SnowMeltz Forms
Troubleshooting
Warranty Information
SnowMeltz Forms
Fill out and return the Heatwave Registration form or download and print the layout grid to help layout the Heatwave system.
M326 Series Activator – Wiring Guides
M326 Series Mounting
Control Unit must be mounted outside within close proximity of the SnowMeltz® system(s).
- If not using a panel, power should be ran to the location of the M326A/M3262Z.
- If using a panel, the device requires 120V/240V to operate.
- Wiring/setup for this guide is using one (1) M326A/M3262Z, without a panel (switching up to 30 amps). For other installation situations with panels or accessories, please consult the complete user manuals for the M326A/M3262Z and other devices.
- Mounting should be done on top of a sturdy conduit or using the mounting points on the top and bottom to secure it, ensure that nothing obstructs the top sensor from receiving moisture.
- Installation/Setup of the activator should be done AFTER completion of installing the SnowMeltz® system and the substrate is fully cured/completed.
M326 Series Setup
These settings are the same for M326A, M326ARS, M326A2Z & M326ARS2Z series activators.
The following should be performed BEFORE installing the activator and connecting it to power.
- Remove the four screws on the cover.
- Look for the five (5) dipswitches near the center of the board.
- The configuration should be as follows, from top to bottom: (Figure 13.2A)
• LD (5) to ON
• LTC (4) to OFF
• DEL (3) to ON
• RAIN (2) to OFF
• SNOW (1) to ON - Locate the dials on the left side of the board.
- The configuration should be as follows, from top to bottom: (Figure 13.2B)
• TRIG TEMP to 39
• DELAY OFF to MID
• SENSITIVITY to approximately 2 o’clock (one side should point to MORE) - Replace cover and secure it with the four screws.
- Proceed to wiring the device for use.
The Activator has now been configured to activate the SnowMeltz® mat(s) once the temperature is below 39 AND snow (moisture) is detected. The system will also remain activated for approximately 60-90 minutes AFTER moisture is no longer detected. To change the amount of After Run time, adjust the dial
labeled “DELAY OFF” to MIN or MAX to lessen or lengthen the After Run time.
The following mounting/wiring instructions assume that a relay panel is NOT being used and power is coming from a single 240 volt circuit. For all other installation instances, please consult the complete installation manuals for the M326A and panels for other installation/wiring instructions.
M326A Series Wiring
- Choose a location that will receive the same snowfall as the SnowMeltz® system(s) and that will not be obstructed.
- Best practice is to mount the M326A on top of a weather-proof junction box to make the connections to power and the SnowMeltz® mat(s).
- Be sure to follow local code for the correct gauge of wire for a dual-pole 30 amp 240v circuit.
- Power to the M326A must be off before wiring the unit.
- Wire the green ground wire from the M326A to the silver ground shield from the SnowMeltz® mat and to suitable grounded wire.
- Take one yellow wire and the brown wire and attach them to one leg of the incoming circuit from the breaker.
- The other yellow wire from the M326A will be wired to one of the copper conductors on the SnowMeltz® mat.
- The blue wire and wire it to the other leg of the incoming power and the other copper conductor from the SnowMeltz® mat.
- Ensure all connections are tight and secure and close the junction box and power up the system.
- The light on the front of the M326A should be solid green, indicating power is being supplied to the unit.
- Test the system to switch the power to MANUAL using the switch on the side of the M326A, the status light should be blinking, indicating the M326A is providing power to the SnowMeltz® mat.
- Return the switch to AUTOMATIC, the installation is now complete.
This test is to ensure that the activator powers on correctly and there are no wiring issues. Running another test or checking settings once snowfall has occurred is advisable.
Jump to a section
M432 Activator – Wiring Guides
M432(ETO2) Activator/Controller
- Control Unit must be mounted inside or in a water-tight enclosure if mounted outside.
- Control Unit must be located within distance of sensor being used. Sensors can be extended using 6×14-16AWG wire up to 650 feet.
