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1. How much does it cost to run a HeatTrak mat?
The cost to operate the HeatTrak mat depends on the size of the mat. On average, each mat costs approximately $0.15 an hour to operate. Assuming the mat is on for 4-6 hours per snow day, the approximate cost per snow day to operate is between $0.60 and $0.90.
2. Do I roll the mats up after every use or can they be left outside for a long period of time?
The mats are very durable and are designed to be left outside for the entire winter season. The winter elements will not harm the mat in any way.
3. Do I leave the mats on all the time?
The mats only need to be left on during the snowfall and/or for a period of time after the snowfall. The mats have an on/off switch attached to the plug. You can either turn the mat off when it is not snowing or you can unplug it.
4. Can the mats be automatically controlled?
Yes. There are automatic controllers that can turn your mat on and off. HeatTrak sells two types of controllers. The first is a thermostat controller (EH38) that plugs directly into the outlet. This controller will power the outlet whenever the temperature drops below 38 degrees Fahrenheit. This controller sells for $30 and does not require any professional installation. The second is a snow sensing controller. This device will turn on the mat whenever it senses moisture AND the temperature is below the freezing point. This controller must be hardwired into the circuit by a certified electrician. The snow sensing controller sells for $200.
6. What type of voltage do I need to operate the mats?
The 24” wide mats can only work with 120V receptacles. The 36” wide mats can work with both 120V and 240V receptacles. However, you must specify if you want a 120V mat or a 240V mat. A 120V mat CANNOT plug into a 240V receptacle and a 240V mat CANNOT plug into a 120V receptacle. The following mat sizes can only come in 240V: 36”x15’, 36”x18’, and 36”x21’.
7. Will the mats work with a GFCI outlet?
Most mat sizes are compatible with a GFCI outlet. However, the following sizes will not work in a GFCI outlet and must be plugged into a regular outlet: 24”x18’, 24”x20’, and 36”x12’.
8. How many stair treads can be connected with one plug?
The amount of stair treads that can be connected with one plug depends on the size of the stair tread. A 24” wide stair tread can be wired together in groups of 2 to 8. A 36” wide stair tread can be wired together in groups of 2 to 4. Please call the HeatTrak office with specific applications.
10. Do I turn on the mat before it snows or after it snows?
The best way to use the HeatTrak mats is to turn them on before the snow begins to fall. This way, no snow will accumulate on the mats, since the snow flakes will evaporate as soon as they fall. However, you can turn on the mats after the snow has already fallen. In this case, give the mats a few hours to melt through the snow.
12. What happens to the water when the snow melts?
The best way to use the HeatTrak mats is to turn the mat on before the snow begins to fall. This way, there will not be any water accumulation when the snow melts, because the snow flakes will evaporate as soon as they land on the mat. However, you can turn on the mats after the snow has already fallen on them. In this case, give the mat a few hours to melt through the snow. When the snow melts, there will be a slight water run-off, but the run-off will go under the snow that lines the mat. Also, there will be small puddles on the mat until the water completely evaporates. But have no fear, these small puddles will be beneath the non-slip treading, so there shouldn’t be any slip hazard. Eventually, all the water will evaporate.
13. Are the mats dangerous?
No. The mats have two safety mechanisms built into them. First, the products have an Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) below the plug. This ELCI will instantaneously shut off all power to the mat if it detects a current leakage of more than 27mA. Therefore, should there ever be a cut in the mat that could potentially cause harm, the ELCI will immediately detect it and shut off all power to the mat. Secondly, the mats have a ground shield between the heating element and the rubber. Should there be any tear in the mat that could potentially cause harm, and for some reason the ELCI doesn’t catch it, all current will leave the mat through the ground shield. Finally, all mats are tested before leaving our facility with a Hipot machine that pumps 1000 volts through the mats. If while 1000 volts are going through the mat, the Hipot detects any current leakage beyond a dangerous level, the mat does not get shipped.
14. Can the mat be secured to the ground?
The HeatTrak mats and stair treads are designed and built with grommet holes to make securing the mats both simple and effective. To secure the mats, we recommend using screws that are appropriate for the specific surface (i.e. wood screws, concrete screws, etc.).
15. Can I drive on the mats?
The mats work great on residential driveways, provided you don’t have hundreds of visitors per day driving up and down the driveway. Many cars driving over the mats can increase the chances of wear and tear. We do not recommend the mats for parking lots or any other driveway that has a lot of vehicular traffic. However the mats will work fine for private residential driveways.
16. How long is the electrical cord?
Can I use an extension cord? The mat comes with a 15’ long plug. We do not recommend using an extension cord since the mats are designed for outdoor use. If one uses an extension cord, please make sure all connection points are tightly wrapped with plastic or other waterproof material.
19. How much do the mats weigh?
For a listing of weights per size, refer to the “Products” page under “Product Specifications”.
20. How many years will the mats last?
The mats should last 4-6 years if maintained properly. For proper maintenance instructions, see the installation manual that comes with the product.
21. How long is the warranty?
All Heat Trak products come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
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