Compact Flourescents - Page 3

froggsong · #21 (**permalink**) 12-08-2008, 06:57 PM

I never thought to try reflective tape. Is it heat resistant?

beckdg · #22 (**permalink**) 12-08-2008, 07:13 PM

they make it for heating ducts... so yeah. i'd worry more about the adhesive outgasing if used for high what (ceramic) heaters. should be ok... especially if precautions are taken.

froggsong · #23 (**permalink**) 12-08-2008, 07:31 PM

Oh, do you mean foil tape? I don't think I would use that stuff anywhere in a vive, much less around the lights. The adhesive on that stuff smells bad just out in regular air. I can only imagine that it would be awful if it was hot. My step-dad is an AC man, so I've been around that stuff for years. It is so sticky it will actually rip your skin right off if you get it on you and don't remove it right.

chagovatoloco · #24 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 12:40 PM

Yes it is foil tape, I have used it on aquariums for quite a while and never had a problem. But I have never tried to use it with a heat lamp, never noticed any smell.

froggsong · #25 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 03:01 PM

Maybe the stuff my step-dad uses isn't the same... That stuff stinks. ANd the adhesive is like an eighth of an inch thick...

beckdg · #26 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 06:01 PM

sounds to me, idk maybe your dad does commercial heating/ac... they can be nasty and can be set-up pretty high where 1) maintenance can be dangerous 2) outgasing isn't as much of a problem 3) will move higher volumes (less concentrated). those could also very well be for closer to the heat source where they will cure pretty fast?

i'm just ratting off as i don't really know for sure, but i was a helper for a couple hvac companies including my grandfathers when i was younger and it just sounds right to me.

i could find out for sure if you like but it may take up to a week (whenever e-mail is answered)!

chagovatoloco · #27 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 06:30 PM

No this is just a thin metal tape, the adhesive is thin like duck tape. I don't think it is the same as your thinking of.

beckdg · #28 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 07:19 PM

chago, i know what you're talking about... you can get it at walmart... not far from paint... there is also another version that can be obtained from any auto parts store... and i think may be used for small exhaust leaks... not the white muffler tape w/activater...

i was merely trying to point out the possible difference as frogg did mention her dad uses some and works w/ac!

if that didn't come through clearly i'm glad you mentioned something anyway... i am not trying to confuse any one... this may be here for a while.

edit: i'm sorry... step dad... don't be mad at me froggsong.

froggsong · #29 (**permalink**) 12-09-2008, 08:21 PM

lol, I'm not mad. He's the only dad I've ever had, we just don't get along all the time, otherwise I'd probably just call him dad myself.

You are right, he does do commercial HVAC. He does residential stuff too, but most of the time he is doing the commercial stuff. When he IS doing residential, it is usually on huge units. They live in SC, and he works in Charleston, so heat is definitely an issue, both the heat in the summer and the output of the heating systems. The tape that he uses not only has 1/8" thick adhesive that will rip off skin, the foil on it is thick enough to cut you really really bad if you aren't paying attention to what you are doing or cut it wrong.

Chago, I'm really glad it isn't the same tape! I might have to look for some of what you are using. Is it the same stuff beck is talking about that can be obtained in Wal-mart near the paint dept?

Waterkeeper · #30 (**permalink**) 12-13-2008, 01:09 PM

believe it or not. Flat white Killz (real killz! not the walmart paint)has proven to be the most reflective surface for light output measured with a PAR meter. also with the twisted CFL's, you get more light from the side than the tip, so mount them sideways whenever possible for the best light output.