Reptile rheostat/thermostats?

[AdamNC]

I have quit a few left over from my breeding days. I have a few non-proportional ones and wondering if they would work as a backup for my heater. They are non-proportional and analog. They seem water proofed around the probe. Simple question is, would they work set at say 82 degrees f. to shut off.

 

[redfishbluefish]

If you are talking about a thermistor, I prefer these over the glass frit temperature probes.

 

[AdamNC]

No these are for controlling heating devices not measuring the actual temp. Proportional ones will keep a heat panel or heat tape at a desired temp +- a few tens of a degree by regulating the amount of electricity going to it. Non-proportional ones will shut the heating element off at a desired set temperature.