Emerson EasyHeat SR Trace SR52J Guide

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 ow down the roof and may accumulate and
freeze in gutters, possibly even overowing 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 signicant 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.
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 penetrations, 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 xtures or through the ceiling nish 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.
©2015 EasyHeat www.easyheat.com 14031-001 Rev. 10
Heater Cable for Roof & Gutter Deicing
SR51J & SR52J Heater Cable Installation & Operation
DESCRIPTION
Easy Heat’s SR51J and SR52J heater cables prevent ice dam build-up
which can damage buildings and gutters. The cables’ self-regulating
heat output provides additional benets:
• 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 asphalt or wood
shingles, metal roong or “membrane” type roong. Consult roong
supplier for details.
SR Trace
ACCESSORIES
• ZH-C Roof Clips are used for all types of installations.
• DSH Downspout Hangers support the heater cable descending a
downspout drain. One hanger is required for each downspout.
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.
WARNINGS!
• Installation of SR Heater Cable for roof and gutter deicing must be in accordance with the requirements of all applicable electrical and
building codes and regulations. Ground-fault protection must be provided. The braid shield must be effectively grounded by a properly-sized
equipment grounding conductor or other approved means.
• Do not twist bus wires together – this will result in a short circuit and damage the cable.
• Moisture must be kept away from the live electrical parts of the cable or electrical faults will develop.
• Damaged heater cables must be repaired or replaced.
• Do not place ladders against the heater cable.
• Minimum Installation Temp: -40°C (-40° F).

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Specication/Application Information
Performance and Rating Data
Catalog Number SR51J SR52J
Voltage (VAC) 120 208/240/277
Nominal Power Output in Ice (W/ft) 8.0 7.0/8.0/10.0
Maximum Single Cable Length (ft) 190 381
Current Load (Amp/ft)
at 0°F (-20°C) start-up .132 .066
at -20°F (-30°C) start-up .147 074
Minimum Installation Temp: -40° F (-40°C)
Perform Maximum total Heater Length (ft)/Circuit Breaker Rating
20°F(-7°C)/0°F(-20°C)/-20°F(-30°C) Start-up ance and Rating Data
Catalog Number SR51J SR52J
15 Amp Breaker 125/115/100 250/225/205
20 Amp Breaker 170/150/135 335/300/270
30 Amp Breaker 250/225/205 500/455/405
The use of ground fault equipment protection for heating
cable applications is required by NEC.
Table 1: Determination of Total Cable Requirements
Items Cable Required
Roof Edge From Table 2 based on eave
overhang
Gutter 1 ft of cable per foot of gutter (if gut-
ter is wider than 6", use 2 traces)
Downspout 2 ft of cable per foot of downspout–
cable is looped down and back
Roof Valley 6 ft of cable per valley–loop 3' up val-
ley and back
Dormer Perimeter 1 ft of cable per foot of dormer pe-
rimeter
Table 2: Cable Length Factors vs. Roof Overhang
Eave
Overhang
"E"
Loop
Height
"H"
Length Factor
Shingle Roof
Length Factor
Metal Roof
12" 18" 1.9 2.5
24" 30" 2.7 3.5
36" 42" 3.6 4.5
48" 54" 4.6 5.5 (Note 3)
Cable length required = Length Factor x Roof Length
1. Standard shingle roof (see diagram pg. 4).
2. Metal roof (see diagram pg. 4).
3. Cable length calculated above does not include
cable for gutter or downspout.
For other designs, contact representative.
Cable Sizing
The total heater cable length for deicing is determined by including all elements of the roof system that need protection. Use the following
charts to determine the total length of cable.
Cable Control
The Easy Heat SR cable can be controlled in several
different ways. The simplest method is to use a standard wall switch,
turning the switch on only when snow/ice melting is required. It is
recommended that a pilot light also be installed to remind the user
when the cable is energized.
It is also possible to install controls which automatically sense when
show/ice melting is required, energizing cables accordingly. Contact
Easy Heat for details.

