Oct 18 2007
Tyco Thermal Controls has expanded its Raychem range of under-surface electric snow melting systems with the launch of a further two new products developed for keeping exposed pedestrian and vehicular access areas open and safe during wintry weather. These additions are a higher voltage heating cable suitable for large area applications and an easy-to-lay pre-terminated power mat for fast installation on defined wheel tracks and footpaths. Now the Raychem range can offer economic solutions for snow and ice melting across both large or small and intricate areas and under all traditional surfaces.
Electric snow melting system in action
The new systems join the well proven Raychem EM2-XR self-regulating cable system (Viagard) for concrete surfaces and the mineral insulated (MI) cable system which is ideal for use under hot cast asphalt as it offers resistance to temperatures circa 250°C and will withstanding a heavy roller.
The addition of a pre-terminated system employing a 400V heating cable and designed for use where a 3-phase supply is available opens up the potential for keeping larger areas clear as, using ring main or 3-phase power supply, it will support circuit lengths up to 250m. Its flexible design also means it can be employed for intricate areas like emergency stair treads.
The other new introduction - a 60cm width power mat - is particularly suitable for narrow applications including the heating of pedestrian walkways or clearly defined wheel tracks on ramps and loading bays and even home driveways. Quick and easy to install it comes pre-formatted in a kit and can just be rolled out, embedded and plugged-in using the 4metre pre-installed cold lead.
Raychem snow melting systems feature robust heating cables, specially designed for embedding in concrete, asphalt or sand. Whenever the ambient temperature falls below 3°C (variable set point) and moisture is also detected by the surface sensors, these cables power up and deliver the heat required to keep the surface free of snow and ice. This efficient surface heating can be used in exposed environments to avoid frost damage, maintain service continuity, prevent accidents and enhance safety around commercial and public buildings and industrial sites. Typical installations include exposed multi-storey car park vehicle ramps, airport aprons, transport loading bays, pedestrian access points, emergency exits, external steps, footbridges etc.
These systems offer a significantly more efficient and reliable method of keeping access clear than spreading sand/salt or committing manpower to removing snow after it has been allowed to accumulate.
The Raychem easy-to-programme ‘smart’ 3 sensor input control (VIA-DU-20) delivers considerable energy savings over conventional systems and enables snow melting to be incorporated into building management systems.