Install Instructions

4 SR51J & SR52J Heater Cable Installation & Operation
CABLE OPERATION
Energize cables when icing conditions are present on the roof or in gutters; de-energize when icing conditions are no longer
present. Ensure power is removed from the cable in summer.
MAINTENANCE
Check cable annually for any damage, such as nicks or cuts possibly caused by animals or other activity on the roof. Check
any ground
fault protection devices for proper operation. Remove all debris (leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc.) from roof, gut-
ters and downspouts prior to energizing the roof cable. Do not attempt to energize the roof cable if any of these problems
are discovered as proper operation may be impaired.
WARNING!
Do not place splices in
downspouts or gutters.
TYPICAL METAL ROOF
Roof Cable Clip
(ZH-C)
Conduit
Drip Loops
Mid Circuit
Downspout Installation
24"
End Seal (must not be laid
in gutter nor allowed to
lie at the bottom end of a
downspout)
End of Circuit
Downspout Installation
“E” = Eave overhang
(distance from roof edge
to exterior wall face)
E
DSH
Downspout
hanger
Weatherproof
outlet box
(by Installer)
ZH-C Roof Clip
@ 24" o.c.
SRP Power
Connection Kit
Heater
Cable
H = Loop height
TYPICAL SHINGLE ROOF
(24")
W
Weatherproof
Outlet Box
(by installer)
Drip Loop
Heater Cable
W = 24" peak to peak
(TABLE 2)
H
Clip gutter cable to
roof cable to provide
a path for water to
get to ground
DESCRIPTION
Easy Heat’s SR51J and SR52J heater cables prevent ice
dam build-up which can damage buildings and gut
-
ters. The cables’ self-regulating heat output provides
additional benefits:
• Lower energy consumption. The cable reduces its
power output as the ice and snow disappear.
• High temperature limited. The cable reduces its
temperature as it warms, so this minimizes the effect
of heat on the temperature sensitive roof materials.
Use only Easy Heat connection and accessory kits to
ensure your installation is safe and conforms with
electrical code requirements.
SR Trace cables are generally suitable for use on as-
phalt or wood shingles, metal roofing or “membrane”
type roofing. Consult roofing supplier for details.
SR51J & SR52J Heater Cable Installation & Operation
Heater Cable for Roof & Gutter Deicing
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
As snow accumulates on a roof in winter, inadequate
ceiling insulation and/or roof venting can allow the roof
surface above heated areas of the building to get warm
enough to melt some of the snow on the roof surface,
even on cold winter days.
This water will then flow down the roof and may
accumulate and freeze in gutters, possibly even
overflowing them and forming long icicles.
(Icicles are usually a symptom of this “warm roof”
problem. It can be expected that roofs with icicles will
eventually form ice dams which may result in water
leaking into the building.)
Left unchecked, this ice build-up (icing) can result
in significant stress on the gutter, often leading to
mechanical failure of the gutter.
It is also probable that the roof area above the
overhang will be cold, since it is not above a heated
area of the building. This can result in the re-freezing
of the melt-water as it approaches the roof edge,
forming a layer of ice.
14031-001 Rev. ©2007 Easy Heat
ACCESSORIES
ZH-C Roof Clips are used for all types of installations.
DSH Downspout Hangers support the heater cable descend
-
ing a downspout drain. One hanger is required for each down
-
spout. Cable must be looped to the bottom of downspout and
back up, utilizing a downspout hanger to prevent cable from
being pulled tight against the drain/gutter edge.
SRP Power Connection Kit connects power to heater cable
and terminates tail end of cable.
SRSRG Splice Kit splices two pieces of cable together. This
may be required when a longer circuit is needed or to repair
a damaged segment of cable. (Plan splice location to avoid
long-term submersion.)
Additional accessories are available.
Continued freezing of this water causes the layer of
ice to build up in thickness and eventually can become
several inches thick. This results in water “ponding”
at the warm/cold transition point of the roof, and
migrating under the shingles.
Once water gets under the shingles, it can leak through
the roof sheathing, at nail holes or other roof penetra
-
tions, and down inside the building walls, ceiling, etc.
It is also possible for such water to track along ceiling
beams and eventually leak into the building interior
at light fixtures or through the ceiling finish at a point
some distance away from the location of the ice dam.
By applying heating cable from the roof edge to a
level just above the overhang, and in the gutter and
downspouts, melt-water on the roof will have a clear
drainage path.
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