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Cable Installation Procedures
1. Before installing heater cable in cold weather, allow cable to warm
up to room temperature. Grommets and shrink tube included
in connection kits should be warm until used (keep inside jacket
pocket).
2. Clear all gutters and downspouts of debris (protect hands with
gloves).
3. Remove any sharp edges that could damage the heater
cable.
4. Mount weatherproof outlet box (not including the kit) in an
unobstructed location permitting the heater cable direct
access to the roof with minimal unsupported length.
5. Secure heater cable in outlet box, leaving 12" in junction
box for connection to power cables. Form a drip loop where
the cable exits the junction box; this will prevent water from
tracking along the cable and into the junction box.
6. Secure cable to roong using ZH-C or equivalent clips in
appropriate pattern (shingle or metal; see diagrams page 4)
with loop height associated with overhang in TABLE 2. Ensure
that waterproof integrity of roong system is maintained. If
in doubt, consult with a professional roofer for appropriate
advice.
7. Position heater cable tail end at the top of cable pattern to
minimize possibility of long term submersion of tail seal.
8. Terminate heater cable in outlet box per connection kit
procedures. Connect bus wires to power supply using standard
wiring connection methods according to cable control
method selected above. Connect ground braid to equipment
grounding conductor.
9. Apply end seal to heater cable tail per end seal procedure
below.
DO NOT CONNECT TAIL BUS WIRES TOGETHER; THIS WILL
CAUSE DIRECT SHORT CIRCUIT OF CABLE.
10. It is recommended that the heater cable be megger tested
between bus wires and ground braid after installation to verify
cable is not damaged. Heater cable should have a minimum
insulation resistance of 20 megohms when tested with at least
a 500VDC megger; a 2500VDC megger is preferred.
11. Post Warning Label at the branch circuit panel. An additional
Warning Label must be afxed to either the weatherproof
outlet box or next to the on/off device controlling the heater
cable (if used).
ALL WARNING LABELS MUST BE CLEARLY VISIBLE.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIABILITY
Easy Heat warrants that if there are any defects in material or workmanship in any heating cable or accessory during the rst year after the date of purchase. We will provide new products to replace any defective
items, or we will refund the purchase price paid for the accessory or cable, not including any labor or other installation costs. As an alternate, we may elect to repair the cable or accessory at our factory with
all shipping and other removal costs borne by the purchaser.
We further warrant that any services performed for the Buyer hereunder will be performed in a good and skillful manner, based on our understanding of pertinent technical data as of the date of performance of
such services. Easy Heat’s sole responsibility and liability in the event of any defect, error, omission, or failure in the services rendered hereunder shall be to provide corrected services of the type provided for herein,
designed to correct such defect, error, omissions, or failure, and in no event shall the Easy Heat’s liability with respect to such warranty exceed the amount received by it from the Buyer on account of such services.
Our obligation to provide corrected services, new products, refund the purchase price, or perform the repair described above is conditioned upon (a) the installation of the accessory or cable conforming to
the specications set forth in our installation instructions and (b) the accessory or cable not having been damaged by mechanical or electrical activities unrelated to the operation of the accessory or cable.
A refund of your purchase price, provision of replacement products, repair of the accessory or cable or provision of corrected services as described above, shall be your sole and exclusive remedy for a breach
of this warranty. THESE ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTIES GIVEN BY EASY HEAT WITH RESPECT TO THE GOODS AND SERVICES AND ARE IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDE ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHETHER OR NOT THE PURPOSE OR USE HAS BEEN DISCLOSED
TO EASY HEAT IN SPECIFICATIONS, DRAWINGS OR OTHERWISE, AND WHETHER OR NOT EASY HEAT’S PRODUCTS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED AND/OR MANUFACTURED BY EASY HEAT FOR YOUR USE OR PURPOSE.
This warranty does not extend to any losses or damages due to misuse, accident, abuse, neglect, normal wear and tear, negligence, unauthorized modication or alteration, use beyond rate capacity, or improper
installation, maintenance or application. To the extent that you or your agents have supplied specications, information, representation of operating conditions or other data to Easy Heat in the selection or
design of the Goods and the preparation of Easy Heat’s quotation, and in the event that actual operating conditions or other conditions differ from those represented by you, any warranties or other provisions
contained herein which are affected by such conditions shall be null and void.
If within thirty (30) days after your discovery of any warranty defects within the warranty period, you notify Easy Heat thereof in writing, Easy Heat shall, at its option, repair, correct or replace F.O.B. point of
manufacture, or refund the purchase price for, that portion of the Goods found by Easy Heat to be defective. Failure by you to give such written notice within the applicable time period shall be deemed an
absolute and unconditional waiver of your claim for such defects. Goods repaired or replaced during the warranty period shall be covered by the foregoing warranty for the remainder of the original warranty
period or ninety (90) days from the date of shipment of the repaired or replaced goods, whichever is longer.
This limited warranty does not cover any costs relating to the repair or replacement of any accessory or cable at the installation site. Our accessories and cables are not easily accessible. A failed accessory or
cable usually cannot be easily repaired. Replacement of a failed accessory or cable will require that the materials under which it is installed be removed to permit replacement of the accessory or cable. We
will not reimburse any costs relating to the repair or replacement of any accessory or cable at the installation site.
IN NO EVENT, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, INFRINGEMENT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OTHER TORT OR OTHERWISE), SHALL EASY HEAT’S
LIABILITY TO YOU AND/OR YOUR CUSTOMERS EXCEED THE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR THE SPECIFIC GOODS PROVIDED BY EASY HEAT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION. YOU AGREE THAT WE SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR YOUR CUSTOMERS FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. No agent, employee or representative of ours has authority to bind us to any afrmation,
representation or warranty concerning the goods sold unless such afrmation, representation or warranty is specically incorporated by written agreement.
To obtain new products, arrange repair of existing product, or a refund under this warranty, please contact Easy Heat with a description of the defect and proof of purchase at the address noted herein.

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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

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TYPICAL MEMBRANE ROOF
Ice dams may occur on at roofs typically at the edge of the ashing and at drains. Flat roofs are normally pitched toward drains and these
paths can become obstructed by snow and ice. To maintain a path for melt water to run off, install the heating cable as shown below using
appropriate attachment methods. Additional heating cable may be required for downspouts.
Note: Heating cable attachment methods are not shown in the diagram below. For attachment we recommend using our ZH-C roof clip.
Properly securing this clip to different roong materials may require differing methods; consult a roong professional for more information. If the
situation warrants it may also be possible to use strips of the roong membrane to secure the heating cable by adhering the cable under the strip
to the main roong membrane (see gure below).
Heating cable layout on at roof:
• Install heating cable around the perimeter.
• Install heating cable running from the perimeter to the drain.
• Heating cable is to be installed into drain so that it extends at least 12 inches (30cm) into a heated space.
Heating cable should be positioned
around the perimeter and in the
valleys of a flat roof. The heating
cable must extend into the drain or
scupper to allow the melt water to
exit the roof.
Heating cable is to be installed into
drain so that it extends at least 12
inches (30 cm) into a heated space.
Drain
Slope
Junction
Box
Cable
End Seal
Heating cable should be
positioned around the perimeter
of a flat roof. The heating cable
must extend into the drain or
scupper to allow the melt water
to exit the roof.
Drip Loop
Cable
End Seal
Junction
Box
Scupper
Heating cable provides a continuous
heated path to allow melt water to
run off the roof before it refreezes.
Adhesive
Roof Membrane
Heating Cable
Membrane
Strip
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, gutters 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.