TERMOFOL TF-OHMAT
driveway heating mat

TF-OHMAT driveway heating mat

TF-OHMAT heating mats for outdoor use create an intelligent anti-icing system. They are designed to heat sidewalks and driveways to protect against snow and ice. Well-selected heating mats mean an end to winter snow removal and safety thanks to a dry surface. They are powered by 230V and installed directly under the surface of paving stones, paving slabs or concrete screed. The mat is spread parallel to the axis of the driveway along its entire width or in places of vehicle wheel tracks.

The mat consists of a two-core heating cable shielded with a tinned copper wire braid, mounted on plastic tapes, and one power cable with a grounding conductor. The outer sheath of the heating cable has additional protection against damage on electrical connections.

They are used under:

  • paving stones,
  • paving slabs,
  • concrete screed,
  • asphalt.

TF-OHMAT heating mats, depending on the type of surface, are installed:

  • directly in concrete (in the case of concrete screed ),
  • in a layer of sand or dry concrete (in the case of paving stones, asphalt or paving slabs.

Lengths available for sale: from 2 meters to 32 m. The power of the mat is 300W/m2. The length of the heating mat should be matched to the dimensions of the heated surface. The shape of the mat can be corrected by cutting the mounting tapes. This operation should be performed carefully so as not to damage the cable. Thanks to the pre-cut tape, the mat can be rotated in the appropriate direction. The heating system consisting of TF-OHMAT heating mats should include a regulator. Due to the fact that the regulator contains a temperature and humidity sensor, it can “recognize” atmospheric conditions. This results in the heating system only turning on when necessary, i.e. during snowfall and freezing rain

SPECIFICATIONS OF MATTS FOR HEATING DRIVEWAYS

Model
Area
[m2]
Length
[m]
Diameter
[mm]
Power [W/m2]
Mat power [W]
Operating voltage [V]
TF-OHMAT/300/300/1.0
1
2
6.0-6.5mm
300
300
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/450/1.5
1.5
3
6.0-6.5mm
300
450
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/600/2.0
2
4
6.0-6.5mm
300
600
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/900/3.0
3
6
6.0-6.5mm
300
900
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/1200/4.0
4
8
6.0-6.5mm
300
1200
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/1500/5.0
5
10
6.0-6.5mm
300
1500
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/1800/6.0
6
12
6.0-6.5mm
300
1800
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/2100/7.0
7
14
6.0-6.5mm
300
2100
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/2400/8.0
8
16
6.0-6.5mm
300
2400
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/3000/10.0
10
20
6.0-6.5mm
300
3000
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/3600/12.0
12
24
6.0-6.5mm
300
3600
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/4200/14.0
14
28
6.0-6.5mm
300
4200
AC230V
TF-OHMAT/300/4800/16.0
16
32
6.0-6.5mm
300
4800
AC230V

Termofol’s offer includes three regulators dedicated to controlling TF-OHMAT heating mats:

  1. Termofol TF-M1 regulator, the load capacity of which is 16 A. The total power of the installed heating cables cannot exceed 3.6 kW. The presented regulator in the set includes a temperature and humidity sensor with a mounting sleeve.
  2. Termofol TF-M2 regulator, the load capacity of which is 3x 16 A. It is used in large installations. The presented regulator includes a temperature and humidity sensor with a mounting sleeve. It is possible to connect a second temperature and humidity sensor to the controller. Thanks to this, it is possible to control and provide anti-icing protection for two areas.
  3. Termofol TF-M3 regulator, the load capacity of which is 2x 16A. It is used in large installations. The presented regulator allows you to remotely control the heating system using a web browser. In addition, the device informs about the operating status and errors. It is possible to connect a second temperature and humidity sensor to the controller. This allows for control and anti-icing protection of two areas.

Rozłożenie maty grzewczej należy rozpocząć od strony przewodu zasilającego, pamiętając o tym, że przewód zasilający musi „dosięgnąć” do tablicy zasilającej. W przypadku niewystarczającej długości kabla zasilającego, dopuszczalne jest jego przedłużenie za pomocą mufy termokurczliwej, powodującej szczelne połączenie.

