GammaSwiss RoofMate Owner's manual

ROOF & GUTTER
DEICING
YEAR
LIMITED
WARRANTY
30
YEARS
OF EXPERTISE
IN ELECTRIC
CABLE HEATING
Installation and Operation
Instructions

2
CONTENTS
ALWAYS/NEVER...................................................................................................................... 4
1 SAFETY MEASURES .......................................................................................................... 5
2 PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST............................................................................. 6
2.1 Purpose of the Product............................................................................................... 6
2.2 Heating Cable Specifications ................................................................................... 7
2.3 Consumed Power ......................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Installers.......................................................................................................................... 9
2.5 When to Install RoofMate........................................................................................ 9
2.6 Where to Install RoofMate ...................................................................................... 9
2.7. Determining Necessary Cable Length................................................................. 9
3 ROOF REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................ 12
4 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS............................................................... 12
5 HEATING CABLE INSTALLATION........................................................................... 14
5.1 Location of the Heating Cable................................................................................ 14
5.2 Proper Handling and Maintenance of the Heating Cable .......................... 20
5.3 Testing the Heating Cable ...................................................................................... 20
5.4 Roof, Gutters, and Drainage Pipes Preparation .............................................. 20
5.5 Mounting on Roof...................................................................................................... 20
5.6 Final Steps of Installation....................................................................................... 27
6 HEATING CABLE USE AND TECHNICAL MAINTENANCE ....................... 28
6.1 Pre-Season Inspections ........................................................................................... 28
6.2 Turning the Heating Cable On and Off ............................................................. 29
6.3 Checking the Operation and Condition of the Heating Cable ................ 29
6.4 Actions in Case of Circuit Breaker Trip or a Blown Fuse............................ 30
6.5 Off-Season Use .......................................................................................................... 30
7 REMOVING THE HEATING CABLE ........................................................................ 30
8 WARRANTY LIMITATION AND RESPONSIBILITY ......................................... 31

Installation and Operation Instructions 3
Thank you for purchasing RoofMate —
For roof and gutter de-icing!
Please thoroughly read the manual before installation, operation, and for tech-
nical maintenance of the product. Protect yourself and people around you by
following the safety requirements. Failing to follow the instructions in this
manual may result in personal injury and/or property damage. Retain instruc-
tions for future reference. To ensure warranty service, you must follow the re-
quirements outlined here in the Installation Manual. Installation of the heating
cable must be carried out by persons authorized to carry out electrical work.
eave
eave
depth
depth
drainage pipe
drainage pipe
drainage pipe
valley
valley
valley
drip
loop
tracing
tracing
width
width
tracing
height
eave
length
tracing
width
eave
depth
General view of the roof and basic terms

4
ALWAYS/NEVER
NEVER:
Install a damaged heating cable
Allow or use sharp objects to damage/modify heating cables
Twist the cables
Use heating cables for purposes other than what’s described in the manual
Place heating cables under roofing material, inside walls or in enclosed
spaces
Connect a heating cable designed for 120 V to a 230 V power source
Exceed the maximum length of electrical circuit as it will lead to power
shutdown during the operation
Install heating cables on surfaces that can become hotter than 150°F (65°C)
Turn-on the cable at very low ambient temperatures, as this can overload
the circuit
Try to cut, shorten, or modify a heating cable as it can cause an electric
shock or fire
ALWAYS:
Turn the heating cable OFF at ambient temperatures above 50°F (10°C)
Before installing the heating cable, make sure the installation location is
cleaned of leaves, branches and other debris
Check the system every season before switching on
Ensure a bend radius of the heating cable of at least 1-inch during installa-
tion and operation
Make sure that the heating cable is installed by a qualified technician in
accordance with this installation manual and a NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CODE (NEC). All electrical connections must be made by a qualified elec-
trician in accordance with all electrical and building codes in your area

