Sophisticated pulse proportional thermostat, ideal for controlling higher power ceramic heaters. The function of this thermostat is far more sophisticated than the simpler on/off switching devices. It will very accurately control heaters and has a maximum load of 600 watts. A normal thermostat switches a heater on full power until the set temperature is achieved. It then switches the heater off completely until the temperature drops below the set value, when the cycle starts over again. The gap between the heater being switched on and then off is called hysteresis. It is between these points that the accuracy of the controller is assessed. The pulse proportional thermostat pulses electricity to the heater.
In order to sucessfully keep reptiles in captivity you need to provide the correct thermal gradient for the species kept, in order for it to thrive. Without a thermostat you have no control over the thermal gradient within your vivarium which will fluctuate with the ambient temparature, depending on the time of year.