CANARM - Plastic Heated Livestock Waterer, P100 - (100 head)

The Canarm P100 uses a high-density polypropylene (plastic) housing rather than steel, which offers several important advantages for livestock operations:

• Superior insulation (R18 vs R15): The polypropylene shell with foam insulation achieves a higher R-value than the steel series, meaning better heat retention and lower electricity use in extreme cold.
• Corrosion-proof: Unlike steel, polypropylene cannot rust — a critical advantage in humid barn environments, areas with high mineral content in water, or where animal urine contact is possible. Canarm certifies these units as 4X Corrosion Resistant.
• Lighter weight: Easier to move, install, and reposition without equipment.
• Lower long-term maintenance: No paint to chip, no rust spots to treat — the housing looks the same in year 10 as year 1.

The stainless steel drinking bowl is retained in both series for hygiene and durability. The difference is purely in the outer shell.

The Canarm P100 uses a 500-watt heating element, but it does not run continuously — it cycles on and off based on ambient temperature via a built-in adjustable thermostat. In mild conditions (around -5°C), runtime is relatively short. In extreme cold (-25 to -30°C), the element runs more frequently.

A rough estimate: at -15°C with moderate insulation in your barn, expect 4–8 hours of active heating per day, translating to approximately 1.5–3.2 kWh/day (500W × hours ÷ 1000). At Quebec's average farm rate of roughly $0.10–$0.12/kWh, daily operating cost runs $0.15–$0.38/day in peak winter.

Canarm waterers were independently tested by PAMI (Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute) and ranked #1 in energy efficiency among Canadian livestock waterers — meaning you get reliable freeze protection with lower electricity consumption than competitors.

Yes — a GFCI-protected circuit is required and is critical for safe operation of any heated livestock waterer. A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protects against stray voltage and electrical faults in wet farm environments where livestock and water are in contact with electrical equipment.

The Canarm P100 is CSA Approved for use in Canada. CSA certification requires compliance with electrical safety standards, and installation on a GFCI circuit is part of proper installation practice per the Canadian Electrical Code. Your local electrician can install a GFCI breaker at the panel or a GFCI receptacle near the waterer.

Stray voltage — even at low levels — can cause livestock to avoid waterers, reducing water intake and affecting milk production. A GFCI circuit prevents this entirely.

The Canarm P100 is designed for low maintenance, but regular checks extend its service life significantly:

• Weekly: Inspect the bowl and drain plug for debris. Flush and refill if water looks stale. Check that the float valve is operating correctly and maintaining proper water level.
• Monthly in winter: Wipe down the stainless steel bowl with a clean cloth. Inspect the power cord for wear, fraying, or rodent damage.
• Seasonally (spring/fall): Drain and clean the unit thoroughly. Remove the access cover and inspect the heating element and thermostat connections. Check the thermostat calibration — it should activate at approximately 2°C.
• Before winter storage shutdown: Drain completely to prevent freeze damage if the unit will be unplugged for the season.

All replacement parts — including the heating element, thermostat, float, valve, bowl, and indicator light — are available separately at F.G. Edwards so you can repair rather than replace the full unit.

The Canarm P100 is designed and capacity-rated for 100 head of cattle. However, Canarm steel waterers can serve mixed livestock species — sheep, goats, and pigs can all drink from the stainless steel bowl, and the 2°C thermostat activation point keeps water palatable year-round.

Key considerations by species:

• Cattle: Primary use case — bowl height and capacity are optimized for bovines.
• Sheep/goats: Work well; smaller animals may need a step or platform to reach the bowl comfortably.
• Pigs: Suitable, though pigs are hard on equipment — inspect the float valve regularly as pigs tend to root and push at the bowl.
• Horses: The P100 can be used for horses, though Canarm's dedicated equine models may better suit a horse barn layout.

For mixed herds, the key is ensuring adequate capacity. If water demand exceeds what one unit can supply, a second waterer prevents overcrowding and competition at the bowl.