Installation and Operation Instructions 5
1. SAFETY MEASURES
WARNING
Improper installation, use, operation or maintenance of this product may result
in personal injury or death from electric shock or fire, as well as property dam-
age. Read and follow the instructions in this manual carefully.
1.1 To reduce the risk of injury/death from electric shock or fire, strictly comply
with all electrical and construction requirements for the use of this product
(for more information, see the “Electrical System Requirements” section). It is
mandatory to use an external 120 V AC outlet that meets all the following re-
quirements:
It is electrically grounded
Ground fault protection is provided through the use of a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI). Maximum leak current 30 mA
It is used with appropriate rated current
It’s protected from the weather
It’s located within 6-feet of the starting point of the heating cable on the
roof
If you are not sure if your electrical outlet meets these requirements, contact
a licensed electrician.
1.2 The installation of the heating cable must be in accordance with the Nation-
al Electrical Code (NEC).
1.3 Make sure that all power supplies are turned off before installing or servicing
a cable.
1.4 Do not twist the cable during installation.
1.5 When using on a roof, do not install the cable under roofing materials.
1.6 Do not expose the cable to temperatures above 150°F, as this may damage
the cable.
1.7 Do not use extension cords.
1.8 For warranty service, make sure that the heating cable is installed in accor-
dance with the requirements of this manual.
1.9 Do not cut or attempt to change the length of the heating cable, as this may
result in a short circuit and electric shock.

6
2. PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
2.1 Purpose of the Product
The heating cable is designed to prevent the formation of ice deposits on roofs.
Do not install heating cables to remove already-formed ice deposits or to clear
the roof of ice and snow. Do not use heating cables for any other purpose, for
example, to melt snow on sidewalks or to protect pipes from freezing. We offer
other products designed for these purposes. Consult a professional roofer for
expert advice.
1.10 Do not install the heating cable where it may be subjected to additional
heating, for example, near ventilation, exhaust openings or a chimney.
1.11 Do not paint the cable or expose it to chemicals such as adhesives or
sealants.
1.12 Keep all combustible materials, such as leaves and branches, away from the
heating cable. Do not install heating cables on wooden parts of the structure
(cannot be used on wooden shingles).
1.14 Do not use a damaged or corrupt heating cable.
Signs of damage include cuts, brittleness, carbonization, cracking, surface dis-
coloration, and bare wires.

Installation and Operation Instructions 7
Copper
conductors
Self-regulating
heating matrix
Inner
insulation
Protective
braid
Outer jacket
Figure 1. Heating cable description
Table 1. Heating Cable Specifications
Type of heating cable Self-regulating
Rated voltage, V 110–120 V
Power output at 50°F 7 W/ft
Power output at 32°F 10 W/ft
Length of heating cable 6–150 ft
Dimensions of heating cable 13.0×6.0 mm
Bus wires 16 gauge AWG
Minimum bending radius 1 inch
Outer jacket material Thermoplastic elastomer
Braid material Tinned copper
Maximum working temperature 185°F
Power cord Weatherproof, 10 ft, 3-conductor 14 AWG, with
LED-plug
2.2 Heating Cable Specifications

8
2.3 Consumed Power
Table 2 below shows the power consumed by the pre-assembled self-regulat-
ing RoofMate heating cable.
Table 2. Consumed Power
Length ,
ft.
Power output
(watts) at
Temperature RoofMate Model
50°F
(10°С)
32°F
(0°С)
6 42 67 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-006-10
12 84 134 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-012-10
18 126 201 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-018-10
24 168 269 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-024-10
37 259 410 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-037-10
50 350 560 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-050-10
62 435 700 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-062-10
75 525 840 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-075-10
87 610 980 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-087-10
100 701 1120 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-100-10
112 785 1250 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-112-10
125 876 1400 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-125-10
137 960 1535 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-137-10
150 1050 1680 Parallel Pre-assembled self-regulating heating cable 7-RM1-150-10