- Wiring/setup for this guide is using one (1) M433/M430 (ETOG) sensor. For other sensor(s) or other situations, please consult the complete user manual.
- Installation/Setup of the activator should be done AFTER completion of installing the SnowMeltz® system and the substrate is fully cured/completed.
The system must not be turned on until the concrete has fully cured.
DO NOT USE SnowMeltz® TO CURE/DRY CONCRETE.
Mounting Sensor Head (M433/M430)
The following must be follower when mounting the in-ground sensor (M433/M430):
- Sensor must be located in the area as the SnowMeltz® system.
- Sensor head must be flush with the top of the asphalt/concrete.
- Space the SnowMeltz® mat slightly to accommodate the sensor head.
- Ensure that heating element does not touch or cross the sensor head, wire, or conduit.
Wiring M432 Power and ETOG Sensor*
- Remove the cover with a small-blade flat head screwdriver by pressing the two slots on the front-center of the cover.
- Mount the unit using the four screw holes on each corner of the unit. Be sure that the mounting location has taken into account:
• Incoming Power
• Proximity to sensor(s) (Extra wiring may be necessary to extend sensor)
• Proximity to panel and/or heating element - Wire sensor according to diagram in 13.1A.
- Wire connection to panel/heating element using the instructions from the panel and the diagram 13.1B.
- Wire incoming power (110V 15A) following diagram 13.1C.
Once powering on the unit, if the ALARM light blinks at any point during or after setup, check signal and sensor wiring connections.
- Power on the unit and do an initial setup of the software: (using the dial to move the selection up or down and pressing down on the dial to make the selection/ENTER)
• Choose Celsius or Fahrenheit (ENTER)
• Select ETOG (ENTER)*
• Leave “Sensor 2” on the OFF setting (ENTER)
• Leave the “Outdoor Sensor” OFF (ENTER)
• Select “Electric 1-Zone” under APPLICATION (ENTER)
• On this screen, hit (ENTER) to enter the menu, then scroll down to “Setup”
• On the setup menu, scroll down to “Afterrun 1” and hit (ENTER)
• Default for After run is 2 hours, it is advised to adjust this to a longer time period (3-4 hours) and then dial back from there based on the performance of the system. Once complete, hit (ENTER).
• Scroll down to “Exit” and hit (ENTER), the initial setup is complete. - Run an test run of the system to see if everything is working properly.
• To run a test of the system hit (ENTER), scroll down to the “Setup” screen and then select “Force Heat,” hit (ENTER). The internal relay should click on and the panel(s) should activate as well. After both the panel and activator have powered on, with “force Heat” still selected, hit (ENTER) again to deactivate the activator.
- Initial testing in this phase is to check to see if the activator/panel powers on and there are no wiring issues. It is advised to run another activator/panel test or checking settings once snowfall has occurred.
- It is NOT recommended to change the default activation temperature, which should be 37°-38° F
- After testing is completed. The system can be powered off during the non-winter months, but being sure to completely power on the activator and panel(s) before the first snow and leave powered on for the entire season.
- Make any adjustments necessary to activator as required for optimal efficiency for the given
application.
*ETOG is the in-ground sensor, if using additional/different sensors please consult the M432 (ET02) manual for wiring diagrams for these sensors.
Jump to a section
Electrical Connections
The connection of the power supply and the activation device must be done by a qualified electrician in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). Refer to the wiring diagram included with the activation device and/or panel(s).
Electrical Requirements:
120 or 277 VAC — Single Phase
208, 240, or 480 VAC — Two Phase
The grounding shield from the Cold Lead(s) must be wired to Ground for all primary power installations. Section 426 of the NEC requires that each circuit to the heating cable be protected with a ground fault equipment protection devices.
Expanded SnowMeltz Kits have specific circuit design/load balancing requirements, please see: CIRCUIT DESIGN
Heatizon recommends that photographs of the installed heating cable be taken and/or hand drawings documenting the layout be completed prior to before installing the asphalt, concrete, pavers, stone or tile.