Montaż można wykonać w warstwie piasku, na którą w dalszym etapie prac zostanie ułożona kostka brukowa, płyty betonowe lub asfalt, lub bezpośrednio w betonie. Instalacja elektryczna zasilająca przewód grzejny powinna być wyposażona w wyłącznik różnicowoprądowy o czułości mniejszej bądź równej 30 mA.

Firma TERMOFOL udziela 10 lat gwarancji (od daty zakupu) na kable grzewcze TF-OHMAT.

Start unfolding the heating mat from the power cord side, remembering that the power cord must “reach” the power board. If the length of the power cable is insufficient, it can be extended using a heat-shrinkable sleeve to ensure a tight connection. 

Installation can be performed in a layer of sand, on which paving stones, concrete slabs or asphalt will be placed at a later stage of work, or directly in concrete. The electrical installation supplying the heating cable should be equipped with a residual current circuit breaker with a sensitivity of less than or equal to 30 mA.

The TERMOFOL company provides a 10-year warranty (from the date of purchase) for TF-OHMAT heating cables.

Buy TERMOFOL OHMAT outdoor heating mats in the official TERMOFOL store:

FAQ – Heating mat for outdoor stairs

The desire to improve the safety of residents led to the spread of the idea of underfloor heating also to outdoor areas. An electric heating mat for outdoor stairs helps remove ice from critical places on the property where there is the greatest risk of falling. Heating mats for stairs or driveways are perfect for the Polish climate. Frequent temperature crossings cause alternating thawing and freezing of the accumulated water, creating an ice coating that is difficult to notice.

Heating systems for outdoor stairs consist of efficient mats installed under the screed and connected to a thermostat. The devices included in the anti-icing system operate automatically. They obtain data from sensors and adjust operating parameters to outdoor conditions. Heating outdoor stairs is an effective method to improve the comfort and safety of owners of single-family houses or company buildings.

In the Terfol store you will find outdoor heating mats for universal purposes. These types of products are perfect for anti-icing protection on outdoor stairs. An outdoor heating mat also ensures safety on sidewalks and driveways. It is particularly useful for garage entrances with various degrees of inclination. There is nothing stopping the external heating mat from being placed on the roof. The use of external heating mats on roofs reduces the load on the structure resulting from snow.

Heated external stairs and access roads to the garage use specialized external heating mats placed under the surface of the concrete screed or under the paving stones themselves. The outdoor heating mat operates at 230V or 400V, depending on the size of the area and energy demand. Heating the driveway turns out to be much more demanding than anti-icing protection on the stairs. The principle of operation of outdoor heating mats remains the same in both cases. The heating cables heat up under the control of a thermostat and then transfer the generated heat to the surface.

Thanks to heated stairs and driveways, the property owner receives full protection against snow and ice formation. The maintenance-free operation of the outdoor heating mat makes it a device that guarantees above-average comfort for the user. It is worth planning outdoor heating mats when developing the design of a new building. It is, of course, possible to install heated stairs and driveways at a later stage, but this always requires removing the top layer of the surface.

heating mat for external stairs involves costs related to the purchase of components, installation, and electricity consumption throughout the entire life cycle of the installation. The installation of cabling placed in the grid should be entrusted to an electrician with SEP qualifications. The cost of purchasing an efficient thermostat ranges from PLN 1,000 to PLN 2,000. In addition, temperature and humidity sensors should be added, helping to automate the heating process in relation to current weather conditions. We also need to purchase external heating mats. Based on statistical data, it can be concluded that the total price of the installation including heating of paving stones and stairs is between PLN 200-400 per square meter.

Please note that heating the garage driveway does not operate continuously. The regulator immediately turns off the heating function when the expected result is achieved on the surface (this information is transmitted by sensors). Therefore, the cost of operation throughout the entire winter season looks quite attractive. The amount of PLN 300-400 (annual) for energy should be sufficient to provide protection against icing for a standard single-family house. Compared to the potential financial consequences of damage to health and property for people who do not have such an installation, the amount given here is symbolic.

