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.
1578613
I have done nothing to mine and have kept it outside since I bought it. I thought about wrapping it in plastic where the usb plugs in to make it outdoor safe, but have not done so. they are pretty tough. I am sure I am drastically reducing the life of mine but it is just temporary until I get a line buried.
18338
I usually cover it if it's raining but other than that I have had it a couple years now and just noticed the bowl starting to rust. I think that can be fix though. It is the only part that has rusted.
1412136
You could leave it unplugged. Plug does not detach. We don't use ours in the summer. In the summer we have a 5 gallon metal one we use.
1394468
I leave mine plugged in constantly. It is pressure sensitive and heats up once your cat goes inside. The cord is designed for outdoor use. I feel safe keeping it plugged in.
279548
we were told that you have to keep it covered and not let the bowl get wet. However it was a bit of a challenge to light for the first time. We called Blue Rhino and they walked us through it. It has a safety mechanism and if you don't get it light initially it forms a vapor lock. It's worth giving them a call. they have an 800 phone number. After that we love it! and have had lots of compliments :)good luck
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.
1158671
I just unplugged it to check. Yes, but only a little and only if it's full. There is a little water in the center hole and around the edge of the blue center piece. If you don't have power, just take the top off to make it a regular bowl. I always visually check the fountain when I feed them since I keep somewhat close to their food. I also wash it out about once a week.
2258598
You can leave it plugged in using a usb cable with a plug in adapter at the wall, similar to a lot of devices now that charge via usb cable. Just leave it plugged in and it will operate off electricity and keep the battery charged. Be aware that on mine the water in one speaker quit "dancing". Not sure what this was related to but probably not a power issue but defective.
1198117
Thanks for the reply. I won't worry about leaving mine plugged in when I'm out during the day. It takes very little time to charge so I've always hesitated to plug it in and then leave the house. Like you, I don't have to shave 24/7.Thanks again.
804846
I don't recall anything on the box that about that. This bulb only goes into special fixtures. So if the fixture was made for exterior use I would think it protected the bulb. A previous poster mentioned using a dusk to dawn timer. Those are often used outside. But it is a CFL and low temps are a factor in light output until the bulb heats up.
1418474
I contacted customer service Nostalgia Electrics and was told the bowls are backordered until the middle of April 2014. I was told it would be replaced free of charge, so I am waiting to order mine!
174402
I used my bowl outside last winter season....weather proof the plug connection if it is exposed to the elements. It worked just fine for me....Some -20 degree nights worked fine.
1178788
NO. I put 2 outside a few months ago and 1 died and the other unit is still working ok. I was going to put a cover over it but have not had the time to do it. It is cooking in the 100 degree temp and has been rained on and is still working. For $60.00 I wanted to know if they could do it or not. I would not recommend them outside.
1464507
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.
1260962
I assume that would be ok, just keep it out of the weather. I leave mine plugged in for long periods of time, but mine is indoors.
152007
There is a light on it. I am not near it to check right. After I mow my lawns it is always ready the next morning. I leave it plugged in 24/7.