Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I install a mirror defogger on an exterior wall?

Yes, but only if the wall is well insulated. Typically most new homes will have well insulated walls. However, if you're exterior walls are not well insulated it could degrade the performance of your mirror defogger causing your mirror to take longer to clear. If you are installing on an exterior wall and you're not sure that the wall is well insulated putting some insulating material such as corrugated cardboard between the wall and the backside of the mirror defogger can help ensure that your mirror defogger will work correctly.

2. Can I install a Mirror in the Mist defogger behind a mirror that is tiled into the wall?

Yes, Mirror in the Mist has a specially designed the 8 inch square and the 12 inch square sizes to be used behind mirror tiles that are tiled into the wall. We will also build custom size defoggers to fit behind any mirror size you choose to be tiled into the wall.

3. Are mirror defoggers safe?

Yes, mirror defoggers run typically at body temperature. Such temperatures could never constitute a fire hazard. Additionally mirror defoggers, when properly installed, are safely out of sight and out of reach virtually eliminating the possibility of electric shock. Mirror in the Mist products are UL listed to insure safety. The technology used in Mirror in the Mist products has been used safely and reliably for over 50 years in industrial applications and home appliances such as the ubiquitous frost free refrigerator.

4. Why are Mirror in the Mist defoggers less expensive than other mirror defoggers?

Mirror in the Mist defoggers were designed to allow us to control our manufacturing process and material costs so we can pass savings on to you. When you deal with Mirror in the Mist you are dealing directly with the manufacturer.

5. Why don't the Mirror in the Mist products display the CSA mark?

Mirror in the Mist products were tested by UL to meet CSA standards for sale and distribution in Canada. The “C” in the UL mark signifies this. However, it is only products that are actually tested at CSA in Canada that are legally allowed to display the CSA mark.

6. Do I have to have an electrician install my mirror defogger?

The answer to this question is, maybe. In some jurisdictions it is only legal for modifications and additions to be made to your electrical system by a licensed electrician. However, in some jurisdictions the minor electrical work required to install a mirror defogger can be done legally by the homeowner or resident. If you are in doubt, check with your local electrical authority.

7. Why can't I find Mirror in the Mist in stores?

Mirror defoggers are still a relatively new item on the market. Having Mirror in the Mist products available in stores will inevitably add additional cost to the product. In the future as sales increase our cost will decrease. Some of these savings will be passed on to you and some of these revenues will be used to finance the convenience of having Mirror in the Mist products available in stores. Right now your most convenient and least expensive option is to order Mirror in the Mist products directly from the manufacturer through our website for delivery directly to your door.

8. Do I need to install an electrical box for my mirror defogger?

The answer to this question is, maybe. The electrical authority in your area may require that an electrical box be installed wherever wiring is run inside a wall. If the electrical authority in your area does not require an electrical box to be installed or you intend to install the mirror defogger without running the wire inside the wall then you will not need to install an electrical box.

9. My mirror is glued to the wall. Can I still install a mirror defogger?

Yes, but the trick is getting the mirror off the wall. It is now common for mirrors to be permanently installed to the wall using glue commonly referred to as mastic. This glue is often found behind the mirror in only a few areas of an inch or so in diameter. Also there is often a small gap between the mirror and the wall. Professionals tell me that it is possible to remove mirrors that have been glued to the wall by using a thin wire such as the guitar string to cut through the glue. If you are not a professional we are not recommending that you try this.

10. Can I glue my mirror to the wall after installing a mirror defogger instead of using mirror brackets?

We do not recommend that you glue a mirror to the wall after installing a mirror defogger. Additionally if you have installed an electrical box behind the mirror, in some jurisdictions it is not legal to make the electrical box inaccessible by gluing the mirror in place.

11. Can I install a three-prong plug on the mirror defogger cable and plug it in instead of running the wires behind the wall?

Yes, there's no reason why not other than cosmetic.

12. Why do Mirror in the Mist defoggers use metal foil in the construction?

The metal foil used in the construction of the Mirror in the Mist defoggers is there to provide fast, even heat distribution. Metal is simply a better conductor of heat than rubber or glass.