Ice Shield: DIY Roof and Gutter Deicing Kit: Constant Wattage Support

Electric-resistance heating cables and systems have no polarity. This includes all current WarmlyYours heating elements.

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This National Electric Code (NEC) required protection for fixed outdoor deicing and snow-melting equipment may be accomplished by using circuit breakers equipped with ground-fault equipment protection (GFEP) of 30 mA. It is important to understand that this required equipment protection is not the same as a 5 mA GFCI used for personal protection.

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WarmlyYours does not recommend installing de-icing systems on ribbed metal roofs. This is because ribbed metal roofs typically aren’t flat enough for attachment of the mounting pads or proper contact of the cables with the roof.

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NEVER use an extension cord. If you do not understand the electrical requirements needed regarding the electrical receptacle plug, contact your local electrical inspector or a licensed electrician.

The reason for this is due to safety and performance of the system. Extension cords are often not properly selected and will degrade, potentially leading to electrical shorts or other hazards such as fire. Roof de-icing cables are designed to be connected directly to a properly rated outlet, and the length and type of extension cords may not be rated for the same power load, leading to insufficient power supply, potential damage to the cables, and further safety risks including their ability to prevent ice dams on your roof.

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Do NOT use WarmlyYours constant wattage ice shield roof and gutter cable on rubber or rubber-membrane roofs.

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Triangles are spaced 15" apart.

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No, typically leaf guards need to be removed for the deicing cable to be installed in the gutter to work effectively.

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A 2 pole single-phase 240V circuit works by continuously monitoring the current flowing through both hot wires of the circuit. If it detects even a slight imbalance between the current on each hot wire (indicating a ground fault), it will quickly trip, cutting off power to the circuit. Essentially, it compares each leg of the 240V circuit and trips if they are not precisely equal.

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As the names imply, constant wattage cable uses fixed wattage output per linear foot and does not automatically adjust in response to temperature changes. Self-regulating cable is manufactured with a resistance matrix placed between its 2 buss wires that varies the ohms resistance per linear foot to automatically adjust in response to temperature changes. Learn more about this in our blog Self-Regulating vs. Constant Wattage Heating Cables.

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WarmlyYours roof and gutter deicing self-regulating cable loses its power ramp-up ability at about 5-10 years, but it will still work at its rated wattage for years. Properly installed WarmlyYours roof and gutter constant wattage cable usually lasts well beyond its warranty period.

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