• Operates on low-voltage, AC or DC, and does not require a ground fault switch.
• Typically connected to a SELV (safety extra-low voltage) isolating transformer.
• Can be connected directly to solar or wind power, as it can take dump load.
• Can run on a generator or batteries.
• Intrinsically Safe (I.S.) and suitable for hazardous locations.

When installed, the radiant heating mats cover over 60% of the surface, thereby evenly warming with a lower temperature. This provides an efficient and even heat distribution and minimizes power consumption. To give the same heat output with electric cables or a water tubing system (hydronics) it would require:

• 2.5 times more wattage for an electric cable system.
• 2.08 times more wattage compared to a water tubing system (hydronics).

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The STEP® heating element is self-regulating which means that when the ambient temperature increases, the electrical resistance increases and the consumption of electricity decreases.  This ability has three major benefits:

• Maintaining a continuous even temperature is more efficient than an on-and-off heating system. The self-regulating elements act as a sensor over the whole surface, supplying more wattage when cold and less wattage as they warm up.
• The heating element cannot overheat. When the element becomes warmer the morphology of the polymer structure changes and the particles separate reducing the points of contact between each other. As the electrical resistance increases the current flow is proportionally restricted.
• STEP® heating elements use only the energy necessary to maintain an even temperature.

STEP heating systems consists of a power supply and heating elements. It can also be connected to solar and wind power. The radiant heating elements are 100% efficient. This means that all the energy used is converted to heat.

The heating elements operate on low-voltage and are normally connected to a power supply, but can also be run by solar or wind-power source.  Using Safety Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) STEP® transformers is one of several means to protect against electrical shock.

STEP® heating elements should not be grounded.   The safety of a SELV circuit lacks a return path through a ground source so that an electric current cannot come in contact with a human body.

Heating elements are a flexible, homogeneous, polymer heating element based on nano-technology.  The nano-material modifies its behavior of conduction when electrically charged.

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STEP® is made of an innovative polymer blend that heats when electricity is passed through the material. To provide power along its length, a flat bus braid is embedded in the polymer sheet heater along each edge. Unlike other types of heating systems, STEP ® has the unique ability to self-regulate, so by design it cannot overheat.

The STEP^® heater is a homogeneous, flat, strong, flexible mat made of a unique polymer blend that heats when electricity passes through.

• The STEP^® element acts as a sensor over the whole surface
  • STEP^® low voltage system can be safely placed closer to most surfaces:
    • With less mass to heat, the system reacts quickly to its regulated temperature.
  • STEP^® flat radiant heating elements run at a low and even temperature over a larger surface.
    • With a reduced operating temperature there is less heat loss to the surrounding surfaces.
  • STEP^® heating elements use only the energy necessary to maintain an even temperature.
    • Maintaining a continuous even temperature is more efficient than an on-and-off heating system.

The heat generated by the PTC heater is obtained by altering any of the following:

• Voltage
• Composition of the conductive compound
• Thickness
• Width (distance between bus braids)

• The polymer heater can be used to generate heat continuously up to 60ºC (140ºF) without being mechanically effected; however, it will melt above 120ºC (248ºF).
• The PTC heater will not give rise to sparks or ignite; it is inherently safe.
• Because it is mainly a polymer it is unaffected by moisture.

• It draws only the energy required to maintain the designed temperature.
• It reacts fast to external temperature changes.
• It can be placed closer to the surface than any other radiant heater.
• It can go under almost any type of non-conductive material.
• It cannot overheat as the poly carbon material acts as a sensor.
• It’s method of continuous heating is more efficient than other cycled heating systems.
• STEP® Marine element – low voltage (12 – 48 AC or DC)
• Width: 3”, 6”, 9” or 12” (7.5 cm, 15 cm, 23 cm, 30 cm)
• Thickness 3/64” (1.2 mm)
• With different heat outputs:
  • Interior applications – from 4.6 W/ft to 11 W/ft
  • Exterior applications – from 13 W/ft to 80 W/ft

The EPI-LX-R has a built-in regulator board (EPI-210) which serves as an intelligent switch to enable/disable the line voltage in such a way that switching/pulsing does not harm the power supply’s toroidal coil(s).

The STEP Touch® thermostat is not an on/off control device typical of thermostats used with household heating systems. The STEP Touch® is designed to pulse the EPI-LX-R power supply which in turn powers the STEP® heating elements to help closely match the system heat output with the heating needs for that zone and to prevent temperature overshoot typical with other heating systems. This pulsing operation provides the maximum level of energy efficiency and highest level of personal comfort possible.

The high energy efficiencies achieved with a STEP® system controlled by a STEP Touch® thermostat are due to the continuous pulsing operation of the system (every 1.5 seconds). This continuous pulsing allows the system to continuously add the right amount of heat to maintain a constant and comfortable environment. With a traditional forced air on/off controlled heat system, the system is on and off for long durations requiring significant heat input each time the thermostat calls for heat. This result in a variable and drafty environment with low energy efficiencies compared to radiant heat. The STEP Touch® thermostat maximizes the efficiency of the STEP® system by only requiring the system to gently replace the heat that is lost from the zone.

Customer feedback has shown that operating a STEP® system with an EPI-LX-R power supply and STEP Touch® thermostat, the temperature is steadily held by a margin of less than 1°F.

• SELV
  • 500W / 1000W / 1500W
    • Regulator board
    • 120, 208 or 230V AC primary, 24V secondary
• Electronic
  • 500W / 1000W / 1500W / 2000W

The STEP Touch® Thermostat saves energy and maintains the radiant floor heating system to the desired temperature level. STEP Touch® Thermostat can be used in conjunction with the regulator on the STEP® Power Supply, with the STEP® AC Controller or with the STEP® DC Controller.

The STEP Touch® thermostat is not an on/off control device typical of thermostats used with conventional heating systems. The STEP Touch® thermostat is designed to pulse the power supply (EPI-LX-R) which in turn powers the STEP® self-regulating heating elements closely matching the heat output according to heating needs for a zone and to prevent excess temperature typical of other heating systems. These pulses ensure a maximum level of efficiency and personal comfort.

The high energy efficiencies achieved with a STEP® system controlled by a STEP Touch® thermostat are due to the continuous pulsing operation of the system (every 1.5 seconds). These continuous pulses allow the system to continuously add the right amount of heat to maintain a constant and comfortable environment. With a traditional forced air on/off controlled heat system, the system is on and off for long durations requiring significant heat input each time the thermostat calls for heat. This result in a variable and drafty environment with low energy efficiencies compared to radiant heat. The STEP Touch® thermostat maximizes the efficiency of the STEP® system by only requiring the system to gently replace the heat that is lost from the zone.