ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area De-icing install

Anyone have any experience with roof valley and gutter de-icing installs ? Local supply house has Easyheat products, come in stock lengths and are cord / plug. Does this mean a number of receptacles in attic ? Thanks, Dan.

1) READ the directions. Some brands are 'self regulating' and can cross over themselves; most will self-destruct if you do this.

2) WATTS the problem? Receptacles are usually placed under the eaves. But- make sure there's enough capacity .... don't be surprised if each length needs it's own circuit.

3) Make sure there's another, separate receptacle, on a different circuit, for the Christmas lights.

4) Make SURE melt water has some place to go. It won't help if it all freezes up in the downspout.

5) Have a roofer INSPECT the existing roof for damage .... or you'll be blamed.

Did it twice in 27 years, used commercial grade stuff from WW Grainger. No plugs, all hardwired. Had roofer check roof first on both jobs. 6-120 volt, 20 amp circ for slate roof house job. 12-120 volt circuits for comm bldg job. (Roofer supplied report also)
Never tried the 'plug-in' line.

As Reno said...READ!!

John