Outdoor Snowmelt Systems / Controllers

Outdoor Snowmelt Systems and Controllers

Snowmelt System

The electric outdoor snow melting heating system is a highly efficient solution for ground ice and snow melting applications. This system can keep walkways around buildings clear of snow, thereby reducing the risk of slip hazards, injuries to people, and damage to vehicles and building infrastructure.

By installing an outdoor snow melting system, you can minimize the need for manual snow removal, which can save time and money. This system is equipped with a control unit which senses moisture and precipitation allowing for automated control and efficiency.

Switched On Radiant

Cable and Mat Systems

  • Heating Cable.
  • 50 Watts per sq ft element output
  • 120 / 240 / 208 / 277 VAC
  • 25-Year Repair Warranty
  • The cost will depend on the coverage required.
  • Cable Spacing 3” (Could change to 4”) pending on installation geo-location.

Concrete Surface

Our outdoor heating systems offer effective snowmelt solutions for driveways, walkways, outdoor staircases, patios, and roads.

We believe it is crucial to have our team of professional radiant engineers install these systems to ensure functionality and trouble-free operation for years to come.

For single-pour application, the element is installed and secured with zip ties on top of the wire mesh supplied and installed by the concrete contractor onsite.

A minimum of 5” – 6” concrete pour is required for installation of radiant snowmelt element of which the element is then raised during the pour to a height of 3” ensuring a maximum of 3” for the top and bottom of the pour.

A bi-directional grid is used for retrofitting concrete surfaces like concrete staircases, and walkways for blue stone surface applications.

Asphalt Surface

The surface preparation and binder coat should be installed by the asphalt contractor, once the skim layer is applied the snowmelt element is installed directly on top of this surface.

An additional first 3” asphalt layer is then applied onto the snowmelt element whereafter a second 3” layer is applied resulting in a 6” layer from the base to finish.

This will ensure the snowmelt element is then sandwiched at 3” depth complying with UL requirements.

Pavers

The installation requires a wire mesh to be installed on top of the compacted base for stability. The snowmelt element is then zip-tied to the wire mesh to ensure the cable doesn’t move during the sand and paver brick installation.

Maximum paver brick or bluestone thickness should not exceed 2.5”. The maximum sand or cement application should not exceed 1” – 1.5” to ensure element durability and effectiveness.

Snow Melting Systems

At Switched on Radiant our outdoor snowmelt systems will ensure a hassle-free winter experience. Gone are the days of snowplowing or shoveling your walkway or driveway.

We offer both cable and matt constant wattage solutions for Asphalt, Concrete, Bluestone and Pavers.

Our range of outdoor controls offer the best technology at your fingertips. From snow accumulation sensors to Wifi programmable, weather app enabled systems. 

Bluestone, Concrete, Asphalt or Pavers

Our snowmelt systems are designed to suite your installation requirements.
Both system types cables & mats will deliver 50 watt per sq ft / 12 watt per lineal ft output at 3” cable spacing pending on project geographic location.

Cut & Turn Mats

  • 50 Watts per Sq Ft
  • Manufacturer Warranty
  • Voltage 120 / 240V

Cable System

  • 50 Watts per Sq Ft
  • Manufacturer Warranty
  • Voltage 120 / 240V

Outdoor radiant heating systems are designed for clearing snow and ice buildup on driveways, walkways, outdoor staircases, and patios. Our roof and gutter systems will ensure no ice damming of your roof or in the gutter or downpipes resulting in damage to the roof and internal structure of the home.

Overview

The ASE DS series of sensors and controllers combines a balance of price, sophistication, and control capabilities. Each unit features a sturdy NEMA 3R-enclosed, weather-resistant housing suitable for outdoor use.

The units’ electronic components are designed to operate reliably within a temperature range of -40oC to +85oC. They also meet or exceed relevant safety and regulatory standards, including ETL UL Standard 508/CSA C22.2 No. 14 and European CE EMC directives, making them suitable for use in both domestic and international settings.

This design approach favors modularity and upgradeability over single-component replacement, particularly for the precipitation sensor. Instead of discarding the entire unit due to a malfunctioning component, the ASE DS series supports easy adjustments and component replacements.

Our use of microcontrollers allows for a universal design that provides flexibility and standardization across the product line. The DS series accepts a wide voltage range of 100VAC to 277VAC, and corresponding low-voltage companions are also available for specific applications. Additionally, all options and settings for each unit are field-selectable, streamlining product variations and reducing inventory requirements.

To further enhance compatibility and convenience, our units now ship with international-standard pigtail cable color codes and a 3/4″ base conduit hub, along with a 3/4″-to-1/2″ threaded reducing bushing for seamless integration.

Standardization with the DS series can minimize variants, reduce costs, and minimize inventory requirements, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced logistical complexity.

Operation

The detection mechanisms of DS units rely on a base-mounted temperature sensor and a heated precipitation sensor. When precipitation lands on the sensor, the traces are bridged, and a closure is detected. The heater then rapidly evaporates the moisture, clearing the sensor. The installation method varies depending on the model: the DS-2C, DS-224C, DS-4C, and DS-5C sensors screw into the top of the controller enclosure, while the DS-7C, DS-8C, DS-9C, and DS-824C models are connected to a 10-foot cable for remote mounting.

The signals from the sensors are supplied to the microcontroller, which determines the appropriate action based on user configuration. For example, the DS-4C contains two control relays that can be configured to control different loads. The profile selection switch on the DS-4C page provides more information on the available configurations.

A key distinction between “sensor” and “controller” modes lies in the “Delay Off” drying cycle. The “Delay Off” time refers to the period the sensor/controller holds the load control relays closed after the last detection of rain or snow. Properly setting “Delay Off” ensures that surfaces not only melt but also dry, reducing the risk of re-freezing.

In sensor mode, the unit triggers an external control unit when rain or snow is detected, which activates and operates the deicing system as needed. In controller mode, the unit not only detects snow or rain conditions but also directly controls attached equipment.

Features

Reliable Rain and/or Snow Detection

Control/Monitor Are Available

Devices

 

  • Automatic snow sensor for reduced energy consumption
  •  Senses both temperature and precipitation
  • Application flexibility
  •  Slim design, mounts on 3/4″ PVC conduit for easy install
  •  Operates on safe low voltage power
  • Convenient self-test to verify proper sensor operation
  •  Made with UV-tolerant and corrosion resistant materials
  • Automatic snow/ice melting control minimizes operating costs
  • Rated for up to 30A resistive loads
  • Integral 30mA of Ground Fault Equipment Protection (GFEP)
  •  Weather-resistant NEMA 4X enclosure
  •  Dual sensor capability to meet site performance requirements
  •  Adjustable Hold-On timer continues heater operation after snow and ice stop to ensure complete melting
  •  C-UL-US Listed for Temperature Regulating Equipment
  •  Automatic and manual-override operator controls for changing environmental conditions
  •  Optional remote control operation for added convenience
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