Ice and snow-covered sidewalks ramps and driveways can pose a major threat to business operations and safety. An electric snow melting system can help keep a variety of surfaces clear of snow and ice, which can often cause slipping hazards. Spring is the perfect time to plan for next winter. Let’s look at the different types of surface snow melting systems. And how they can be used at your home or business.
What Are Surface Snow Melting Heat Trace Systems?
Snow melting cables provide snow melting and anti-icing solutions for surfaces, including:
- Walkways
- Parking garages
- Loading ramps
- Stairways
- Driveways
- And more
A surface snow melting system uses electric heating cables to melt away snow and ice. As opposed to a hydronic piping system that requires a boiler and circulates working fluid, like glycol.
A complete system consists of the heating cable, connection kits and controllers. There are two types of cables: self-regulating and mineral insulated (MI). Both have unique features to do the job. Self-regulating technology, like the nVent RAYCHEM ElectroMelt, automatically adjusts power output in relation to temperature changes. As an electric current passes through the conductive polymer core, heat is generated. When temperatures begin to drop, the electrical paths in the core increase, producing even more heat. The alternative is also true; as temperatures begin to rise, the cables will produce less heat.
These cables can be cut to length, spliced or repaired on site—saving time for installation. They are encased in a tinned-copper braid and a polyolefin jacket, ensuring they are rugged enough to be buried. These cables are ideal for small to moderate-sized concrete and paved areas.
Alternatively, the nVent RAYCHEM Mineral-Insulated (MI) technology is a constant wattage cable that can provide high power output and a consistent heat source. nVent RAYCHEM MI is made of magnesium oxide insulation, a solid metal sheath, a Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jacketed cable. These cables are ideal for large concrete, paver, and asphalt areas.
Why Are Heat Trace Systems a Better Option?
While there are other options to melt snow and ice on surfaces at your home and business, heat trace cables have a wide range of unique benefits. Including:
- Energy-efficiency: Because self-regulating technology reduces heat output automatically, it often results in lower energy use and eliminates the possibility of overheating altogether.
- Rugged: The tinned-copper braid on cable combined with the polyolefin outer jacket means there will be no corrosion on exposed metal parts, no cold leads to failure and no burnout due to overlap.
- Flexible: Mineral-insulated cables are pre-terminated, making them easy to install at the job site.
Hydronic systems require a boiler to heat the glycol-water, and are prone to leaking–which means the glycol-water mix is exposed to the environment and can be considered a hazard. This risk is non-existent with heating cables. Heat trace systems are also easy to design and easy to install, which can significantly reduce both installation and maintenance costs.
Surface Snow Melting for Specialized Applications
If you have unique surfaces like suspension mounted or pedestal mounted areas, there are still snow melting products that can work for you.
The nVent RAYCHEM Suspension Mounted Heating (SMH) is a complete snow melting solution that can be installed under suspended metal surfaces such as stairs, walkways and catwalks. Utilizing high wattage self-regulating cable installed in an engineered, insulated aluminum tray assembly, these systems offer efficient, high-performance snow melting that keeps suspended surfaces free of snow and ice.
The nVent RAYCHEM Pedestal Mounted Paver Heating (PMPH) is a similar system but installed under pedestal-mounted pavers. It provides uniformed heat transfer to pavers keeping it free from snow and ice accumulation
When snow and ice accumulate on outdoor surfaces, they become unsafe. nVent RAYCHEM brand products are proven, reliable and efficient surface snow melting systems to help you protect surfaces.
Please visit us to learn more about how advanced electric surface snow melting technology can work for you.
