Install Instructions

Operation of the Heating Cable
Normally, the heating cable does not require any monitoring or adjustment;
the thermostat provided with the cable ensures that the cable is only turned on
when required, i.e. in winter. At all other times, the cable will not be energized
and, hence, minimum energy consumption is assured. Still, it is advisable to
unplug the cable in nonwinter seasons.
If an electrical power failure occurs for longer than a few hours, the water supply
pipe might freeze; this freezing will not damage the heating cable. If power
interruptions are expected to be longer than a few hours in duration, though, and
if such power failures are expected to occur frequently, increasing the thermostat
setpoint can, to some extent, help counteract the effect of power interruptions.
(The higher thermostat setpoint keeps the water in the pipe warmer, thereby
increasing the amount of time required to freeze the water in the pipe during
a power interruption).
If the water pipe should freeze during normal operation, then this likely means
that the thermostat sensor was not located at the coldest portion of the pipe;
this can usually be overcome by simply increasing the thermostat temperature
setting i.e. the thermostat sensor may not necessarily have to be relocated.
The GFCI receptacle contains a pilot light; this light is only illuminated when a
fault on the heating cable is detected.
To test if the power control enclosure is functioning properly and that 120 VAC
power is available, turn the thermostat control knob to the maximum setting,
plug in a 120 VAC powered device such as a light xture. The device should be
energized, in the case of a light xture illuminated.
It is recommended to inspect the thermostat control and its connection to the
electrical power source at the beginning of the heating season and monthly
during operation. Similarly, check the GFCI. Testing of the GFCI is dependent
upon the temperature of the capillary bulb.
a) If the ambient is below 21° C (69.8° F), turn the thermostat control knob
to the maximum setting; the GFCI will be energized. Push the “TEST”
button on the GFCI receptacle; a “ click “ sound should be heard and the
receptacle indicator light will turn on. Push the “ RESET “ button on the
GFCI receptacle to reset the power (the indicator light will turn off).
b) If the ambient temperature is above 22° C (71.6° C), you will need to
“cool down “ the capillary bulb to test the GFCI. It is recommended to wait
until the bulb is below 21° C (69.8° F) as in step a), however if this is not
possible you will need to submerge the capillary bulb in ice water for 10
minutes and then follow the instructions as described in a) above.
c) The GFCI will not be affected by power interruptions.