Tag Archives: Snow melting system components

NEWS

Quality Components and Service you can Trust

Snow melting systems are great for contractors looking to expand their business and add a new level of convenience for their customers. But adding a new service offering and learning to install it can be overwhelming. With ProLine Radiant’s top-of-the-line components and free installation training and technical support, providing snow melting systems for your customers is easy.

Snow melting systems from ProLine are professionally designed by an in-house team of designers. Then, the detailed layout of the system is provided to the contractor to serve as the  installation’s “road map” to help assure that the layout is correct and the components are installed correctly. These layouts also contain all the needed electrical information for your installer as well, including, proper load calculations, breaker sizes, number of breakers, etc. Proper installation of a snow melting system is key for a reliable, efficient system, which is why ProLine offers such robust customer support services.

Heated paver driveway and parking area.
A heated paver driveway.

It’s also important to use reputable, quality components. Installing a snow melting system begins with three main components; the heating element, and activation device, and a control unit/contactor panel. At ProLine, the heating element for snow melting systems is a heavy duty, high-quality cable designed to produce 30-50 watts per square foot. ProLine heat cable is one of the most trusted and efficient in the industry. ProLine twin conductor heat cable features single-point connection, and is rated at 220°F for easy installation in almost any medium, from pavers to concrete and asphalt.

For hot asphalt applications, ProLine offers a special version of cable that is rated at 460°F for up to 10 minutes. ProLine’s UL listed heat cable has a copper metal sheath, and uses a polyolefin jacketing for rugged durability, UV protection and flexibility.

ProLine heat cable comes on spools ready for installation, or pre-spaced in mats. These mats are available with 3 and 4 inch cable spacing and heat a 2-foot wide area. ProLine radiant heating mats simplify installation, and are ideal for heating standard shaped areas that may need less customization. The tape backing of the mats can be cut to facilitate turns and layout in custom shaped areas. (Note: Never cut the actual heating cable.) Mats are easily rolled out over the area to be heated, making installation quick and easy. The snow melting mats are a durable, versatile choice, and are especially popular for large applications.

Next, a snow melting system must have an activation device. These advanced snow sensors detect temperature and precipitation. When the temperature hits a certain point (usually set at 39°F) and precipitation is also detected, the sensor signals the contactor panel, which sends power to the heating cable. ProLine has state-of-the-art sensors, and both in-ground and aerial-mount sensors are available for commercial and residential applications. ProLine’s aerial-mount sensor allows for automatic activation and manual override capability for times if the system needs to be activated to melt a snow drift or when a patch of ice has formed. This sensor can be upgraded for remote activation and is compatible with smart systems.

ProLine aerial-mount snow sensor
An aerial-mount snow sensor for an automated snow melting system.

Finally, a snow melting system must have a contactor panel or control unit. This component sends power to the embedded heating element after it receives a signal from the sensor. When installing a snow melting system, the aerial sensor utilizes a contactor panel. At ProLine, contactor panels are available with or without ground fault equipment protection (GFEP). This option can save contractors a great deal of time and money.

In-ground sensors differ from aerial sensors as they rely on a control unit instead of a contactor panel. ProLine systems use a NEMA 1 control unit that is compact and easy to use. These units can be operated from an external signal and be switched on/off or even to standby. ProLine’s control unit not only has advanced technology, but a great price not found at competitors. Control units are energy efficient and allow for sidewalks, driveways, or any outdoor area to be snow free.

ProLine snow melting systems are versatile enough to be installed in almost any application, ranging from residential driveways to large commercial applications such as parking lots, loading docks, runaway truck ramps, public transit platforms, and so on.

ProLine’s trusted systems and low pricing also come with industry leading customer services, including, free installation training, technical support and professional system design. These services are geared to make it easy for contractors to expand their businesses by providing radiant heat to their customers.

ProLine’s dedicated customer service professionals are available to help you with every aspect of the installation. Design and engineering specialists will work with you to create the most efficient system and provide you with and accurate layout that includes all the electrical information. This serves as the road map for your installer and electrician, and helps to ensure a successful installation.

The installation training can be completed online with an instructor at your convenience. If you ever have a question, installation support professionals are available over the phone to assist you during installation if you need. ProLine’s customer service is with you throughout the installation process. When looking to give your customers the efficient option of radiant heat, ProLine is truly the best choice for contractors. For more information, call 866.676.9276.

NEWS

Radiant Heat Systems – Wholesale Prices with Retail Services

Industry Leading System Components and Support Services

Customers have many options when it comes to installing a radiant snow melting system. Entire driveways can be heated, or the systems can be customized to melt snow and ice in specific, troublesome areas such as inclines or shaded areas. Regardless of the customer’s needs, an electric snow melting system can be easily designed and installed to meet the specific layout and demands of the customer.