Jump to a section
Surface Application
For Concrete Applications:
Proceed with applying concrete. Ensure that the concrete covers the entire heating element and the connection between the heating cable and cold leads. Great care should be taken to not damage the heating cables by impacting, cutting or other abuse.
For Asphalt Applications:
Heatizon Systems heating cable is of high quality and durable construction. As a result, it can tolerate the heat and compression of newly poured asphalt with some modification. The heating cables can tolerate 464°F(240°C) for 30 minutes. For single pour asphalt, cover the heating element with 1/2” of substrate material prior to installing asphalt per the directions below. For both single and two pour asphalt installations place a layer of asphalt at least 1/2 inch thick over the cables by hand, and roll with a roller of approximately 1.5 ton size. This will protect the heating cables from damage by tools or paving equipment and will protect the cable from heat during placement of the main pour. Continuously check the insulation resistance of the heating cables to verify that the cables are not damaged during placement of the asphalt. Continue with the main pour.
For Paver Applications:
Proceed with the installation by covering the heating cable with a layer of sand or stone dust. Ensure that the sand or stone dust covers the entire heating element and the connection between the heating element and cold leads before the pavers are installed. Great care should be taken to not damage the heating cables by impacting, cutting or other abuse.
For Stone or Tile with Mortar Applications:
Cover the heating cable with mortar to completely embed them and allow it to set. Allowing the first layer of mortar to set will protect the heating cables during the final installation and the setting bed for stone or tile. Install the Stone or Tile and keep note that the final cable depth of the cable from the surface should be 2”. Great care should be taken to not damage the heating cables by impacting, cutting or other abuse.
Jump to a section
Install Activation Device
Heatizon activation devices come with data sheets, wiring diagrams, and instructions. Install the selected activator by carefully following the specific set of instructions that were included with the activation device. Some systems are professionally designed and can include custom wiring diagrams from our industry professionals. There are three available types of activators that are suitable for SnowMeltz®:
- MANUAL – Manual activators usually consist of a timer switch that keeps the system on for a set amount of time, then powers off the system. This activator requires some sort of panel (regardless of the number of circuits) to switch the load.
- AERIAL – These activators are mounted on a wall or on a conduit in the air in very close proximity to the area to be heated. They can be equipped with temperature and/or moisture sensors, and usually have some form of basic manual override. Depending on the model, it may be able to switch smaller loads (30 amps) without the use of a panel. The sensor for this device must be able to detect the same circumstances that will be present in the area where the SnowMeltz® is installed.
- REMOTE/IN-GROUND – The activators usually have a head unit located indoors and have more functionality and have optional in-ground sensors that detect moisture/temperature on on the concrete/asphalt. These units can also have separate remote temperature sensors. Normally these units require a panel to switch the load. When using in-ground sensors, the conduit for the sensor wire and head unit must NOT cross or come in contact with the heating element. The sensor must be mounted in the SAME substrate as the SnowMeltz® system is installed into. When using a remote temperature sensor, it should be located to receive the same conditions as the heated area.
It is imperative that any/all conduit being used (for sensors, cold leads, power, etc.) do NOT come in contact with the heating element. Consult the individual instructions for the appropriate activator for wiring/mounting. Quick start/Wiring Diagrams for the most popular Heatizon activation devices are included on pages 20-23.
- If the selected activation device requires conduit for a temperature sensor, the conduit must be centered between two runs of heating cable. Always run high voltage and low voltage conductors in separate conduits.
- Heatizon recommends that photographs of the installed heating cable be taken and/or hand drawings documenting the layout be completed prior to installing the final surface.
