EXPERIENCE INNOVATION WITH
STEP Snow Melting
The Only Low Voltage Powered Snow Melting System
LOW VOLTAGE
SNOW MELTING SYSTEMS
Melt snow and ice from your driveway, walkway, patio, and stairs, with STEP Snowmelt’s energy-efficient snow and ice melting system.
Say goodbye to the hassle of traditional snow melting systems and switch to the innovative and eco-friendly STEP Snowmelt system. Our system operates on low voltage (24 to 50 volts), making it easy to power with solar or wind energy sources.
At the core of our system is our award-winning carbon polymer heating elements, which provide efficient and effective snow and ice melting capabilities. Unlike traditional systems that rely on high voltage and require frequent maintenance, our low voltage system delivers reliable performance without the headaches.
With STEP Snowmelt, you can enjoy a hassle-free winter without the need for shoveling, salting, or plowing. Our innovative system is built to last and designed with your convenience in mind. Say goodbye to the frustration of traditional snow melting systems and upgrade to STEP Snowmelt today.
Energy Efficient
30-60% more efficient than line radiant cable/mat systems and traditional hydronic radiant systems.
Total Peace of Mind
Rest assured knowing your property is free of snow and ice, accessible to traffic, and protected from slip and fall risk.
Design Flexability
Compatible with all types of finished surfaces and subsurface materials.
The Technology Behind STEP Snowmelt
Unlike any other, STEP Snowmelt heating elements are thin (3/64” thick) and flexible, yet rugged and durable to allow for easy installation. This unique and patented material performs like its own temperature sensor to continually adjust its heat output to changing conditions. The result is substantial consumption savings, no wasteful overheating, and elimination of finished surface damage due to thermal cycle shock. STEP Snowmelt heating elements are covered by a 10-year outdoor use limited warranty and powered using safe, low voltage current (24-50 volts AC or DC) that requires no third wire grounding, or ground fault devices.
Features
Sustainability
Installation
Architects
Downloads
FAQ
Features
Ultimate Peace of Mind
Rest assured knowing your property is free of snow and ice, accessible to traffic, and protected from slip and fall risk.
Increased Health & Wellness
Eliminate the physical stress of shoveling snow, accidents, and exposure to harsh chemical treatments.
Design Flexibility
Appropriate for all types of finished surfaces and subsurface materials.
Silent and Invisible
No more distractions from noisy on-site snow clearing equipment or hot water hydronic snow melting systems.
Quick & Easy Installation
Heating elements are thin (3/64” thick) and flexible, yet rugged and durable. Prefabrication services are available to reduce on-site installation time.
Energy Efficient
Consumption efficiency gains of 30-60% when compared to line voltage cable/mat systems and traditional hydronic systems.
Zero Scheduled Maintenance
Eliminate the expense and hassle of scheduled maintenance, and unplanned mechanical repairs, and increase the life of your finished surfaces.
Enhanced Sustainability
Eliminate the negative impact of deicing chemicals to protect your occupants, pets, property, and surrounding ecosystems.
Intrinsically Safe
Low voltage powered heating elements require no grounding and are shock protected without the need for ground fault circuits.
Ten Year Warranty
All heating elements are covered by a 10-year limited warranty to ensure years of trouble-free operation.
Sustainability
How we generate and distribute power for use in our homes, buildings and other properties is undergoing an accelerated new age transformation. Driven by the pursuit of clean energy alternatives and net zero design initiatives, more direct and efficient integration of DC current sources such as solar, wind and other forms of alternative energy are becoming readily available. STEP HEAT is specifically engineered to take advantage of current and future forms of alternative energy
Multiple Powering Options For Any Application
Whether AC or DC current, line or low voltage, STEP HEAT’s design flexibility provides multiple powering options depending upon source availability, application, and total load requirements. Sources include alternative energy power such as wind, solar, and hydro as well as storage batteries, generators, and various grid provided line voltages
AC Power Format
Popular for standard grid power, solar/wind net metering and stand-by generator applications, STEP HEAT’s AC transformer power supplies efficiently convert the incoming line voltage (240VAC, 208VAC, or 120VAC) down to 24VAC to power the heating elements.
DC Power Format
Popular for alternative energy applications using a direct DC current source generated by solar, wind, and storage batteries systems, STEP HEAT DC controllers are used to efficiently operate the system.
Powering For A Green Future
The manufacturer of STEP HEAT products, Electro Plastics Inc., is a participating member of the Emerge Alliance (www.EMergealliance.org), an open industry association. Made up of industry leading companies, liaisons, and professionals, the Emerge Alliance works toward establishing DC power micro grids and AC/DC integration with renewable energy sources.
LEED Certified Green
STEP HEAT is certified by Greener Product who confirms the product complies with the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), LEED for Homes, and National Association of Home Builder (NAHB) standards. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.
STEP HEAT qualifies for credits in the following LEED categories:
- Materials and Resources (MR)
- Location and Transportation (LT)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
- Integrative Process (IP)
Sustainable Manufacturing
The STEP HEAT element is made of a homogeneous, semi-conductive polymer and consists of up to 80% recycled material with a scrap rate of less than 1% during manufacturing. All materials used in the STEP HEAT system are ecologically safe. Polyethylene is an environmentally friendly product; it does not produce hazardous gases and is biodegradable in
sunlight.
