HeatTrak Common Questions (FAQs)

The cost to operate depends on the size of the mat. On average, each mat costs approximately $0.15 an hour to operate. For example, if the mat is on for 4-6 hours per snow day, the approximate cost per snow day to operate is between 60 and 90 cents.

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.

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. Each product has the amperage listed with its product specifications. Be sure to check the amperage for each mat size to learn how many mats you can plug into a single outlet at your home or business.

The number of stair mats 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).

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. Custom link extension cords are also available upon request.

All HeatTrak products come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The mats will melt snow at an average rate of 2” per hour.

The best way to use the HeatTrak mats is to turn the mat on before the snow begins to fall to avoid water accumulation. However, you can turn on the mats after the snow has already fallen. 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 slip hazard. Eventually, all the water will evaporate.

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.

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.

Connector cables are 18".

• HeatTrak mats for walkways are available in:
  • 24" Wide Mats
  • 36" Wide Mats
  • 48" Wide Mats
  • 5' - 10' Long Mats
  • 15' - 20' Long Mats
• HeatTrak Stair Mats are 3' - 5' Long and 6' - 8' Long.

The mats are very durable and are designed to be left outside for the entire winter season. The winter elements will not harm the mats.

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.

No, they will not wear out if you leave the mats turned on.

Controllers must be hardwired into the circuit by a certified electrician.

In most cases, mats will work in a GFCI outlet. However, large Industrial Mats (24" x 15' and larger, 36" x 10' and larger) may cause nuisance tripping in ground-fault protected outlets, as is the case with most large electrical apparatuses. Similarly, bundling many smaller Industrial Mats (totaling 30 sq. feet or more) on a single ground-fault protected outlet, may cause nuisance tripping. If this is the case, the mats should be spread across multiple outlets or used in an outlet without ground fault protection, thus relying on each mat's built-in ELCI safety device. This issue does not apply to HeatTrak Residential Mats.

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.

The best way to use HeatTrak mats is to turn them on before the snow begins to fall. This prevents snow from accumulating on the mats because the snowflakes 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.

The HeatTrak mats and stair treads are designed with 3/8" grommet holes to make securing the mats easy and effective. To secure the mats, we recommend using screws that are appropriate for the specific surface (i.e. wood screws, concrete screws, etc.).

No, the mats are for foot traffic only.