Jump to a section
Installation
Concrete Preparation:
Loose heating cable not in a mat may be secured in place by landscape stakes and plastic wire ties, welded wire fabric and plastic wire ties or tape, or pre-punched steel straps purchased from your Heatizon Distributor or Representative. Do not compress or strain the cable, run heavy machinery, equipment, or vehicles over it. Be careful to avoid stepping on the cold section factory connection of the cable. Consult the NEC or CEC for grounding requirements of rebar or welded wire fabric for concrete installations. When working with concrete or asphalt joints, design the layout so each section of the slab is covered and the cable crossing of joints are minimized. See page 15 for example layouts. Mats should be installed in evenly spaced runs per the system design and plan. Sleeve hand rail posts to avoid drilling or penetrations in the slab after the pour.
- Two Pour Concrete: In this installation a concrete slab is already present and an additional slab will be poured on top. The heating cable can be layed out using welded wire fabric and zip ties or tape, or pre punched steel strapping for loose cable installations not in a mat form. Cold leads should be sleeved for this installation following conductor fill and size requirements in the NEC and CEC. The heating cable portion and cold connection can not pass into the conduit sleeve. Jumpers must be used to protect the heating cable where joints are present on the concrete slab below as well as in the new slab.
- Single Pour Concrete: In this installation the aggregate or concrete base is prepared first. Once the base is prepared the installer can begin by placing a grid of welded wire fabric or rebar in preparation for the heating cable. The heating cables or mats can be attached to the welded wire fabric with plastic zip ties or tape. Take note of layout examples on page 9 for installations requiring jumpers. Jumpers must be used for any and all joint cable crossings. Do not cross expansion joints. Once the heating cable is installed, place chairs or concrete dobies under the rebar or welded wire fabric grid to bring the heating cable within 2” to 3” of the surface. Cold leads can be sleeved following conductor and fill size requirements in the NEC and CEC. The heating cable portion and cold connection can not pass into any conduit sleeve.
Asphalt Preparation:
Loose heating cable not in mat form may be secured in place by landscape stakes and plastic wire ties, welded wire fabric and plastic wire ties or tape, or pre-punched steel straps purchased from your Heatizon Distributor or Representative. Cables in a mat can be layed out in the configuration desired directly on the surface. Do not compress or strain the cable, run heavy machinery, equipment, or vehicles over it. Be careful to avoid stepping on the cold section factory connection of the cable. Consult the NEC or CEC for grounding requirements of rebar or welded wire fabric for asphalt installations. When working with concrete or asphalt joints, design the layout so each section of the slab is covered and the cable crossing of joints are minimized. See page 9 for example layouts. Cables or mats should be installed in evenly spaced runs per the system design and plan. Sleeve hand rail posts to avoid drilling or penetrations in the slab after the pour.
- Two Pour Asphalt: In this installation a binder or base coat of asphalt is layed down and an additional asphalt layer is placed on top of the heating cable. The base coat is to be rolled smooth in preparation of the heating cable installation. Welded wire mesh can be used to install loose cables in a grid. The grid can be secured to the base coat slab using stakes. If using a heating cable in mat form, the mats can be layed out on the base coat slab and secured down using the mesh portion of the mat and not the heating cable. Cold leads should be sleeved for this installation following conductor fill and size requirements in the NEC and CEC. The heating cable portion and cold connection can not pass into the conduit sleeve. Jumpers must be used to protect the heating cable where any and all joints are present. Do not cross expansion joints.
- Single Pour Asphalt: In this installation the aggregate or base is prepared first. Once the base is prepared, a layer of sand or stone dust is placed over the base coat approximately 1” thick. The installer can begin by placing a grid of welded wire fabric or landscaping stakes in preparation for the heating cable. The heating cables or mats can be attached to the welded wire fabric, or landscaping stakes with plastic zip ties that will not melt. Take note of layout examples on page 11 for installations requiring jumpers. Jumpers must be used for any and all joint cable crossings. Cold leads should be sleeved following conductor and fill size requirements in the NEC and CEC. The heating cable portion and connection can not pass into any conduit sleeve.