Installation
STEP Snowmelt Installation Instructions:
STEP Snowmelt is easy to install by laying out the radiant heating elements according to a pre-designed layout and connecting to a low-voltage electrical power supply. It was designed with simplicity and the installer in mind. The elements are cut and connected on site to fit the application and area size. STEP Snowmelt elements can be installed on any stable, clean and non-conductive surface.
STEP Snowmelt radiant heating systems use a thin (3/64”), flexible flat heating element, which operates on low voltage. These durable, lightweight heating elements can be stapled or nailed through and can be cut to length on the job site.
Once installed, the system efficiently melts snow and ice from surfaces. There are no high temperatures, stress, or wear on the material and with no moving parts, there is no need for scheduled maintenance. There is also no dangerous storage of fuel and gas or risk of electrical shock.
NOTE: These installation guidelines are general in nature. Specific project information will be provided. Always refer to the STEP Snowmelt Installation Manual for complete instructions.
1. PLAN
Decide on the purpose of the system and how effective the system should be. Should the ground be completely dry or is it acceptable with some snow slush on the ground shortly after a snowfall? ASHRAE classifications split snowmelt systems into three groups:
Snow free ratio 0: Designed not to melt snow while it is falling, but afterwards.
Snow free ratio 0.5: 50% of snow is melted while falling, the rest afterwards.
Snow free ratio 1: All snow and ice is melted while falling.
2. INSTALL
Heating elements should be installed in ambient temperatures above 40F
Lay the elements onto an even layer of granular material or concrete slab and secure them in place to prevent displacement of panels
Avoid heating elements to overlap or touch each other. DO NOT puncture the bus braids
Apply subsequent lifts, pavement or soil layers taking care not to damage the elements.
Refer to the applicable recommended flooring option according to the system design.
3. CONNECT
Connect extension wires to the heating element according to the drawing and electrical diagram. *Pre-connected mats are available upon request.
Route the wires through the ground in a conduit. Connect wires in parallel to the 24 volt AC power supply or 24 – 48 volt DC controller. Use only stranded tinned copper wires, and do not twist wire ends when connecting to the interface board in the supply.
4. COVER
The heating elements should be placed on top of gravel and compacted sand. Then secured in a way that the elements do not shift position when concrete is poured.
If a reinforcement mesh is used, take care that the no conductive material is in direct contact with the heating elements.
Do not pour more than 8 inches of concrete over the heating elements. If more is needed consult manufacturer or a thermic engineer.
Architects
Design Flexibility and Superior Comfort for Your Clients
STEP HEAT is unlike any other radiant heating system on the market today. The entire 12″ wide, self-regulating, semiconductive core allows the entire element to conduct heat, instead of the traditional “heat mat” that relies on small wires or hydronic systems that utilizes tubes of heated water. This creates a more efficient system that requires no maintenance.
STEP HEAT is easy to design around. Our thin (1.2 mm) element requires minimal floor build up. We eliminate the need for boilers and ductwork as well as unsightly radiators and baseboards. The STEP element can also be used under any flooring type, including hardwood. The use of STEP HEAT can contribute points towards the LEED Credits.
STEP HEAT ARCHITECTURAL SPECIFICATIONS
Click Here to learn more.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
AECDaily, the largest provider of FREE online continuing education credits for architects, engineers, contractors and other construction professionals, offers a course on STEP Warmfloor Radiant Heat. This course is approved for credits for AIA, GBCI, AIBD and many more. The course will provide you an overview of our self-regulating polymer technology and the performance benefits of using PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heaters for energy efficient floor warming, primary heating, snow melting and roof deicing.
Click here to take the course.
CAD DETAILS/BIM CONTENTI
For all of our product information and for an easy tool to use STEP HEAT in your next design, find us on ARCAT.com
Available:
- Specifications
- CAD Details
- BIM Content
- Green Reports – Green building product
- information
- eCatalogs
Click here to download ARCAT® files
Downloads
FAQ
What Is The Difference Between STEP Snowmelt and a Cable Snow Melting System
STEP Snowmelt uses low voltage power (just 24-48V) while electric cable snow melting systems use line voltage. As a result, STEP Snowmelt operates with significantly less power consumption than electric cable systems. STEP Snowmelt is designed to be turned on at the start of the winter season and off at the end. In contrast, electric cable systems are typically turned on and off during and after individual weather events.
What Type Of Surfaces Can STEP Snowmelt Be Installed Under?
STEP Snowmelt provides such even and gentle heating that it can be used under almost any outdoor surface including concrete, stone, asphalt, pavers, and brick. The system actually reduces thermal cycling and extends the life of your outdoor surfaces.
What Should I Do If My Installer Is Not Familiar With STEP Snowmelt?
Please ask your installer to give us a call or give us your installer’s name and phone number so we may contact them. We can be reached on our main office line at (401) 285-0202 or send us an email at sales@greenwavedist.com
Installation information is also available in our online learning center.
Is It Difficult To Install?
STEP Snowmelt is very easy to install. It was designed with simplicity and the installer in mind. Cut the elements with scissors to length, connect the wires and secure in position on the floor. Check out our Installation Manual for more information.
How Long Has Step Heat Been Used?
The self-regulating polymer technology was developed in 1981 and first used to provide heated seats for automobiles. Since then, the technology has been used in a variety of applications, including the floor covering area. Hundreds of thousands of square feet have been installed globally.
What is the Warranty?
STEP Snowmelt elements are covered by a 10-year limited warranty to assure years of trouble free operation.
Ready to get started?
So are we! The team at Green Wave Distribution is available 24/7 for snow melting system designs and quotes.
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