Is the mat always on when plugged in OR IS THERE A TEMP THERMOSTAT THAT ONLY TURN IT ON AT WHEN IT GETS BELOW FREEZING OUTSIDE???
494573
The instructions say that it only turns on below 60 degrees. However, I only plug it in when it snows. Otherwise it'll run all the time when it's cold. I've been happy with it this winter, it keeps things melted several inches around it. However, downstream from it, water runs under the snow and it's a little icy.
494574
The mat is always on unless the switch is turned off. I leave them plugged in most of the winter. This winter I haven't had as much snow so they are plugged in but in the off position. Love them. I no longer slip and slide on the entry to my home.
494575
Yeah. You have to purchase the thermostatic cable :HeatTrak HR-Therm3550 Thermostat Extension Cable for Snow Melting Mats, 10-Inch
494576
Its always on. I bought an outdoor timer to turn it before dawn on snowy nights and late in the day on snowy days. In light of this real bad winter we're having, this is one of my better purchases.
494577
I have been unsuccessful in turning it off and on so I unplug it when the temperature is warm
2206612
If the heating pad does not have a built in thermostat (and I'm guessing it may not because I do not see any module protruding from it), the heating pad will continue to heat the battery. This would not be desired when it warms up. I would only use the heating pad when when the weather is very frigid. I would use the pad only when the outside temperature goes below 10 degrees F. Those are the days when you need it. Otherwise you might cook your battery.
1770632
You can get it below freezing if you want. There is no temperature gauge, so you need to put a thermometer inside and inside and play with it a little, but it will get as cold as you want.
175554
It seems that it is always on, however it may self regulate. There is no external thermostat. I watch the temperatures and plug it in when its headed below zero, so far it has been great for my two goats.
985636
Although the packaging says that it only heats when weight is on the mat, I have to agree with Stymie's answer that the mat does use some (but not much) electric even when there is no weight on the mat. Although it does not use much electric when not in use, we have plugged this into a thermostatically controlled outlet. Once the temp at the outlet reaches 35 the mat has the electric for heating. If the temp reaches 45 the outlet cuts the power to the mat until the temp is 35 or below again. Farm Innovators Model TC-3 Cold Weather Thermo Cube Thermostatically Controlled Outlet - On at 35-Degrees/Off at 45-Degrees Although the packaging says that it only heats when weight is on the mat, I have to agree with Stymie's answer that the mat does use some (but not much) electric even when there is no weight on the mat. Although it does not use much electric when not in use, we have plugged this into a thermostatically controlled outlet. Once the temp at the outlet reaches 35 the mat has the electric for heating. If the temp reaches 45 the outlet cuts the power to the mat until the temp is 35 or below again. Farm Innovators Model TC-3 Cold... » Read More Although the packaging says that it only heats when weight is on the mat, I have to agree with Stymie's answer that the mat does use some (but not much) electric even when there is no weight on the mat. Although it does not use much electric when not in use, we have plugged this into a thermostatically controlled outlet. Once the temp at the outlet reaches 35 the mat has the electric for heating. If the temp reaches 45 the outlet cuts the power to the mat until the temp is 35 or below again. Farm Innovators Model TC-3 Cold Weather Thermo Cube Thermostatically Controlled Outlet - On at 35-Degrees/Off at 45-Degrees « Show Less
1109070
The thermostat is in the untit that plugs into the wall. The unit plugs into the wall, (we plugged it into a heavy duty extention cord) and whatever you are controlling, plugs into it. We set it so our swamp cooler turns off when the temperature reaches 72 degrees, and it works great. Hope this answers your question!