Heated driveway and parking entrance

Electric heated driveway systems are fully automated and maintenance free – and ProLine’s professional design team will create the layout that will result in the best performance for each installation. Automated snow melting systems are especially advantageous for business owners who worry about customer safety and litigation. Instead of having to arrive at their business early to plow and shovel snow, ProLine radiant heat systems activate when needed, so there’s no buildup. The systems detect when snow first starts falling and activate as the first flakes hit the ground. This ensures that walkways with heavy pedestrian traffic or potentially hazardous areas such as steps, inclines and ramps remain free of snow and ice throughout snowstorms to help ensure the customers’ safety. Homeowners can also choose where to install radiant heat in a way that is best for their snowmelt needs and budget.

As radiant heat systems gain popularity in Northern America, many contractors are beefing up their bottom line by adding radiant heat installation to their service offerings. And as many professional builders can attest, ProLine is the perfect radiant heating system partner to work with – for indoor and outdoor radiant heat systems. Contractors not only enjoy the benefit of using trusted industry leading system components, but they get those products at discounted (wholesale) prices.

Industry Leading Heated Driveway Components

ProLine snow melting systems feature the industry’s most reputable components. The fully automated systems include heat cable, snow sensor (activation device), contactor panel (optional with or without GFEP), and a marker plate (as required by the NEC).

ProLine Heat Cable

ProLine’s snow melting heat cable is a proven industry leader that is being used in a variety of radiant snow melting systems throughout Northern America. The twin-conductor, single-point connection heat cable features premier workmanship and materials, and is UL listed. It is designed with FEP/XLPE insulation, polyolefin jacketing design (for flexibility and protection), allowing the radiant heating system to consistently provide top performance during winter conditions. Coupled with outstanding customer support services and a 10-year manufacturer warranty, ProLine snow melting systems are designed and built to outperform all competing products.

ProLine snow melting heat cable in mat
ProLine snow melting heat cable in mat

In addition to its trusted snow melting heat cable, ProLine also carries a specially designed cable for hot asphalt installations. This cable for asphalt applications is designed to handle a maximum external jacket temperature, and is rated at 460°F (240°C) for up to 10 minutes.

Activation Device (Snow Sensor)

ProLine snowmelt systems feature the industry’s most advanced and renowned aerial-mount and in-ground snow sensors. The aerial-mount snow sensor is capable of sensing temperature and precipitation. When precipitation is detected and the temperature is below the adjustable ‘trigger point’ (usually 39°F), the unit signals the snow melting system controller (contactor panel). The contactor panel then sends power to the embedded heat cable, warming the driveway and preventing any snow buildup.

Snow melting system snow sensor
WS-2C snow sensor for automated snow melting systems.

These aerial-mount snow sensors are smart system compatible and feature an adjustable delay off cycle, upgradeable remote activation, and adjustable temperature set point.

The in-ground activation device is also available for ProLine snow melting systems. But this sensor – installed in the surface of the driveway – is most commonly used in large commercial snow melting applications; but can be used in residential systems if desired. Rather than using a contactor panel, the in-ground sensors require a small wall-mounted control unit. This controller is a small, NEMA 1, advanced control panel, only 6×3.5 inches wide and 3.5-inches tall. The units can be controlled from an external signal (day/week timer, GSM-module or other signal source) and can be switched on/off (standby). The controller also features a 4-hour timer that serves as a manual backup so the system can be activated to melt snow drifts or ice that may have formed on the driveway.

Contactor Panel

Contactor panels are most commonly used in residential snow melting system applications. In an effort to save installers time and money, ProLine carries a variety of contactor panels with and without ground fault equipment protection (GFEP). In addition to minimizing the risk of faults the panels with ground fault equipment protection eliminate extra wiring installation steps and costs. Upon receiving a signal from the activation device (snow sensor), the panel sends power to the heating cable.

Contactor panel with GFEP
A 100-amp contactor panel with GFEP for automated snow melting systems.

All contactor panels are pre-wired and UL listed, complete with a NEMA 4 enclosure, wiring diagram, terminal connection block, and two or four 3-pole contactors. Timer panels can be used as stand alone or in conjunction with an automatic controller.

In addition to offering premier quality system components, ProLine Radiant provides unsurpassed customer services. These comprehensive services include system design and layout, installation training, technical support, and system design and layout services. A vast online library of installation videos and product documentation is also available on ProLine’s website. For free consulting, or to learn more about ProLine’s many products and services call 866.676.9276 today.

NEWS

ProLine Snowmelt Systems Feature the Industry’s Top Components

Nothing Matches ProLine Product Quality and Customer Service

What are the components of a heated driveway and how are these systems installed? How do they work? Do snow melting systems require routine maintenance? And what types of mediums can ProLine heated driveways be installed in?

There are two types of radiant heat technologies: electric and hydronic. Both technologies are fully automated and can be installed in virtually any typical medium, including concrete, asphalt and pavers. Consumers throughout Northern America have successfully installed radiant heat in a variety of applications, including: heated driveways, loading docks, runaway truck ramps, sidewalks and bridges, boat decks, and so on.

