Looking for a temp controller to plug my space heater into for frog room

[john253]

Looking for a temp controller I can plug my space heater into not really sure what I need or where to get it...any advice?
I would like something that plugs into the wall and the space heater would just plug into that. Precision is a must
Thanks!

[dtfleming]

Ranco would prob. be heavy enough to control it. I use an oil filled heater in my frog room. I just monitor the temps and adjust as needed.

[titansfever83]

not sure of any thing that could transfer the amount of electricity used from the heater to the wall outlet... space heaters use a lot of juice. Does your heater not have any kind of thermostat??? Just an ON and OFF switch?

If the room you are heating is rather small and doesn't require a large heater, then you may be better off just getting a cheap space heater with a cheap thermostat built in and just experiment with it for a day or two to get the temp right, unless you happen to buy one with an accurate digital thermometer on it. I'm guessing about $20-50 would get you a decent heater that should easily heat a spare bedroom and have a built in thermostat.

Or just wait a few months and worry about it next winter

[dtfleming]

The Ranco could possibly be strong enough to handle it. I would check temps in the room and adjust the heater to the temp you want. I would personal stay away from a space heater. Oil filled would be safer.

[Pumilo]

I use a Ranco with an oil filled electric heater. ETC Supply They are very accurate and reliable.

[john253]

Ya it's an oil filled heater. But it literally has settings 1 through 6 on it to control the heat output. And on setting 2 it ranges between 69 and 81 in the room which is horribly innacurate. I have tried just monitoring it but the closest I can get it is on that setting number 2 but the swings are still huge.

Thanks for the link to that ranco! I think that's probably what I will go with. So that unit just plugs into the wall and you program the temperature to where you want it? Which gauge wire and amp draw should I go for?

Thanks!

[Pumilo]

Originally Posted by john253

Ya it's an oil filled heater. But it literally has settings 1 through 6 on it to control the heat output. And on setting 2 it ranges between 69 and 81 in the room which is horribly innacurate. I have tried just monitoring it but the closest I can get it is on that setting number 2 but the swings are still huge.

Thanks for the link to that ranco! I think that's probably what I will go with. So that unit just plugs into the wall and you program the temperature to where you want it? Which gauge wire and amp draw should I go for?

Thanks!

The standard one works fine unless you plan on drawing more than 1500 watts with your heater. 16g 13amp 1500w

[Judy S]

Originally Posted by Pumilo

I use a Ranco with an oil filled electric heater. ETC Supply They are very accurate and reliable.

You never fail to amaze me with the sites you come up with...if I read the information correctly, this same controller can be programed to have a portable room sized air conditioner plugged in as well....neato.... Thanks for the site...

[31drew31]

I use a Johnson A419 to control my oil space heater. Works great. Just make sure the heater your using will return to heating mode after power is cut from it.

[chin_monster]

Another vote for a Ranco controller -plenty enough precision, very rugged and designed to withstand a powerful electrical draw. These have used to control chillers in the saltwater / reef for many many moons.