1502380
Although it is a low voltage, it should be used outdoors (on pavement). You really feel the heat when you step on the mat, it is not enough to warm a foyer. When I purchased my first mat (I have 4), I opened the box, unrolled the mat, and plugged in...while placed on my light wood floors. I forgot it was plugged in (maybe 2 hours), checked to make sure the mat was warm. When I picked up the mat, my floors were discolored the size of the mat. Not significant, but enough so I will never do that again! Again, that was my mistake as I just wanted to warm the mat to make sure it was working and planned to unplug immediately. Although it is a low voltage, it should be used outdoors (on pavement). You really feel the heat when you step on the mat, it is not enough to warm a foyer. When I purchased my first mat (I have 4), I opened the box, unrolled the mat, and plugged in...while placed on my light wood floors. I forgot it was plugged in (maybe 2 hours), checked to make sure the mat was warm. When I picked up the mat, my floors were discolored the size of the mat. Not significant, but enough so I will never do that again! Again, that was my mistake as I just wanted to warm the mat to make sure it was working and... » Read More Although it is a low voltage, it should be used outdoors (on pavement). You really feel the heat when you step on the mat, it is not enough to warm a foyer. When I purchased my first mat (I have 4), I opened the box, unrolled the mat, and plugged in...while placed on my light wood floors. I forgot it was plugged in (maybe 2 hours), checked to make sure the mat was warm. When I picked up the mat, my floors were discolored the size of the mat. Not significant, but enough so I will never do that again! Again, that was my mistake as I just wanted to warm the mat to make sure it was working and planned to unplug immediately. « Show Less
389761
While in use, it has to stay plugged in. However, if the red light comes on indicating max temp is reached, you must unplug it. It doesn't have an on/off function. Also, when not in use, the pads can be stored in the freezer. They cannot stay in the water for long periods because they will "go bad."
2088123
The only way I know if the deicer is working is if there is ice formed all the way around it, I wiggle the cord and if it is floating freely, it is working. The heat is on the underside so there really is no other way that I know to check it. Just don't let snow build up on it as it make cock sideways or sink.
46907
The thermostat is automatic, which turns on when the temperature drops to freezing and turns off when the temperature goes above freezing. It works GREAT, as the water does not freeze, and insures an outdoor cat or dog has water 24/7 during the winter i.e., we have been taking care of a semi-feral cat that has fresh unfrozen water with her food during the winter in a feeding station we built for her in our backyard. We also built her an insulated house, but TNR (trap-neuter-return) has been the most humane thing we have done for her!!! :)
1109124
It is not powered so I guess it is operated by heat or cold weather? Good luck!
741860
You have to plug it into an electrical outlet for the heated mat to work. The housing is separate from the heated mat
1724937
Mine has been plugged in all winter and I have had no problems. It is by the garage and plugged into an extension cord so I made sure the plug wouldn't get we! It has been in the -40 and lower and still works, but the cats rather be inside now!
2279046
Evening..I am spoiled as I have an older model that stays warm continuosly and feels warm to the touch....but this one goes by the outside temperature....it will shut off..the sensor is located where it plugs into the mat when the temperatures are not freezing cold....example..it is below thirty now here and it is on now but on the warmer days when it hit above the 38 it is not on...also not noticeable hot when you hold your hand on it in the abient weather...but it is on...it is easy for me to test mine as I have boxes over mine for outdoor animals to keep them warm..and could put my hand inside and feel the warmth..hope this helps... Evening..I am spoiled as I have an older model that stays warm continuosly and feels warm to the touch....but this one goes by the outside temperature....it will shut off..the sensor is located where it plugs into the mat when the temperatures are not freezing cold....example..it is below thirty now here and it is on now but on the warmer days when it hit above the 38 it is not on...also not noticeable hot when you hold your hand on it in the abient weather...but it is on...it is easy for me to test mine as I have boxes over mine for outdoor animals to keep them warm..and could put my hand... » Read More Evening..I am spoiled as I have an older model that stays warm continuosly and feels warm to the touch....but this one goes by the outside temperature....it will shut off..the sensor is located where it plugs into the mat when the temperatures are not freezing cold....example..it is below thirty now here and it is on now but on the warmer days when it hit above the 38 it is not on...also not noticeable hot when you hold your hand on it in the abient weather...but it is on...it is easy for me to test mine as I have boxes over mine for outdoor animals to keep them warm..and could put my hand inside and feel the warmth..hope this helps... « Show Less
2279048
Ours gets warm to the touch....we have -20 to -30 temperatures where I live. It melts the snow/ice at least a foot away from the mat.
455416
I have not had any problem with mine. The key is to unplug it during freezing temperatures and snow accumulation so that it does not try and pump and burn out. I had 3 feet of snow on my cover for two months and had to wait for a thaw before plugging it back in to A/C power. Also check the filter periodically to make sure that it is not clogged. Otherwise the motor will continue to run if there is water accumulation but it will not be able to pump and the motor will burn out.
1983373
It turns itself off on auto mode whenever it gets to the correct temperature. We leave it on in the bathroom overnight so that the temp never falls too far in the winter. Actually, I leave it on all winter on auto mode. We just adjust the setting if we feel it needs to be warmer or cooler. Hope this helps :)