Hydronic snow melting systems are a little more complex than their electric counterpart, and utilize a series of pumps, manifolds and a boiler that may require some maintenance. However, ProLine electric snowmelt systems feature silent operation and are maintenance free.

Heated driveway

Electric heated driveways require no maintenance because they have no moving parts. The systems utilize three major system components: The heating cable, an activation device (snow sensor), and master controller/control unit. What makes Warmzone snow melting systems an industry leader is the uncompromising quality of each component.

The Heating Cable

ProLine snow melting heat cable is a proven industry leader that is easy to customize and install. The cable is designed to withstand the stress of heavy concrete pours and the extreme temperature of hot asphalt installations. The cable is UL listed and consists of a twin conductor with FEP/XLPE insulation and polyolefin jacketing to provide flexibility and UV protection. The heat cable is rated at 220°F and has a minimum 10-year warranty. Because of its performance and reliability, ProLine snow melting cable is a preferred cable among construction professionals.

The Snow Sensor (Activation Device)

ProLine systems feature either an aerial-mount or pavement-mount activation device (snow sensor). When the sensor detects precipitation and temperatures are below the adjustable a set point (usually set at 39°F), it signals the controller, which then sends power to the heat cable. ProLine offers several types of snow sensors to best meet the demands of each project. In addition to the adjustable set point, the aerial snow sensors feature adjustable delay off cycles and upgradeable remote activation. The activation device is also smart system compatible.

The pavement-mounted snow sensor is mounted directly in the surface of the area being heated. These sensors are typically used in large commercial applications, while the aerial-mount activation device is used in most residential snow melting systems.

The Master Controller

The master controller used with the pavement-mount snow sensor is a small, NEMA 1 control panel that is typically mounted on a wall in the garage. These 6×3.5-inch units are designed so that they can be controlled from an external signal (day/week timer, GSM-module or other signal source). The snow melting control unit can be switched on/off (standby) and the heating system can be manually turned on in case wind causes snow drifts or ice forms in the shade.

Learn more about ProLine Radiant’s professional design/layout services and installation support, as well as ProLine’s free installation training. Call a radiant heat expert today at 866.676.9276.

ProLine Radiant’s Advanced Floor Heating Thermostats

ProLine’s Floor Heating Systems Feature Industry Leading Components, Backed by Unmatched Customer Services
ProLine Radiant offers a selection of industry leading floor heating solutions. From its own trusted heat cable to the innovative low-voltage polymer heating element, ProLine carries the top floor heating solutions for any custom commercial or residential radiant heat project, designed to heat virtually any type of flooring. In addition to providing the industry’s premier floor heating elements, ProLine also offers the most advanced system controllers and thermostats, including the state-of-the-art WIFI Touch Thermostat.

Radiant floor heating system thermostat
Advanced touch screen radiant floor heating thermostat

WIFI TOUCH THERMOSTAT FEATURES

►   Sleek design and intuitive control designed for easy installation

►   3.5-inch color screen with easy interactive touch control

►   New easy scheduling method and simple on-the-fly changes

►   Power consumption can be tracked and saved to a PC with a few simple steps

►   Thermostat settings can be exported to web page for support

►   Provides universal compatibility with existing floor heating sensors

►   Suitable for tile, stone, laminate, concrete and wooden floor

►   5-year battery backup of clock and calendar

Smart Interaction

The touch color screen makes thermostat use smart and easy. An entire screen is designed for every action, and therefore programming, schedule override or setting up becomes much easier for both the installer and end user.

Easy Installation

No thermostat could be easier to install. The thermostat features an installer wizard that ensures a fast and smooth installation process. There’s no complicated wiring and no need to remember special settings. Connect the wires, turn on the power and follow the wizard.

Smooth Programming

Thermostat programming is based on 6-event days. You can copy one day schedule to any other day with a single operation. Schedule overrides are only a touch away – until the next event, for a number of hours or days, in the future, or until next time you change your mind. The thermostat comes with a default schedule already programmed, which you can easily modify.

Power Logging

Follow the thermostat power consumption in the energy log. Logging of the last 24 hours is saved in high resolution, but logging history is also stored in the thermostat. Power logging is easily stored to your computer by use of our QR technology.

QR Code Provides Revolutionary Support

By using any device with web access you can monitor the thermostat settings and energy log. Simply scan the QR code from the thermostat and view the data on your device. The interactive manual details the functions and capabilities and options available with the thermostat. The QR code can also be forwarded to a supporter, shortening downtime used on “what is” explanations and jumping directly to “what to do” time.

Control the Power

The thermostat’s default setting allows it to control the ambient temperature and protect the floor from overheating. Any floor sensor can be used to replace the default floor sensor. The floor protection is ideal for laminate and wood, when lower maximum temperature may be required. The floor heating system can be programmed to turn on and shutoff according to your schedule, making it convenient and cost effective.

Contact ProLine to learn more about our snow melting and floor heating products and installation support, free training, and professional design and layout services. Call ProLine today at (866.676.9276).