Are HeatTrak Mats safe?
Yes. The mats have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Protection Built-In to the cord. This GFCI will nearly instantaneously shut off all power to the mat if it detects a current leakage of more than 6 or 30mA. If a mat was cut or punctured and this damage could potentially cause harm, the GFCI will immediately detect it and shut off all power to the mat. Additionally, all HeatTrak products are tested and approved to the UL standard 499, and carry TUV mark. TUV is a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.
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How much does it cost to run a HeatTrak mat?
The cost to operate a HeatTrak mat varies by size of the mat. For example, the 2x5 mat is our most popular size and uses only 320 watts per hour (less than 1 kWh in 3 hours). Assuming the mat is on for 4 - 6 hours per snow day, the approximate cost per snow day to operate is only 15 to 30 cents (at 10-12 cents per kWh). In comparison, a typical hair dryer uses 1500 or more watts. HeatTrak Mats average 33 — 40 Watts per Sq Foot.
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How are Residential and Industrial Mats different?
- The rubber material used in the Industrial Mats is more durable than the thermoplastic material used in the Residential Mats. As a result, the Industrial Mats are better suited for high traffic areas with hundreds of people walking on them every day. The Residential Mats are meant to handle a few people a day. We do NOT RECOMMEND using Residential mats for commercial applications.
- Residential Mats come in ONLY 2 sizes - 20" x 60" (walkway mat) and 10" x 30" (stair mat). The Industrial Mats come in a variety of lengths and widths and we can offer Custom Sized Industrial HeatTrak Mats (see below for more details on size).
- HeatTrak Residential Walkway Mats must be connected together to cover larger areas. HeatTrak Industrial Walkway Mats come in larger widths and lengths to cover large sections of walkways without the need for multiple connector cables. For example, to cover a 20 foot long walkway with the Residential Walkway Mats, you will need 4 mats - each connected together to allow operation on a single plug. With the Industrial Walkway Mats, you can purchase 1 mat that is 20 feet long and have no connector cables along the walkway. This is preferable to the safety conscious maintenance professional. (Note: the Industrial Stair Mats do daisy-chain together as the connectors lie off to the side of the stair case and are not a safety hazard.)
- The industrial mats tend to lie flatter due to their more substantial weight.
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Can I use Industrial Quality Mats at my home?
Absolutely! Many customers prefer the heavier duty HeatTrak Industrial Walkway mats for home use.
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Do I roll the mats up after every storm 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.
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Do I need an electrical outlet nearby?
Yes. The mats must be plugged in to an outlet to work. No electricity, no snow melting.
An electrician can wire an outlet to a switch inside if you don’t already have a switched outlet available. This way the mats can be turned on and off from inside. It is preferable not to remove the mats from the outlet during the winter. Just leave them in place to they are ready to do their job when you need them. Or, choose automatic control options.
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Can I leave the mats on all the time?
Yes, leaving them on will not wear out. But, the mats only need to be left on during the snowfall and/or for a period of time after the snowfall to clear the snow; you choose how to use them!
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Can the mats be automatically controlled?
Yes. We have automatic controllers that can turn your mat(s) on and off. We offer two types of controllers (see accessories). The first is a thermostat controller (EH38) that requires no professional installation – it simply plugs directly into the outlet and then the mat plugs into it. This controller will power the mat whenever the temperature drops below 38 degrees Fahrenheit. However, once energized, the controller will stay on until the temperature rises above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (maybe not the best option depending on your climate). /p>
The second option is a temperature AND snow sensing controller (DS-series) and is hard-wired by an electrician. This device turns on the mat whenever it senses moisture AND the temperature is below 38 degrees F (adjustable). However this controller may not be a good option if you have snow drifts since the controller will not know to energize the mat.
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How many mats can plug into a single outlet?
The number of mats that can plug into a single outlet depends on the mats total amperage and the circuit breaker rating. Most household circuits can handle 15 or 20 amps. For a listing of the amperage for each mat size, refer to our chart in the “Product Specifications”.
Simply add the amps of each mat and ensure they are LESS than your circuit size. 15 amps is the most common 120v circuit, but there are 20 & 10 amps circuit breakers too. Check the circuit breaker for the size of an existing outlet (Remember to include the amp loads of other items on the same circuit) or have your electrician wire a new outlet to meet your need)
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What type of voltage do I need to operate the mats?
