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SAFE-HEET Engine Heaters

FAQs for "SAFE-HEET Engine Heaters"

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install SAFE-HEET on an induction box/Plenum?

On some aircraft (like the Lycoming IO-540 engines) the induction box covers up the oil pan where the SAFE-HEET would normally be installed. It is permissible for the SAFE-HEET to be installed on the induction box, because the box/plenum is a thick casting that can transfer heat effectively.

Can I use temperature controller P/N 707 with a 220 Volt system?

No, you will need to use a converter that can supply 3 amps at 120 volts to operate both a SAFE-HEET and 707.

Can two SAFE-HEET engine heaters be connected to one temperature controller?

Yes, the 707 is rated at 600 watts. This is enough power to run two units by using a splitter.

Do you have any advice for installing a SAFE-HEET?

SAFE-HEET engine heaters are installed with a two-part adhesive. The engine heater can be installed quickly and easily by using the 707 temperature controller at half power. At temperatures below 70°F the temperature controller must be used to ensure proper adhesive cure. Proper adhesive cure is essential to full service life of the heater.

How long should I let the adhesive cure?

Twenty hours at a temperature of 70 degrees. If using a temperature controller you can turn the thermostat to about 110 degrees and it will take about seven hours to cure

I don’t think enough adhesive was supplied with my SAFE-HEET. Can you send me more or can I use the silicone adhesive?

The amount of adhesive contained in each kit is enough to do one installation and offers better thermal heat transfer than using a larger quantity. The adhesive should be thin, if there is no adhesive 1/8” from the edge of the pad it will not be a problem because our adhesive is totally resistant to solvents or oils. Sealing the edges is not necessary. Using silicone adhesives will allow the heat pad to come loose because silicone is not resistant to solvents or oils. If you feel you need more adhesive, we will send you more at no charge upon request.

Is there a SAFE-HEET designed to be used with 240 volts?

No, neither a SAFE-HEET nor Temperature Controller should be plugged into 240 volts. You can use a system with an adapter that reduces the voltage to 110 and can supply at least 3 amps.

My GFCI is not working.

Reference the troubleshooting instructions provided with the purchase of a SAFE-HEET. The GFCI will not work unless plugged directly into an outlet. Plug in the GFCI then the temperature controller. The GFCI needs to be the first thing plugged into the circuit. The GFCI needs full voltage to engage. It cannot have an extension cord plugged in the outlet, then the GFCI to the SAFE-HEET. The GFCI does reset itself every time it is unplugged.

Should I leave the heater plugged in all the time?

Yes, if the temperature is controlled to prevent condensation which can lead to corrosion.

What are the watts of SAFE-HEET?

P/N	Dimensions	Watts
700	4 inch x 4 inch	200 Watts
705	7.5 inch x 3.5 inch (diamond)	150 Watts
720	7 inch x 4 inch	300 Watts

What does it cost to operate the SAFE-HEET?

It costs about 3 cents per hour to operate.

What does the GFCI do?

The GFCI protects the SAFE-HEET and engine from any electrical fault situations by shutting off power to protect people and the engine. Abuse of the power cord can cause dangerous electrical failures.

What setting do I place the 707 controller to get my engine at a certain temperature?

This is determined by experimentation on knob settings and several variables such as ambient temperature, wind, size of engine/propeller combination and insulation of engine cowling.

Why should I buy the McFarlane brand?

McFarlane’s adhesive is thermally conductive, so it transfers heat effectively while the other brands use a peel and stick tape that tends to fall off. As a result, McFarlane’s has a longer life over the other brands. McFarlane’s adhesive is resistant to solvents/oils but if it ever does fail, the heat pad is not going to jam up anything in the engine compartment, because it is not a solid metal like other brands out there. SAFE-HEET heats the engine oil while other brands heat the cylinder, not the oil. SAFE-HEET is safe and is electrically grounded with a ground wire. The SAFE-HEET pad covers a large surface. McFarlane’s GFCI can be used with any heater, not just SAFE-HEET.

Why should I purchase a complete kit?

The kit includes the SAFE-HEET and temperature controller. The temperature controller makes installation easier and helps control condensation which leads to corrosion. It is like a dimmer switch that puts you in control of how much power is going to the unit.

Silicone Pad Aircraft Engine Heater

Preheat in cold weather for longer engine life
Heats the entire engine!

Easy to Use

Permanent installation - thin, flexible pad bonds to engine oil sump
FAA-PMA for Continental, Lycoming and Franklin engines
No STC or Form 337 required (log book entry only)
No engine or airframe modifications required
Includes instructions and all necessary materials
Can be used alone or with a timer or temperature controller
110V AC
Industry-leading 4-Year Warranty

Economical and Efficient

Puts the heat where it is needed
Heats the air inside the engine
Uses about 300 Watts (less than the price of a cup of coffee a day!)
Warms the engine oil from subzero to safe starting temperature in less than one hour
Thermally conductive adhesive for efficient heat transfer and lower surface temperature. Extra adhesive also sold separately
Bonded heatsink distributes heat evenly
Reduces costly starter and engine abuse during cold weather starts

Safe

UL recognized components. 100% thermal fused element
External ground wire grounds the engine and airframe to the electrical outlet, reducing the risk of electrical shock in damp outdoor locations
Thermostatically controlled to maintain oil sump temp less than 160 degrees F
No flame or hot air to burn cowling or plastic parts
Reduces the risk of fires associated with cold starts
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) included to reduce the risk of electrical shock and power surge damage

Part Numbers	Dimensions	Watts
700	4 inch x 4 inch	200 Watts
705	7.5 inch x 3.5 inch (diamond)	150 Watts
720	7 inch x 4 inch	300 Watts
00 GLUE KIT	Use for 700, 705
20 GLUE KIT	Use for 720

Installation Tip:

SAFE-HEET engine heaters are installed with a two-part adhesive. The engine heater can be installed quickly and easily by using the 707 temperature controller at half power. At temperatures below 70 degrees F the temperature controller must be used to ensure proper adhesive cure. Proper adhesive cure is essential to service life of the heater.