Category: Activation Device

June 20, 2022

Install Contactor/Relay Panel

Electrical Connections

The M330/M530 panel must be located inside, unless a custom outdoor-rated enclosure is used. The
location should be free from moisture and reasonably close access to heated area and main
circuit panel for making electrical connections.

When installing multiple SnowMeltz and the total amp load is over 30 amps, a panel will be
required. Heatizon has several options to meet this need:

  • M530 Series – Contactor panel, perfect for low-budget applications, handles up to 4 circuits, and up to 50 amps per circuit, no GFEP.
  • M330 Series – Relay panel without GFEP, handles up to 4 circuits, and up to 30 amps per circuit.
  • M330-50 Series – Relay panel without GFEP, handles up to 4 circuits, and up to 50 amps per circuit.
  • M330G Series – Relay panel with GFEP, handles up to 4 circuits, and up to 30 amps per circuit.
  • M330G-40 Series – Relay panel with GFEP, handles up to 4 circuits, and up to 40 amps per circuit.
  • Custom Panels created to project specifications.

For wiring the panel for your project consult the wiring diagram for that specific panel. Some panels may
or may not require 120V for direct power.

For M530 series contactor panels:

Notes:

  • Connections to the M326 series activators, CANNOT be made inside the device, they MUST be made in a outdoor-rated junction box mounted below the device. Failure to do so will void the warranty and damage the unit.
  • SnowMeltz cold leads are 20 feet long, in the event that the cold lead(s) are not long enough, they must be extended using an appropriate gauge wire for the load/voltage and the appropriate junction box dependent on the location of the box. Please follow local codes for type/gauge of wire and type/rating of junction box to be used.
  • Use the appropriate number and size of breakers for the project, do not overload circuit breakers, or contactors in a panel.
  • Contactors have a maximum capacity of 50 full load amps, do not exceed this rating.

For M330 series relay panels:

  • Connections to the M326 series activators, CANNOT be made inside the device, they MUST be made in a outdoor-rated junction box mounted below the device. Failure to do so will void the warranty and damage the unit.
  • SnowMeltz cold leads are 20 feet long, in the event that the cold lead(s) are not long enough, they must be extended using an appropriate gauge wire for the load/voltage and the appropriate junction box dependent on the location of the box. Please follow local codes for type/gauge of wire and type/rating of junction box to be used.
  • Use the appropriate number and size of breakers for the project, do not overload circuit breakers or relays in a panel.
  • Consult the instructions for the specific relay panel purchased for it’s full load specifications. DO NOT exceed this full load rating.
  • Do not alter, tamper with, or change the factory wiring of any M330 Series relay panel, as this will void the warranty and can cause damage to the panel, connected heating systems, and circuit breakers.
Forms
Electrical Connections
M326A Activator
M326ARS/-2Z Activator
Other Activators

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June 20, 2022

M326ARS-2Z Activation Device

Electrical Connections

The M326ARS/M326ARS-2Z is an automatic temperature and moisture sensor that switches up to 30 amps (M326ARS) and up to two 30 amp loads (M326ARS-2Z). Both have a remote moisture sensor that can be located in a location up to 10 feet away from the main unit, providing for better moisture gathering placement.

For wiring the M326ARS, please refer to the primary SnowMeltz Manual wiring diagram for the M326A as wiring for both units is the same.

Wiring the M326ARS-2Z using two circuits is as follows:

Important: DO NOT OVERLOAD CIRCUITS Connect SnowMeltz mats in proper way to ensure adequate load balancing.

M326ARS/M326ARS-2Z Location

The M326ARS/M326ARS-2Z must be located outside for accurate temperature/moisture reading. The main unit can be mounted on an exterior wall or to a post, provided that all necessary electrical connections can be made. The moisture sensor should be located in such a way that it receives the same
exposure to falling moisture as the area being controlled. The sensor head can be located up to 10 feet
away from the main M326ARS/M326ARS-2Z unit.

From the pictures, you can see the main unit and remote sensor are mounted in separate locations
in order to maximize moisture detection.

Forms
Panel Installation

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March 2, 2022

Install Activation Device

Previous Step

Heatizon activation devices come with data sheets, wiring diagrams, and instructions. Install the selected activator by carefully following the specific set of instructions that were included with the activation device. Some systems are professionally designed and can include custom wiring diagrams from our industry professionals. There are three available types of activators that are suitable for SnowMeltz®:

  • MANUAL – Manual activators usually consist of a timer switch that keeps the system on for a set amount of time, then powers off the system. This activator requires some sort of panel (regardless of the number of circuits) to switch the load.
  • AERIAL – These activators are mounted on a wall or on a conduit in the air in very close proximity to the area to be heated. They can be equipped with temperature and/or moisture sensors, and usually have some form of basic manual override. Depending on the model, it may be able to switch smaller loads (30 amps) without the use of a panel. The sensor for this device must be able to detect the same circumstances that will be present in the area where the SnowMeltz® is installed.
  • REMOTE/IN-GROUND – The activators usually have a head unit located indoors and have more functionality and have optional in-ground sensors that detect moisture/temperature on on the concrete/asphalt. These units can also have separate remote temperature sensors. Normally these units require a panel to switch the load. When using in-ground sensors, the conduit for the sensor wire and head unit must NOT cross or come in contact with the heating element. The sensor must be mounted in the SAME substrate as the SnowMeltz® system is installed into. When using a remote temperature sensor, it should be located to receive the same conditions as the heated area.

It is imperative that any/all conduit being used (for sensors, cold leads, power, etc.) do NOT come in contact with the heating element. Consult the individual instructions for the appropriate activator for wiring/mounting. Quick start/Wiring Diagrams for the most popular Heatizon activation devices are included on pages 20-23.

  • If the selected activation device requires conduit for a temperature sensor, the conduit must be centered between two runs of heating cable. Always run high voltage and low voltage conductors in separate conduits.
  • Heatizon recommends that photographs of the installed heating cable be taken and/or hand drawings documenting the layout be completed prior to installing the final surface.
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