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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Hotronic FootWarmer Power Plus,
for models prior to m4 and m3
• What else will I need if I buy a pair of FootWarmers?
• Can I use the FootWarmers with any type of footwear?
• Can I install the FootWarmer myself?
• Does the FootWarmer come in sizes?
• What can I expect of the heat at the different settings?
• Can the batteries be replaced?
• How long do the batteries last on a single charge?
• What type of battery is used?
• How do I recharge the batteries?
• Is there a concern of overcharging and undercharging the batteries?
• How many years do the batteries last?
What else will I need if I buy a pair of FootWarmers?
The FootWarmer Power Plus comes complete with Battery Packs, Heating Elements, and Recharger. Beyond these items, only your own preferences and footwear types may cause you to consider an Accessory item. For instance, if you use fishing waders, then the Extension Cords would make changing temperature settings much easier than reaching down inside your waders. If you are a skier or snowboarder, then the Mounting Bracket, Strap Brackets, or Velcro Attachment Strap is another secure means of attaching the Battery Packs to your boots. Going overseas? Both 120v and 230v Rechargers are available.
Can I use the FootWarmers with any type of footwear?
Yes, and the FootWarmer Power Plus can also be transferred from one type of footwear to another. Examples of footwear are: general outdoor boots, ski and snowboard boots, ice skates, Equestrian Dressage and Field boots, fishing waders, steel-toed boots and shoes, bicycling shoes, mountaineering and ice climbing boots, hiking boots and shoes, snowmobile boots, motorcycle boots, dry suit booties, etc.
Can I install the FootWarmer myself?
Preparing the Insoles and Heating Elements for installation in your footwear.
The Hotronic Insole in the FootWarmer Power Plus Standard is easily trimmed-to-size with a pair of scissors. The Heating Elements in the FootWarmer Power Plus Custom require installation on an insole of your own choice and can be simple to install (depending on the type of insole being used and your own confidence level). (For more information, see Installing Insoles and Elements.)
Installing the Insoles with Heating Elements into your footwear.
Installing the Insoles can be very simple. Insert the Insole into your footwear with the Power Cord running underneath. Then position the Power Cord up the back or backside of your leg. If you have footwear with a removable inner liner, then you may want to consider another installation method. (For more information, see Installing Insoles and Elements.)
Attaching the Battery Packs
The Battery Packs can be clipped to laces and straps or slid over the top edge of your footwear. However, care must be taken not to attach the Battery Packs in such a method that they will easily come off your footwear. (For more information, see Attaching Battery Packs.)
Does the FootWarmer come in sizes?
The FootWarmer Power Plus Standard (with Hotronic's trim-to-size insole) is a size 15 and can be easily trimmed with a pair of scissors. The FootWarmer Power Plus Custom (with Hotronic's Heating Elements and Cambrelle© Covers and Strips) is for installation on an insole of your own choice regardless of size.
What can I expect of the heat at the different settings?
Expect imperceptible heat to maintain your comfort and warmth. Do not expect fireplace toes. The FootWarmer Power Plus works best as ThermoActive Insulation. As cold penetrates through the sole of your footwear, it draws heat off the Element rather than your toes. If the Element is generating the right amount of heat, then your toes do not feel the penetrating cold or any excess heat. Too much heat and your toes feel the excess. Too little heat and your toes feel the cold.
Can the batteries be replaced?
The FootWarmer Power Plus Battery Packs are sealed to reduce the damaging effects of vibration, shock, and impact. Individual Battery Packs can be replaced. The cells inside the Battery Pack cannot be replaced without damaging or destroying the casing.
How long do the batteries last on a single charge?
Depending on the setting, the FootWarmer Power Plus batteries can deliver up to 13 hours at the low heat setting #1 and up to 2:15 hours at the high heat setting #4. The lower the heat is the longer the duration. Setting #2 is most commonly used as a base setting and lasts 8 to 9 hours on a single charge.
What type of battery is used?
Hotronic spent many years looking for hi-capacity NiMH cells that perform well in cold weather (when cold feet need FootWarmers most). To date, only one brand and model of cells has been found to perform well at sub-zero temperatures (°F). Ongoing research to this day reconfirms the strength of these cells.
How do I recharge the batteries?
The FootWarmer Power Plus incorporates our latest and most advanced recharging technology and helps protect the cells against overcharging. The Recharger provides approximately 12 hours (as of July 1, 2001) of full current recharging before switching to trickle current recharging. Fully discharging the batteries before recharging them is not required though it is recommended. Fully discharging and fully recharging the batteries each time will help maintain their strength for a longer period of time.
Is there a concern of overcharging and undercharging the batteries?
Hotronic's new advanced recharging technology in the FootWarmer Power Plus helps ensure the batteries are not overcharged and therefore helps protects them from such damage. Undercharging the batteries will not harm them. However, Hotronic recommends fully discharging and fully recharging the batteries each time to help maintain their strength for a longer period of time.
How many years do the batteries last?
Depending upon usage and recharging habits, the FootWarmer Power Plus Battery Packs can be expected to have an average life span of 5 years within a life span range of 3 to 7 years.