What is the best way to operate a heat cable system? For convenience and energy efficiency, use a system controller. System controllers have the heat cables on at the best time to prevent ice dams on the roof or in the gutter. Our controllers feature "window" operation - meaning they are on at temps between 35 and 5 degrees F. When it is warmer, natural melting occurs. When it is really cold usually there is little or no new snow, there is little heat loss melting, and the heat cables are less effective when it is that cold. Our controllers are completely adjustable so you can fine tune them to specific locations.

Our controllers mount indoor, usually near the circuit breaker panel or in the garage. The advantage of mounting it near the circuit breaker panel in the basement is that the electrical routing can take place in the ceiling of the basement out through the rim joist to connect at the bottom of the downspout. There is an outdoor probe that measures ambient temperature. This goes on a shaded side of the house to prevent false readings from solar gain. The incoming power is routed into the controller and then out to the branch location junction boxes where it is connected to the heat cables that are routed through the system.

What if there is no basement?  The panel can be mounted in the mechanical room or garage. The electrical routing can then take place through the attic or in the crawl space. Junction locations would usually be in the soffit.

Let us know if you have any additional questions or need technical assistance.