My bowl arrived with no instructions or info - can I leave it plugged in 24/7 ? outside with no protection from the elements ?thanks in advance
175285
I leave mine outside all year round. I plug it in as soon as there is a nip in the air but as others have said it does not "heat" the water, it just keeps it from freezing. Our temps this winter have been well below zero and I noticed some ice on the water but usually it is OK. It is exposed to all types of weather elements from heat to rain to snow and there is no trouble. Racoons, possums, birds, and cats have all come to get a drink from the bowl all year. You do have to monitor the water level.
175286
Mine is plugged in 24 - 7, but as far as leaving it plugged outside with no protection from the elements I probablywouldn't do that. I have mine inside a pole barn and I don't remember getting any paper work either. You'll want to check the water level daily, cause the water level seems to evaporate.
175287
Not sure,I had mine in the cellar way for cats that went in and out through a cat door. It got pretty cold out there too though,and I left mine plugged in 24/7 I know before the water would freeze over in a regular dish.
175288
I leave my bowl plugged in 24/7 outside but it is on a covered patio. I think you could leave it plugged in outside with no protection as long as the electrical outlet it's plugged in is not exposed to water. I am very pleased with this bowl as water never freezes now. Hope this helps.
1345942
I put mine in a ceramic bowl, then microwaved for a few seconds to fit the new bowl. ( so water wouldn't get trapped below it )
218538
To be honest, I have never been aware of the outside temperature. If yours is cool and it seems to be fucntioning properly, I would not be concerned. Perhaps it's well enough insulated that you don't feel the heat on the outside. However, if you don't feel it is cooking in the time suggested, you might consider returning it. Sorry I couldn't be more specific.
532505
It is on all the time, which is why I bought a temperature-controlled outlet to plug it in to (which then is plugged into the outdoor outlet). This little outlet turns on at 35 degrees (and stays on as the temperature goes lower) and goes off at 45 degrees so my water bowl doesn't have to be on all the time. Before I had the outlet my bowl was always going dry because the water was always warmed even when it didn't need to be. Look up Thermo Cube Outlet on Amazon. Good luck.
1531543
I have been leaving mine plugged in, but perhaps I should have read the instructions. My guess is that the battery life would be improved if you unplugged it, but so far mine has not blown up.
1658927
Whatever you do, do it carefully. Product does not withstand being used. Could be a fire hazard, if plugged in, be sure you can see it at all times.
608763
When I used to have it (upgraded to a large tank so I don't have it anymore), it didn't get the bowl warm at all, just the water inside the bowl. Also I'm pretty sure the instructions said it must be fully submerged in water for use. If you want the one outside try checking out the reptile heating pads, those can be on outside.
1802171
I think you could - although on really hot days I feel the bowl only lasts for a good 5 hours outdoor in direct sun. If you are using in doors - then yes it should last for long hours. I'm really happy with these bowls that I bought two of them!
2117343
I've left mine outside and turned on from May - October for the past 3 years, come rain or shine or torrential rains or whatever, and never had a problem until the other day when a bulb started dying. Three years is pretty good life for something I abuse so badly. :) Never gave the plug much thought. The device plug fits nice and snugly into my heavy duty outdoor extension cord, never had a problem with water in there.
219833
HI. I, too, have one of these fire bowls and have had it for over a year. However, I had yet to turn it on. I hope this is not what is awaiting me when I start using it. Good Luck. Take care. Coal
1700862
Sure, just leave the hot disconnected or off. I have mine in an outdoor kitchen
1270271
I'd not assume it's safe to leave it plugged in unless you see a statement saying that it is. In fact many manuals will say "Don't charge for more than 24 hours" or "Don't overcharge" showing that you shouldn't leave it on. If your thinking of that so it has a routine "fresh charge" that you don't need to think about doing regularly I'd get a timer that turns it on for just 15 minutes a day and/or a regulated power supply (like the Schumacher PC-6 or Coleman powerchill cooler AC supply) that won't "overcharge" it.
20127
The bottom of the bowl does get hot. You might put it on patio pavers or something like that for protection. It is worth the purchase.
1015333
This is a high voltage product, so I would not recommend leaving the plug laying outside. I have mine in my garage and I have my EV outside. I plug it in at night and close the door on the cord. In the morning, I roll the cord up and plug it back into the charger.
1407950
Gizell,No. Keep at least two and half feet of cord outside to enable handling and emptying the bowl for cleaning. After emptying bowl (into a waste bowl), wipe clean with disposible paper towel and refill with clean water. It's very simple. Steve
646292
I use an outdoor extension cord with my heated bowl and it works fine. Check the electrical outlet and make sure the power is on.
1572711
I use mine outdoors but to protect it from direct rain and snow I put the main body in a plastic bag when it is outside. I poke a hole in the bottom of the bag for the main line to go through and plug into the house. I try to keep it up under the eave of the house for some protection from moist weather.