Installation and Operation Instructions 9
2.4 Installers
Installation of the heating cable must be carried out by persons authorized to
carry out electrical work.
2.5 When to Install RoofMate
The heating cable should be installed when there is no ice or snow on the roof.
Do not use the heating cable to melt the snow and ice that has already formed
on your roof. If snow and ice are already on the roof, consult a professional
roofer for help. Heating cables should only be installed after the ice and snow
have melted and/or are removed. The temperature when installing the cable
should be between 32 and 80°F (0 to 27°C).
2.6 Where to Install RoofMate
The heating cable should be installed on areas of the roof where ice deposits,
including icicles, can form. Depending on the influence of the sun, the prevail-
ing wind direction and the shape of the roof, cables can be installed both over
the entire roof area, and in individual sections.
2.7. Determining Necessary Cable Length
An accurate estimate of the cable length required is very important as it is not
possible to alter or modify a cables length. The cable should be installed on
the areas of the roof where ice forms. This can be the entire edge of the roof or
in individual sections. The cable must also be installed in any nearby gutters,
drainage pipes and/or valleys.
If you need to install a cable on a roof with gutters, drainage pipes, valleys and/
or attic windows, follow the instructions “A. For Typical Applications.”
If you need to install the cable only in the gutters and drainage pipes, follow the
instructions “B. For Installation in a Gutter and Drain Only.”
Use Figure 2 for Tables 3, 4, and 5.

10
A. For Typical Applications
Step 1. For each area shown in Figure 2, measure the required dimensions and
then calculate the necessary cable length (see Figure 2, Tables 3 and 4).
Add the results to determine the total length of the cable.
Figure 2.
E
B
CD
A
Table 3. Cable Length Calculation
Location What to Measure How to Calculate
Along the roof Eave depth (A)
Eave (Roof) length (B) Eave length(B) x Multiplier (see Table. 4)
Attic window The perimeter around
the attic windows (C) Number of attic windows × perimeter (C)
Valley Number of valleys (D) Number of valleys × 6-feet
Gutter Gutter length (B) Gutter Length × 2
Drainage pipe Drainage pipe length (E) Number of drainage pipes × length of
drainage pipes × 2

Installation and Operation Instructions 11
Table 4. Multiplier
Eave depth (overhang),
inches Tracing height, inches Multiplier
Less than 12 18 2.0
12 18 2.8
24 30 3.8
36 42 4.8
48 54 5.8
Step 2. Use the calculated cable length determined above to select the correct
RoofMate cable size. If the length you need is between sizes, choose the longer
size cable.
If icing occurs on areas of the roof that are at a considerable distance from each
other, you can use a separate cable for each roof area. In addition, if the roof
area is large, then separate cables for the roof and gutter should be used.
В. For Installation in a Gutter and Drain Only
If icing occurs only in gutters and drainage pipes, measure the required sizes
(see Fig.2) and calculate the cable length required for each area, as indicated
in Table 5.
To determine the total cable length, add the lengths required for each cable.
Table 5. Cable Length Calculation for Gutters and Drainage Pipes
Place Calculation method
Gutter Gutter Length (B) Gutter Length × 2
Drainage pipe Pipe Length (E) Number of drainage pipes × length of
drainage pipes × 2
Step 2. Use the calculated cable length obtained above to select the correct
RoofMate cable length needed. If the length you need is between sizes, choose
the longer size cable.

12
3. ROOF REQUIREMENTS
RoofMate heating cables are designed for use on inclined and flat roofs with
non-combustible shingles (for example, asphalt shingles) or rubber coated, and
on Standing Seam metal roofs that comply with national building codes.
WARNING
Using this product on any other type of roof increases the risk of ice formation,
personal injury, or death from electric shock or fire.
Do not use these heating cables on any other types of roofs, such as:
Roofs with wooden tiles
Composite (tar and gravel) roofs.
If you are not sure that your roof meets these requirements, consult a profes-
sional roofer.
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The electrical system supplying power to the heating cables must meet the
requirements described below. If you are not sure that these requirements are
met, contact a licensed electrician.
WARNING
Failure to do so may result in injury or death from electric shock or fire.
The heating cable must be connected to an external 120-volt AC outlet which is:
1) Grounded. The heating cable is equipped with a three-pin plug, which has a
grounding pin. To reduce the risk of fire and electric shock, the cable must
be grounded.
You must connect the plug to a power outlet that is correctly installed and
grounded in accordance with all local requirements and regulations.
It is forbidden to modify the plug supplied with the cable in any way. If it
does not match the outlet, install a suitable outlet by contacting a licensed
electrician.
2) Protected from ground fault (one of the protection ways is the use of a
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)). As a rule, utility outlets installed
outdoors are equipped with a GFCI system.
If you are not sure that your outlet is protected against ground faults, con-
sult a licensed electrician. An outlet with ground fault protection reduces
the risk of fire or electric shock by stopping the flow of electricity (current)

