Can this be left plugged in outside? Any issues with snow or sleet affecting the heating element or durability?
287531
I have a couple of these in horse stalls with the cords put through a hole in the wall to the plugs outside. We're in our fifth season now and they are holding up well. I would think it would work fine outside if your animals don'tfool around with the plug or cord. I think the water heats to about 40 and I would guess that it would just heat more consistently to melt snow or sleet that might accumulate.I did an experiment a couple of weeks ago leaving a regular water trough and the heated one in the horse stalls. Neither animal drank the colder water but drank from the heated water.with all horses getting collect in the changing weather here in California, and dehydration perhaps being a contributing factor when the temperatures go from cold to hot, I think these are good investment. Good luck
1572711
I use mine outdoors but to protect it from direct rain and snow I put the main body in a plastic bag when it is outside. I poke a hole in the bottom of the bag for the main line to go through and plug into the house. I try to keep it up under the eave of the house for some protection from moist weather.
266247
I own this unit and bought it as it was listed under INDOOR heaters. I can't imagine it being safe to use outdoors as it's a simple electrical socket.
830887
It can be left on. This is an IP65 rated unit designed spacificly for harsh weather inviorments. Thanks for asking. Muskoka Lifestyle Products
1210680
hi there! yes i think so. my only concern is that i don't know how the heater will like the rain and snow! i looked for an answer to that, but never got one!
254391
Most heating pads have the auto shut-off. But, whether it's an auto shut-off or you shut it off, the control element should go cold. The one in this extra large heating pad, not king size, stays warm even when turned off. Therefore, you cannot leave it plugged in, it has to be unplugged for the control element to cool down. That's a step backward in technology!
1407299
If it is a grounded outdoor cord (3prongs) don't worry about the snow. It will be fine on the ground. I wrap a little insulating tape around the plug to prevent water from getting in to the connection between the bird bath and the extension cord.
1598269
I leave it on. It would take a while to heat up and that defeats the purpose of having a warm "seat" in the winter. I unplug as soon as the outside temperature gets warm enough and leave it unplugged until it gets cold again. I have had no issues with it since it is plugged into an outlet with its own reset-type fuse. I hope this helps.
1767392
"Outdoor" is a loose term. I would prevent any water from coming into contact with the unit. However I believe the product would hold up to dust and dirt. Heat may degrade the magnet over time. The cold may not have any affect on it.
1239287
It does require a plug to get current. I would not put it outside, but if you have to, why not completely wrap it in a plastic bag and seal that bag with duct tape. That should keep condensation out.
770154
Yes it needs a plug in but it sure is nice on those cold mornings regardless of finding a plug away from the water sources. I have really enjoyed mine living in the cold mountains with snow. It heats very nicely.
453118
Yes, I leave mine plugged in all the time. It stays quite cool when not use.
1260962
I assume that would be ok, just keep it out of the weather. I leave mine plugged in for long periods of time, but mine is indoors.
1428829
I think you would be OK. I keep mine in the garage and the temperature there is often in the low thirties but doe not freeze. I use to power my snow blower and it works great, never get hard or become difficult to wind up after use. You could probably ask the manufacturer and see what they say.
197017
To be safest, I would plug the cord end of this into a "GFCI" rated outlet. In this way snow and rain could pose no real threat or danger.
552946
I have mine outdoors in Minnesota winter weather. The light tubes are sealed. I did put weatherproof protection on the power plug to keep it dry.
483359
There was the threat of a light snow, and I put the mat out a week ago, and will keep it there until spring. Because the voltage is so low, I have not seen an impact on my bill of any significance. There was already an outdoor outlet when I purchased the mat, so no additional expense there. I've used a heated mat for several years, and as long as they make them, I will have one. They have been a lifesaver.