Fire Hazard with Temperature controllers?

[Swingline77]

I read a post in which a member describes a temperature controller failing and giving off a "burning" smell. What sort of fire hazards are associated with temperature controllers? What can be done to mitigate the risk?

I'll have one or two heaters in a tank (depending on the season) and a chiller (the tank will be set at 65 degrees F). I was planning on having a cheap $11 STC-1000 controller for each heater. That way if either fails in the "on" position, one heater won't put out enough heat to cook the tank. If it fails in the "off" position, things will be kept "warm enough". Frankly, given the purpose of the tank, I might just use one heater. The point is, though, that I'd like to use a cheap STC-1000 heater and wonder if there are any fire risks associated with doing so.

The chiller will have a "good" proper controller. If the chiller controller is dual, I might even use it as a backup with the STC-1000.

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

All electronics are prone to failing and possibly causing sparks and fire, but personally this is the first time I have ever heard of a temp controller doing this. Personally, the peace of mind of having a properly heated and cooled tank outweighs the possibility of fire with these devices. Just keep things well maintained and a watchful eye over all of your electronics and plug-in points and things should be alright.

65 degrees F is pretty cool for a reef tank, or are you doing an actual coldwater reef?

 

[Swingline77]

Thanks for the reply. I'm actually not doing a reef tank. It's an H. rufescens abalone tank.

 

[highendofthelow]

I'm going to stab a guess the person in question drew too much power through it and killed the relay/a other component.

So I guess to mitigate against this keep within the limits of the relay (especially power hungry large heaters running off the same controller)

Also I have a battery operated fire smoke alarm mounted in my stand. Cost £15 (uk based) but it's a small price to pay for another level of protection.

Other then that I suspect there's little you can do. Having said that I've seen more glass heaters fail then a titanium stc1000 controlled set up.

 

[OriginalUserName]

Any electronic device can fail. Sticking with UL approved items helps but your biggest risk is shorts from dripping water or drawing too much current. I'm considering sticking a smoke alarm in my stand just in case.