- Can I cut the heating cable if it is too long for the application for which it was designed?
Never cut the heating cable. A heating cable will not work if it has been cut. If the heating cable is too long, call WarmlyYours to consult with a technician who will guide you in utilizing the additional length of cable.
- How does the electric snow melting system compare to hot water tubing (hydronic) systems?
The material costs are similar. However, electric systems are easier to install, with fewer components and significantly lower maintenance costs. Electric systems will run for a shorter period of time to give the same level of performance but with much higher energy efficiency (typically 95%-98% efficient). Controls and sensors required for the two types of systems are very similar.
Electric systems do not usually require slab insulation and do not create the concerns typically associated with hydronic systems. These concerns include, but are not limited to, return temperatures, flue gas venting, waterway shrinkage and property damage caused by leaking pipes or tubes.
- How much does a snow melting system cost?
A snow melting system typically costs between $15.00 and $25.00 per square foot, not including a control. Control packages range from $250.00 and $1,500.00 per system.
- How much does the system cost to operate?
To calculate the system’s approximate operating costs, multiply the kilowatt rating of the system by the cost per kilowatt in your area.
Example: 500 square foot concrete driveway, with 20,000 watts (20kW) power usage, in an area where electricity is 9 cents per kilowatt
($0.09) - 20 kW X $0.09 = $1.80 per hour.
Most snow falls last between 3 and 6 hours, so the cost of operating the above system will be between $5.40 and $10.80 per snow fall.
- How much power does the snow melting system use?
The power utilized to melt snow varies depending upon the type of area. Vehicular areas average about 40 watts per square foot while pedestrian areas average approximately 55 watts per square foot.
Example: 500 square foot concrete driveway
To calculate the wattage requirement, multiply the total number of square feet by the average number of watts per square foot - 500 sq.ft.
X 40 watts = 20,000 watts (20 kW).*
To calculate the amperage requirement, divide the total number of watts by the available voltage** - 20,000 watts/240 volts** = 84 amps.
* kWs are calculated by dividing the total number of watts by 1000
** 240 volts is typical for residential applications
- May I cross or overlap the heating cable?
Never cross, overlap or allow the heating cables to touch each other. Doing so will quickly cause a circuit failure because of the excessive heat build up. Always follow the product instructions and/or design layout plan to ensure the cable is installed with the correct spacing required for proper operation.
- May I cut the cold lead wires?
Cold lead wires may be shortened by the electrician during the installation. Never cut the mineral insulated heating cable. Any lead wire extensions must be made in a junction box in accordance with the installation instructions, and must comply with all national and local electrical codes.
- What happens if the cable is damaged during the installation?
If a cable is damaged during installation, recheck the system for continuity and confirm the integrity of the insulation with a meg-ohm meter or megger tester, referring to the installation and testing instructions. If the cable fails any of these tests, take the following actions: measure the diameter of the bare copper sheath with a micrometer, seal any open areas of the cable with an epoxy material, clear a 3 foot square working area around the damaged section of cable, and record the cable part number from the UL tag and the location where you purchased the product. Call WarmlyYours with the above information. WarmlyYours will provide further assistance and supply a splice kit suitable for repairing the particular cable.
- What type of conduit should I use to bring power to the heating cables?
Each heating cable assembly comes with a metal condulet which is buried in the slab. Because the condulet is not a splice point, accessibility is not required. To maintain continuity in the ground circuit, a 3/4” rigid metal conduit must be used to connect to each condulet. Each heating cable comes with a factory installed cold lead wire that must be routed through the rigid metal conduit to a metal junction box where a simple wire nut connection can be made for the electrical hook-up.
- Will I need a new / expanded electrical panel for my snow melting system?
Always confirm the power requirements with the electrician. Large snow melting systems usually require a new electrical panel or electrical service. Contact WarmlyYours for a revision of the quotation, indicating the actual power capacity available, and to obtain recommendations for reducing the power consumption. For example, opting for tire track coverage rather than installing the snow melting system over the entire driveway can dramatically reduce the power requirements.
