handle the load you just put on it without shutting down or blowing a fuse or circuit in your home.

    • 3

      Connect the second rock-heating unit or heat lamp into the rheostat. Do not load the device with both a rock-heating unit and a heat lamp -- you can only use the same type of device in tandem with the rheostat. Once again, wait to ensure that the rheostat can handle the load properly before continuing.

    • 4

      Allow the warming devices to run for 30 minutes before checking the temperature with the thermometer. If the temperature inside your terrarium is not high enough for your pets, move the control bar to the "Medium" setting and allow it to operate for another 30 minutes.

    • 5

      Move the control bar to the "High" setting if the terrarium is still not warm enough after using the "Medium" setting. Allow the system to run for 30 minute and check the temperature again. You can adjust the output of your load by adjusting the control bar at any time.