Installation and Operation Instructions 13
when current flows through something other than a cable (such as a person
or a drainage pipe). Such a current:
May be caused by damage to the cable;
May not be large enough to trip the circuit breaker;
May cause the cable to overheat, which may result in a fire, as well as
electric shock.
3) Belongs to a circuit that has an appropriate rated current (A). Do not use a
cable in a circuit whose circuit breaker or fuse is rated for a current of less
than 20 A. It must be ensured that sufficient current is supplied without
overloading the circuit.
Overloading the circuit may cause the circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to
blow. To prevent overloading the circuit, do not use more than 80% of the
rated circuit power (for example, do not load a 20-amp circuit by more than
16 A and do not load a 15-amp circuit above 12 A).
4) Protected from the weather. A connection between plug and outlet should
be protected from the rain, snow or weather effects.
5) Located within 6-feet of the starting point of the roof cable. The un-heated
length of the cable is 10-feet long.
Make sure that the heating part of the cable is completely on the roof.
This will prevent contact with people or equipment that could move or damage it.
It is forbidden to use an extension cord to connect the heating cable.
Using an extension cord with a heating cable increases the risk of fire or elec-
tric shock. Remember that there may be additional requirements related to lo-
cal or national regulations. If you are unsure of the correct installation of the
outlet or cable, contact a licensed electrician.

14
5. HEATING CABLE INSTALLATION
WARNING
Failure to follow the rules of handling, location and installation according to
this manual may result in injury, or death from electric shock or fire.
5.1 Location of the Heating Cable
Before laying and attaching a heating cable to your roof, it is important to plan
how it will be located. To prevent the formation of ice deposits, the layout
scheme of the cable should be arranged so that it directs the flow of water
without the formation of areas where it may freeze.
In general, you need to use heating cables in the following areas: on the spec-
ified roof areas (along the roof line; along the roof area; in problem areas such
as skylights), in nearby gutters and drainage pipes.
WARNING
To avoid overheating of the cable and not to increase the risk of fire or electric
shock, the heating cable should not pass through the inside of any part of the
building, including the attic. For example, do not install a cable in a drainpipe
that has a part passing through a building. In addition, it is forbidden to install
the cable where its elements can be heated by heat sources, such as an exhaust
hole or chimney. Install the cable at least 12-inches apart from such heat sources.
Select a starting point. The starting point of the cable should not be close to
any entrance areas, sidewalks, etc. , to avoid contact with people or equipment
that could move or damage it. If the electrical outlet is already installed in an
appropriate place next to the roof eave then this determines your choice. If that
is not the case, select a starting point and install an electrical outlet.
Plan the cable layout for your roof. Cable layout methods for various roof areas
are presented below.
A heating cable does not have to be installed in all these places. Only install
the cable in areas that have been exposed to icing in the past.
Tip: For easier roof installation, mark the layout of where the cable and attach-
ment points will be with chalk prior to installing. It can also be useful to make a
drawing of your roof and layout diagrams of the cable on paper.

Installation and Operation Instructions 15
Figure 3. A typical arrangement of a cable
along a roof line and in gutters/drainage pipes
Figure 4. An example of the layout of the cable on the roof:
as a triangles along the roof line.
Example of Heating Cable Layout on the Roof:
The heating cable laid along the edge of the roof is laid out in accordance with
Figure 4. To determine the height of the triangles, measure the width of the
eave depth. The height of the triangle should be several inches higher than the
width of the eave depth. The base of each triangle should have a width of about
24-inches.
Triangle Base
(24 inches)
Triangle Height
(See Table 4)

16
Example for Roof with Skylights:
Problem areas of skylights are also handled using the triangular pattern ap-
proach. However, the height of the triangles below the skylight may need to be
greater than the height of the triangles along the roof line. The triangles below
the skylight should get as close to the base of the skylight as possible without
exceeding 20-feet in height. The base of the triangle is kept at 24-inches.
Figure 5. The height of the triangles near the skylights
Triangle Base