Sand Bed Paver Preparation:
The heating cable may be secured in place by landscape stakes and plastic wire ties, welded wire fabric and plastic wire ties or tape. Do not compress or strain the cable. Do not run heavy machinery, equipment, or vehicles over the cable. Be careful to avoid stepping on the cold section factory connection of the cable.
- Sand Bed Installation: In this installation the aggregate or base is prepared first. Cover the base with 1/2” layer of compact sand. Use welded wire fabric or landscape stakes to place loose heating cables or lay the heating cable mat on the layer of sand in accordance with determined layout. Cover the heating cable or mat with another 1/2” layer of sand. The paver installer must be careful to not walk on the factory connection or damage the heating cable with shovels, rakes or other tools. Cold leads should be sleeved for this installation following conductor fill and size requirements in the NEC and CEC.
Mortar Under Stone & Tile Preparation:
The heating cable may be secured in place with pre-punched steel straps or anchor kits purchased from your Heatizon Distributor or Representative. Do not compress or strain the cable. Do not run heavy machinery, equipment, or vehicles over it. Be careful to avoid stepping on the cold section factory connection of the cable.
- Mortar Bed Installation: Anchor the heating cable in parallel runs in preparation for mortar placement. Cold leads should also be anchored for this installation back to the exit point of the slab and placed in conduit following conductor fill and size requirements in the NEC and CEC.
Stairs:
When installing in stairs, ensure that the heating element should not be too close to the edge of the stair and still be completely embedded. Also be sure that where the cable spans the rise of the stairs get embedded in the substrate to avoid causing a hot spot, and damaging the cable. Avoid doing a full run on the rise of the stair.
- Concrete Stair Installation: The heating element must be 2-3 inches below and spaced 4” away from the edge of the stair. When the cable spans the rise, it too should be completely embedded. If using rebar, use the same methods to secure the cable to the rebar as decribed in the “Concrete” section. Use Jumpers when stairs will have joints between individual stairs, or into adjoining concrete that is to be heated. Be careful to avoid running heating cable where hand rails will be installed.
- Paver Stair Installation: Be sure that the heating element is properly secured prior to mortaring, and be sure that all the heating element is properly embedded. The cable should not be strained or compressed. Allow the mortar to fully cure before walking on pavers.
Cold Lead(s):
The cold lead(s) should be run in a conduit to either a junction box, panel, or activator and should NEVER cross or come in contact with the SnowMeltz® heating element.
Jump to a section
Area Preparation
Ensure that the substrate has been properly compacted and drainage has been satisfactorily addressed. For substrate preparation and concrete recommendations please refer to page 1 of this manual for “A FEW CONCRETE SUGGESTIONS”. Other site preparation recommendations include, cleaning up the site to eliminate objects that may damage the heating element prior to, during and after the installation.
Use the site sketch to transfer the following information to the site.
- Identify and mark the location of any and all joints if the heating cable or mat will be installed into a new asphalt or a concrete slab, Do not forget to use jumpers for any and all joints.
- Determine the location of the starting points of the heating element and the exit points for the cold leads. Connections must be embedded in asphalt, concrete, or other cementitious material.
- Determine the location of the activation device. If using an in-slab temperature or temperature/moisture sensor, mark the location for the activation device and install a conduit sleeve for the lead wire to the in-slab sensor. An automated activator is the “eyes and ears” of the snow melt system. It is important that it be installed in a location that will allow it to turn the snow melt system “on” when it is needed and “off” when it is not needed. Verify the proper location has been selected for the activation device. Manual activators require human action—as a result they should be placed in a location that is convenient and easily accessible.
Jump to a section
Required Tests
Insulation Resistance with Megohmmeter
Before, during, and after installation, it is necessary to measure the insulation resistance between the heating conductor and the protective grounding screen with a 500VDC Megohmmeter. This measured value may not be less than 0.5 Megohms. Connect the voltage lead to the inner cold lead conductors and the earth lead to the cold lead outer grounding braid or sheath. Test resistance at 500VDC. Record the measured values in the certificate of warranty.
