Then, give the metal connector and cord a nice wrapping with electrical tape so you don't get shocked. Also insulate the metal strip on the other side with electric tape.
Top is homemade, bottom is commercial:
That's it. You're Done!
Plug it into your temp controller and you're good to go!
Total Cost Each:
2 feet of 11" Flexwatt $7.20
2 Metal Connectors $1.00
6 foot Extension Cord $1.00
Total $9.20!
The commercial example uses electrical tape on the end opposite of the metal connectors, but opt for clear plastic insulators over the metal connectors as pictured above. The retailer I purchased from will sell you a kit of 2 metal connectors plus the clear plastic insulators that snap in place for $2.50 (supposedly if you
fill it with silicone you can make these waterproof). Otherwise the metal connectors alone are 50 cents each. They also have pre-stripped extension cords for $2.25 if you'd prefer to go that route.
Alternatively, you can also bypass the metal connectors by scraping off a little plastic on the Flexwatt's metal strip and soldering the extension cord directly to the metal, then insulating with electrical tape (follow the brewing network link to a website for more info).
So at most these could cost you $11.95/each, at the very least around $8.20, not including solder/electrical tape/shipping. Sure beats paying $30-40 each!
I bought all the parts from
The Bean Farm as they ship USPS and being from Alaska I didn't want to spend overly inflated $30 which is what UPS charges us. If you're not in AK/HI you might find a cheaper retailer. They were fast though! Ordered on a Sunday night, Shipped on Monday Morning, arrived Wednesday.
And now... I share a tip I haven't seen before. I REALLY HATE taping things to carboys. Go to your local office supply store and get a pack of really big rubber bands. They'll hold em to the carboy nice and tight and you don't have to deal with any tape falling off. These are 7" (107's) and a little hard to get on the 6.5 gallon carboy but work. Longer would be better easier though.
2 for 1? More like 3-5 for 1
Linear Mode
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