Exo Terra Globe Heat Guard
A guard between a hot bulb and a curious reptile. The Exo Terra Globe Heat Guard (model PT2221) is a ceramic lamp holder wrapped in a protective wire cage, built to sit on top of a mesh terrarium lid and stop reptiles making direct contact with whatever heat bulb is fitted inside it.
Key features
- Heat- and UV-resistant E27 ceramic socket — rated for sustained high-wattage operation.
- Robust wire guard, 5 mm spacing — keeps noses, tails and tongues off the bulb while still letting heat radiate through.
- Removable guard for bulb changes — two Phillips screws, no need to unmount the whole fixture.
- ON/OFF switch built into the 1.8 m cord — switch the bulb off without unplugging at the wall.
- Three mounting methods — self-tapping screws into a wooden vivarium top, a 5.2 cm cut-out mount, or bolts through a perforated aluminium strip.
- Accepts a wide range of bulb types up to 160 W — incandescent (types A, T, R, BR, S), mercury vapour bulbs, ceramic heat emitters and carbon heat projectors.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | PT2221 |
| Diameter | 14 cm |
| Height | 20.5 cm |
| Maximum bulb length | 13.5 cm including E27 base |
| Socket | E27, heat- and UV-resistant ceramic |
| Maximum wattage | 160 W |
| Voltage | 220–240 V, 50 Hz |
| Cord length | 1.8 m, with ON/OFF switch |
| Guard wire spacing | 5 mm |
| Warranty | 2 years against defective parts and workmanship, with proof of purchase |
Which bulb do I need?
This fixture is a holder and guard, not a heat source in itself — it has no heating element of its own. It accepts incandescent lamp types A, T, R, BR and S up to 160 W, plus mercury vapour bulbs, ceramic heat emitters and carbon heat projectors. The actual basking temperature at any given distance depends entirely on which bulb you install, so check that specific bulb's own temperature-by-distance chart rather than looking for a figure on this fixture.
Will it fit my enclosure?
Three mounting methods are supported: self-tapping screws through a wooden vivarium top panel, a 5.2 cm cut hole with self-tapping screws, or bolts and nuts through a perforated aluminium strip. Match the method to your terrarium's lid before ordering.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suited to mounting over a mesh top with a compatible bulb up to 160 W installed. Not suitable as a stand-alone heat source on its own, and not rated for bulbs or fixtures drawing more than 160 W.
Safety
Allow at least 15 minutes for the guard and bulb to cool before opening it for maintenance. The wire cage prevents direct contact with the bulb but the cage itself gets hot during operation — treat it as a hot surface, not a safe handle. Fit a thermostat matched to the installed bulb's wattage; running a high-wattage bulb without a thermostat is a burn and fire risk. Keep the cord and cable outlet dry and route it through a dedicated, closable inlet rather than an open gap an animal could reach.
Goes well with
- A ceramic heat emitter or halogen basking bulb rated within the 160 W limit.
- A thermostat sized to the wattage of whatever bulb you install.
- An Exo Terra mesh-top terrarium sized to take the fixture.
Warranty and delivery
Two years against defective parts and workmanship with proof of purchase, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Common questions
Does this come with a heat bulb included?
No — it's sold as the holder and guard only. Choose a compatible bulb type up to 160 W separately based on the basking temperature your species needs.
Do I still need a thermostat if I'm using this guard?
Yes. The guard stops physical contact with the bulb, but it doesn't regulate temperature. A thermostat matched to the bulb's wattage is what prevents overheating.
Can I use this with a UVB bulb instead of a heat bulb?
It's built and rated as a heat fixture for the bulb types listed above. If you need a UVB fixture, check Exo Terra's dedicated UVB fixtures, which are rated for those tube and bulb types specifically.
How hot does the guard's wire cage get?
Hot enough to burn on contact during normal operation with a basking bulb installed — the manufacturer specifies a 15-minute cooling period before handling it for maintenance.
