Frequently Asked Questions

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. Best is to have an electrician wire the outlet to a switch inside the facility. 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.

4.     Will the mats wear out if I leave them on for the entire winter? No.

5.     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 (see accessories). 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. 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). This controller does not require any professional installation. The second is a snow sensing controller (LCD-1). This device will turn on the mat whenever it senses moisture AND the temperature is below 38 degrees Fahrenheit. This controller must be hardwired into the circuit by a certified electrician. However this controller may not be a good option if you have snow drifts since the controller will not know to energize the mat. Also, the LCD-1 can only handle up to 16 amps of current, so it is usually only effective for 1 or 2 mats. A third option is the combination of APS-3C and CIT-1 controller system. This has the same functionality as the LCD-1 except it is meant to control many mats with larges amounts of current (in excess of 16 amps). In our opinion, the best option is to manually turn the mats on or off, wire the outlet to a switch inside the facility, or leave them on all season (depending on your budget).

6.     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 amps. For a listing of the amperage for each mat size, refer to the “Products” page under “Product Specifications”.

7.     What type of voltage do I need to operate the mats? The mats can be produced to operate on either 120V or 240V current. However, the following mat sizes can only come in 240V: 36”x15’ and 36” x 20’. HeatTrak often makes custom size mats for the customers’ applications. It is best to call us with voltage questions for all custom size mats.

8.     Will the mats work if plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet? Yes.

9.     How many stair mats can be connected with one plug? The number of stair mats that can be connected with one plug depends on the size of the stair mat. A good point of reference is as follows: A single plug for any set of stairs whose cumulative linear feet is less than 35. So, for example, stair mats that are 11” x 4’ can be connected in a set of no more than 8 stairs (4 ft x 8 qty = 32 cumulative linear feet).  11” x 5’ can only be connected in a set of 7 stairs (5 ft x 7 qty = 35 linear feet).

10. How hot does the mat get? The mats will maintain an average temperature of 40 degrees above the ambient temperature. So for example, if the ambient temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit, the mat’s temperature will be approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

11.  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. How long does it take to melt the snow? The mats will melt snow at an average rate of 2” per hour (approximately).

13. 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 surrounds 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 will not be any slip hazard. Eventually, all the water will evaporate.

14. Are the mats dangerous? No. The mats have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) below the plug. This GFCI will instantaneously shut off all power to the mat if it detects a current leakage of more than 6mA. Therefore, should there ever be a cut in the mat that could potentially cause harm, the GFCI will immediately detect it and shut off all power to the mat. Also, 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.

15. 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.).

16. What size are the Grommet holes? 3/8”.

17. Can I drive on the mats? No. For foot traffic only.

18. How long is the electrical cord? Can I use an extension cord? The mat comes with a 6’ long cord. You can use an extension cord as long as you properly cover the connection point of the two cords so that water does not touch the electrical pins.

19.  Where is the power cord located on the mat?  The default location of the power cord is on the lower right corner of the mat, which is also the upper left corner if you rotate the mat.The power cord can be reversed to the other side if requested in the purchase order.

20.  Where is the power cord located on the stair mats? The default location of the power cord on the stair-treads is upper right, which is also lower left if rotated. The power cord can be reversed to the other side if requested in the purchase order. 

21. How long are the connector cables for the stair mats? 18”. But custom lengths can be done at the customer’s request.

22. What type of outlet should I use for the mats?  The plug on the mat looks like the diagrams below. Make sure the outlet you are plugging the mat into has a similar looking receptacle.

23. Can HeatTrak make me a custom-sized mat? Yes, as long as the width is 11”, 24”, 36” or 48” and the length is not longer than 25 feet.   

24. What should I expect to pay for shipping? Shipping can range from $5.00 to $125.00 per mat, depending on the size of the mat and the destination. All packages ship UPS or FEDEX Ground (unless otherwise specified by the customer), with an average shipping cost of approximately $50.00.

25. How much do the mats weigh? For a listing of weights per size, refer to the “Products” page under “Product Specifications”.  

       26. How long is the warranty? All HeatTrak products come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.