There are two basic types of outdoor heating mats powering heated stairs – constant resistance and self-regulating. In the constant resistance version, there is a constant distribution of heating power regardless of the location. Constant resistance heating mats for driveways and stairs are much cheaper than their self-regulating counterparts. However, the low purchase price translates into increased operating costs due to local energy losses. Stairs and driveways do not freeze evenly. It may quickly turn out that in one place the phenomenon of freezing did not occur at all, and just a few meters away the driveway is covered with a layer of ice of several millimeters, requiring increased heating power to melt.

The self-regulating heating mat for outdoor stairs analyzes the parameters of humidity and ambient temperature, and then determines different heating power in individual sections of the installation. Self-regulating outdoor heating mats thus ensure a favorable energy balance and reduce electricity losses in places that do not require maximum heating power.

Methods of laying heating mats on driveways balance between maximizing comfort and reducing operating costs. The driveway can be heated on the entire paved surface of the access road, or only in the places where the tires meet the surface. The latter solution allows you to generate significant savings on materials and subsequent energy bills. Please remember to properly prepare the area before laying the outdoor heating mat. The basis for the effective operation of the system is the leveling of any unevenness and the removal of sharp elements that often protrude from the soil.

Unlike loose heating cables, the external heating mat can be placed directly under the paving stones. We recommend installing a heating system on the entire surface of the driveway in the case of access roads whose width allows for turning or turning maneuvers. An ice-free surface will provide the expected safety for people and equipment.

It is best to plan the installation of heating for an access road on a private property when designing the initial architectural assumptions. Investors need to decide on the type of cabling, as we mentioned in one of the previous questions. The first stage in selecting the right product will be the selection of the power of the external heating mat per each square meter of surface. For most applications, the optimal power value expressed in Watts is 300 W/m2.

Remember that the power of the garage driveway heating installation should depend on the weather conditions in a given region. Heating mats for driveways available in the Terfol store are available in various sizes, so you can easily find a solution that suits your individual needs.

Systems enabling effective heating of external stairs integrate controllers and sensors. These two components of the installation are responsible for controlling the operation of the heating device in relation to current weather conditions. Therefore, the installation control is maintenance-free. Of course, the user can verify the system’s operating parameters. Monitoring is done via a dedicated controller. The manufacturer Terfol provides complete systems for heating paving stones and external stairs. Our products provide complete freedom in setting the temperature and humidity limits below which driveway heating mats are activated.

The TF-OHMAT mat, which is a key element of an intelligent anti-icing system, is perfect for heating driveways on your property. The TF-OHMAT outdoor heating mat allows installation directly under a concrete screed or paving stones. The heating cable is an original design of Terfol, equipped with a durable outer coating. Its tasks focus on protecting electrical connections against accidental damage.

When installing the driveway heating system, ensure unobstructed drainage of snow water. In some cases, it is worth considering building a linear drain with a heating function. For access roads not exceeding 3 meters wide, it is sufficient to slope the driveway surface towards the outside to drain water onto the lawn.

The Terfol store offers you access to outdoor heating mats in a full range of sizes. We offer outdoor heating mats in sections ranging from 2 meters to 32 meters in length. Termofol mats allow you to adjust the shape by cutting the mounting mesh (never cut heating cables!). The TF-OHMAT outdoor heating mat is a product adapted to the most difficult working conditions, guaranteeing long-term suitability for use.

heating mat for external stairs or a garage driveway not only saves time wasted on snow removal. The most important benefits focus on improving safety – getting up in the morning to work in winter no longer has to involve balancing on the verge of a fall, which could prove disastrous for the elderly, disabled people and children. Heated stairs do not involve increased energy costs. Termofol has prepared outdoor heating mats with excellent energy-saving parameters. We encourage you to contact Termofol experts. Together we will find the best solution that perfectly fits the conditions of a given property.

See other elements of the TERMOFOL heating system: