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© 2015 Watts Water Technologies
Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
Mat resistance
measurement is
outside the range
printed on the
nameplate label.
An analog meter (using a moving
needle) was used to take the reading.
Obtain a digital multi-meter and re-measure the
resistance.
If measurement shows an open or
short circuit, the Heating Wire has
been damaged.
Record resistance between all wires and contact the
manufacturer.
If measurement is just a little low or
high, room temperature has affected
the resistance.
Make the room temperature 65°– 75°F (18°-24°C),
or contact the manufacturer.
The resistance measurement could
be from more than one mat wired in
series, or wired in parallel. Either will
provide false resistance readings.
Make sure resistance measurements are for only one
mat at a time.
The multi-meter may be set to the
wrong scale.
The multi-meter should typically be set to the 200
ohms (200Ω) scale. For mats with resistance range
higher than 200 ohms on the nameplate label, set the
meter to the 2000 ohm (2kΩ) scale.
Floor is not
getting warm.
Mat has been damaged.
Measure mat resistance. Check for both “open circuit”
and “short circuit” as detailed earlier in this manual.
If damaged, record resistances between all wires and
contact the manufacturer.
GFCI has tripped, indicated by a
light or “GFCI TRIP” on the control.
Check for loose wire connections. Reset the GFCI on the
control or circuit breaker. If it trips again, check for a
short circuit in the mat as detailed earlier in this manual.
If mat is damaged, record resistance between all wires
and contact the manufacturer. If mat is not damaged,
replace the GFCI control. Also see “GFCI conflicts” below.
Incorrect voltage supplied,
or mismatched electrical
components used.
Measure “line” voltage, then measure “load” voltage.
120 VAC mats have black and white power leads. 240
VAC mats have black and blue power leads.
Uninsulated concrete slab floor.
Surface temperatures rise slowly an uninsulated slab
and heat is lost to the ground below.. If, after 5 to 8
hours of heating, the floor is not warmer to the touch,
check for mat damage (see “Mat has been damaged”
above). A clamp-on ampmeter may be used to verify
the amps are correct to each mat.
Mats are wired in “series” or “daisy
chained” (end-to-end).
Multiple mats must be connected in “parallel”
(or black-to-black, white-to-white).
If problems arise with the TapeMat or its related electrical components, please consult this
troubleshooting guide. If not qualified to perform electrical work, it is highly recommended
that a qualified, licensed electrician be hired.
Troubleshooting Guide
Any electrical troubleshooting work should be performed with the power removed
from the circuit, unless otherwise noted.
Although this troubleshooting guide is provided to assist with problems experienced with
a TapeMat system, results are never guaranteed. TapeMat does not assume any liability or
responsibility for damage or injury that may occur from using this guide. If problems with the
system persist, call the manufacturer.