Residential mats are ONLY 120v. For Industrial mat choose either voltage (120v is the most common), but choose the correct Voltage mat for the outlet you have available. Remember, you must specify if you want a 120V mat or a 240V mat
WHEN YOU ORDER. A 120V mat CANNOT plug into a 240V receptacle and a 240V mat CANNOT plug into a 120V receptacle. If you are uncertain about voltage, just give us a call.
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What about other voltages?
208V: a 240V mat plugged in to a 208v supply may not heat up enough to melt snow. If the temperature never drops below 20 degrees F, it will probably work. If the temp will go lower than 20, we recommend having the outlet rewired for 240V
277V: We recommend NOT CONNECTING a HeatTrak mat into a voltage higher than 240v
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Will the mats work with a GFCI outlet?
Yes, in 99% of cases, HeatTrak mats are compatible with a GFCI outlet. There is a slight possibility the 2 GFCI’s will interfere with each other and the mats won’t turn on. But, simply give us a call and we probably have a solution.
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How many heated stair mats can be connected with one plug?
The number of stair treads that can be connected with one plug depends on the size of the stair tread. 48 inch stair mats draw 0.7 amps each, so you can easily connect 15 steps on a single 15 amps circuit.
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How hot does the mat get?
The mats will maintain an average temperature of 40 degrees F over the ambient temperature; if it’s zero, the mats will be at approx. 40 F. Do not be concerned about your pets burning their feet.
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Do I turn on the mat before it snows or after it snows?
Just before is best so the snow melts on contact and no snow will accumulate on the mats. 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.
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How long does it take to melt the snow?
The mats will melt approximately 2 inches per hour.
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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 snowflakes will evaporate as soon as they land on the mat. If you turn on the mats after the snow has already fallen on them, give the mat a few hours to melt through the snow. When the snow melts, there will be a slight water run-off under the surrounding snow. Also, there will be small puddles on the mat until the water completely evaporates; but they will be beneath the Industrial Mats non-slip treading, so there should not be any slip hazard. Eventually, all the water will evaporate.
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Does the snow melt right to the edge of the mat? Will any snow melt beyond the HeatTrak Mat?
It depends on how long the mats have been on and if you are on wood or concrete. If you turn the mats on a few hours before a snow fall, chances are you will have snow build-up around the outside 1.5 inch perimeter of the mat, where there are no heating elements. However, if the mat is on concrete and has been turned on for a full day or so before the snowfall, then the heat from the mat will have absorbed into the ground and spread beyond the mat by about 1 -2" for extra snow melting area of a few inches. This will not be the case if the mat rests on wood.
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Can I drive on the HeatTrak mats? No driving on the mats.
For foot traffic only.
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How long is the electrical cord? Can I use an extension cord?
The mat comes with 6 Ft long cord. You can use an OUTDOOR RATED extension cord of the proper rating as long as you properly cover the connection point of the two cords so that water does not touch the electrical pins and it is permitted by CODE.
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Can you make a Custom Length cord for me?
Yes, please contact us with your requirements.
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Where is the power cord on Walkway mats?
The lower right or upper left depending on how you lay the mat.
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Where is the power cord for Stair Mats?
Your Choice, since the mats can be oriented to either the left or right, and each mat connects to the next and the power connection can be either at the top or bottom. You could even order 2 power cords and run 2 sets in opposite directions if power was in between.
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How long is the connector cord between stair mats?
18 inches, and we sell extension cables if needed.
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Is there an “up” and “down” side to the Mats or stairs? Does it matter?
Yes it matters. The UP side is the side with the tread for traction. For your safety, do not install the mats upside down.
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Can you make me a custom-sized Industrial mat?
Yes. We make custom sizes frequently. Custom mats are available in widths (inches) of 11, 24, 36 or 48 ONLY. And Lengths up to 25 Ft (depending on width) to a maximum of 13 Amps
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Can you make a mat in a different width, other than those above?
No. Only those 4 widths are possible.
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Can you make me a custom-sized Residential mat?
No. No custom residential style. Only Industrial mats can be custom made.
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What should I expect to pay for shipping?
Shipping can range from $10.00 to $125.00, depending on the size of the mat, shipping method and the destination. Our website will calculate all shipping options for you.
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How much do the mats weigh?
For a listing of weights per size, refer to the “Products” page under “Product Specifications”. The average weight per square foot (SF) is 2 to 2.5 lbs per SF for Commercial mats.
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How long is the HeatTrak warranty?
All HeatTrak products come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
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