Installation and Operation Instructions 17
Example for Valleys:
The cable should be laid up and back down at least 3-feet, as shown in Figure 6.
Example for Attic Windows:
The cable should be laid up and around all attic windows, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 6. An example of the location of the cable in the valley
Figure 7. An example of the location of the cable around the attic window
Not less
than 3 ft

18
Example for other Roof Areas:
Other problem areas of the roof,not previously described,can also be equipped
with a heating cable to prevent ice formation. The triangle layout, like the one
used for the roof edge, can also be used for installation in these problem areas.
When dealing with the problem areas, the height of the triangles may be great-
er than those on the roof edge. The height of the triangle should not exceed
20-feet.
Plan the layout of the cable in the gutters and drainage pipes.
For each area of the roof where the heating cable is installed, the correspond-
ing gutter and drainage pipe (if any) must also be lined with a heating cable.
After placing the cable on the roof edge, it will need to be installed in the op-
posite direction in the gutter. For the drainage pipes, install the cable all the
way down the pipe and back up along the inside.
If the cable is not long enough, you can install it only one-way, down the inside
of the pipe. The cable should end at the bottom of the drainage pipe to prevent
the formation of ice.
Figure 8. Cable installed along the roofing line in the gutters and drainage pipes

Installation and Operation Instructions 19
Figure 9. Cable installation through the gutter or drainage pipe in two threads
Alternate
Single
End of run
Along run
If ice formation only occurs in the gutters, the cable should be laid only in the
gutter and drainage pipes in two threads.
If individual sections of the roof are processed, then it may be more practical
to use several separate heating cables. When planning the location of the cable,
think about how each cable will be laid.
In addition, you can use one cable for several areas of the roof.
The cable can be routed from one area to another, either in the gutter or hori-
zontally attached to the tile.
In case of shortage or excess cable length you can:
1) Use the excess cable length to make triangles higher (up to 20-feet in
height) or increase the length of cable loops in the valleys.
2) With a shorter cable, the triangle height can be reduced in areas less sensi-
tive to ice formation.
3) With a shorter cable, if there is a drainage pipe at the end of the treated
roofing line, you can lay the cable down the pipe only once and not, as
recommended, down and back up. In any case, the cable should terminate at
the bottom of the drainpipe.

20
5.2 Proper Handling and Maintenance of the Heating Cable
WARNING
Improper handling of the heating cable can cause damage to the cable and the
formation of ice, as well as personal injury or death from electric shock and fire.
Rules for Handling and Caring for the Heating Cable:
Do not step on the cable
Avoid sharp bends of the cable. Sharp bends can damage the heating element
Do not cut, splice or modify the heating cable in any way
Do not cover any part of the cable
Do not paint or expose the cable to chemicals such as adhesives or sealants
5.3 Testing the Heating Cable
Before installation, it is necessary to check the operation of the cable. To do
this, unwind it completely so that no parts intersect or overlap.
Do not plug in the cable until it is completely untwisted.
Once you plug in the cable wait about 5 minutes and it should be slightly warm
to the touch. Then disconnect the cable.
5.4 Roof, Gutters, and Drainage Pipes Preparation
It is necessary to do the following before heating cable installation:
1. Remove all existing heating cables or heating devices, clamps, and cable
routing from the installation area.
2. Remove all debris from the roof, gutters and drainage pipes, such as leaves,
pine needles, seeds, etc.
3. Inspect the installation site for sharp or jagged edges along gutters and
drainage pipes that could damage the cable.
Eliminate sharp or jagged edges by either sawing or bending them down.
5.5 Mounting on Roof
WARNING
Improper handling of the heating cable can cause damage to the cable, forma-
tion of ice, as well as personal injury or death from electric shock and fire.
This section describes the use of clamps and cable spacers for attaching the
heating cable to the roof and routing it through gutters and drainage pipes.
Do not attempt to stitch or nail the cable or fasten the cable with materials
such as adhesives or sealants.