SMG-U350 Frequently Asked Questions

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Is it okay to cut the snow melting 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.
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May I cross or overlap the WarmlyYours snow melt heating cable?

When installing outdoor WarmlyYours snow melting cables for your driveway, patio, walkway, terrace, stairs, ramp, etc. - NEVER cross, overlap, or allow the heating cables to touch each other. Doing so will quickly cause a circuit failure due to excessive heat build up. Always follow the installation instructions and/or design layout plan to ensure the cable is installed with the correct spacing required for proper operation.
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Why a GFEP (GEFP, RCCB, or heat trace circuit breaker) and not a GFCI breaker for WarmlyYours outdoor deicing and snow melting systems?

This National Electric Code (NEC) required protection for fixed outdoor deicing and snow-melting equipment may be accomplished by using circuit breakers equipped with ground-fault equipment protection (GFEP) of 30 mA. It is important to understand that this required equipment protection is not the same as a 5 mA GFCI used for personal protection.

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How much does a snow melting system cost?

The heating elements for a snow melting system typically will start at $9 ($11 CAD) per sq. ft. for Snow Melting Cables and $11 ($14 CAD) per sq. ft. for Snow Melting Mats. However, you'll also want to keep in mind the cost of a control, and if required, sensor/s for your snow melting system, which will add to the cost. Use our free Quote Builder to get an idea of how much a system would cost for your project.Ā 
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What happens if the snow melt 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 megohmmeter, or "megger" tester, referring to the installation and testing instructions. If the cable fails any of these tests, take the following actions: 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.
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Do you need a thermostat for the Snow Melting system?

The snow melting system is not operated by a thermostat, it is operated by either an automatic or manual controller.Ā  AĀ snow melting controller does not maintain temperatures like an indoor thermostat does.Ā  An automatic snow melting controllerĀ only turns the snow melting system on when it detects precipitation and the temperature outdoors is below the set temp (typically 37.4Ā°F / 3Ā°C).
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Could this be installed on top of existing concrete?

Yes. After the snow melting cable is installed, ensure that a minimum of 1.5" (Max 3") of non-combustible medium (concrete, mortar, stone) is placed on top.
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Could this be used to install onto an outdoor staircase prior to installing tile or stone?

Yes, your contractor would need to remove the existing tiles (if present) from the staircase and flatten the surface prior to installing the grid.

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Do I start installing the grid at the top or bottom of the staircase?

Start at the top and work your way down.
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How do I affix the grid to the concrete surface?

The grid could be attached with concrete screws and washers.
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How do I eliminate a lift or distortion from the grid during the installation process?

Cut a slit in the area of the lift or distortion to flatten it out.
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How far apart should the screws be installed?

It is recommended to install a screw every 1 sq ft to ensure the grid does not shift or distort when the heating cable is installed.
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Is there a specific method to install the fixing screws?

It is easiest to start on one end of the grid and pull the grid tight as you go working the way across.
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Is there a specific way to install the grid?

Yes, it is important to ensure the grid is stretched taut in the same direction as the snow melting cable.
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