Cable Conductor Resistance with Multimeter
Before, during, and after installation, it is necessary to measure the resistance of the heating circuit with a multimeter. The measured values should be equal -5% to +10%.
Connect one meter lead to the one cold lead inner conductor and the other meter lead to the other cold lead inner conductor. Take the Ohm reading. Record the measured values in the certificate of warranty.
Be sure to check product label for proper resistance, operating amperage, operating voltage, cable length and other important information when performing tests.
Jump to a section
SnowMeltz® Installation Design
Gathering Site Information
- Size and layout of area – Be sure to properly measure the area to be installed to ensure the proper sized SnowMeltz® system has been purchased. Also plan how power will be run to the area and/or met to the cold lead(s).
- Geographic Location – Depending on the geographic location of the installation area, some adjustments made have to be made during the installation, such as: layout configuration, drainage, heat output, obstacles, etc.
- Cover or cap material and thickness (1.5” minimum) – SnowMeltz® MUST be embedded in either concrete, asphalt, or sand underneath pavers, ensure the system is at least 1.5 inches from surface.
Determine the Voltage and Amperage
The available supply voltages include 208V, 240V, and 277V.
Ensure based on the voltage and size of system(s) being used,
that there is enough available amperage available.
Important: Operating SnowMeltz® at voltages they are not designed for will damage the system and void the warranty.
| Breaker Size (Amps) | Max Load (Amps) |
|---|---|
| 50 | 40 |
| 40 | 32 |
| 30 | 24 |
| 20 | 16 |
| 15 | 12 |
Plan the design*
Determine the optimum SnowMeltz® Mat layout for the heated area to ensure coverage. Determine where the cold lead (20 foot) will join to a junction box, panel, or activation device. When installing multiple systems, be sure to plan layout for multiple cold leads being run to the same location. Use included grid (back of the manual) to layout the SnowMeltz® system(s).
- Make certain to plan for the movement of water created by melted snow.
- The transition joint between the heating element and the cold lead must be embedded in asphalt, concrete, sand, stone dust, or cementitious material. Do not bend the heating cable within 3” of cold connection.
- Activation Devices are the eyes and ears of the heating system. Location is important. Please reference installation and operation information in the activation device product literature. Some activation devices may or may not require a different voltage than the heating cable.
- Consult Heatizon Systems for any other questions.
Jumpers
ASHRAE, NEC, and Heatizon always require the use of jumpers through joints. Never extend the heating cable through any joint in asphalt and/or concrete without a jumper. Determine the number of joints in order to determine the number of Jumper Kits required for the project. Always jumper joints using the appropriate jumper kit provided by Heatizon Systems.
When laying out SnowMeltz® in concrete where jumpers will need to be used, best practice is to minimize the number of times the heating element will cross joints. Ideally, arrange the layout so that the mat fills one section of the concrete (between joints) then crosses the joint(s). The best solution for jumpers is to use the jumper Kit supplied by Heatizon (Heatizon Part #MICABJMPKIT), it includes components for four jumpers.
CONCRETE JOINTS AND USING JUMPERS
Control Joints: Control Joints are intended to control where the slab will crack and are placed either in fresh concrete or saw cut in after the concrete is poured. Spacing of these joints will vary depending on the size and shape of the slab. Use the Cable Jumper to protect the heating cable when crossing control
joints.
Construction Joints: Construction joints are a common result when multiple concrete pours are completed at different stages during construction. Use a Cable Jumper to protect the heating cable when crossing construction joints.
Expansion Joints: Expansion or Isolation joints result when concrete is isolated from something else which can be concrete, a wall, column etc. When an expansion joint is used between two concrete slabs the two structures are not connected using rebar, therefore movement can/will occur between them. Do not cross expansion joints with the heating portion of the cable. The cold lead portion of the cable may cross expansion joints as long as the cold lead is buried under or sleeved with conduit at the bottom of the joint.