MI Trace™ Snow Melting Cable
Installation and Operating Instructions
GENERAL INFORMATION
A good snow melting installation has three basic
requirements:
Surface Quality MI Trace snow melting cable is designed
to last as long as the material in which it is embedded.
Surfaces that crumble, settle or separate may break the
heating element. Always insist on quality materials and
allow for adequate reinforcing steel, expansion joints
and proper curing.
Electrical System The electrical system should provide
an adequate watt density for the snowfall in your
particular area. Also, it must provide for an adequate
number of junction boxes and meet all N.E.C. and local
code requirements. All exposed splice connections
must be completely waterproof.
Installation Craftsmanship The electrical and paving
contractors, working together, must take extra
precautions to prevent damage to the heating
cables by sharp objects such as tools, buggies,
wheelbarrows, and footwear. MI Trace cables are
rugged, not indestructible.
To assure a long lasting, dependable snow melting
system, please adhere to the guidelines and procedures
outlined on the following pages.
SURFACING GUIDELINES
General
1. Drainage must be adequate for run off of melted ice
or snow. The drain or grate should also be heated.
2. The base for the pavement should be smooth and
compact.
3. Paving materials must be of adequate quality and
strength.
4. Local or Federal Codes may govern. If in doubt check
with a consulting engineer.
Concrete
1. Concrete thickness must be adequate to support
a maximum load without crumbling, settling or
excessive movement.
2. Expansion joints must be provided for larger areas
and for changes in slab thickness at curbs, walls,
columns, steps, hydrants, lighting standards,
manholes, etc. Scribed or control joints should be
treated as expansion joints. Do not use slabs larger
than 20' x 20' (6.10m x 6.10m) without expansion
joints. (See Fig. 1.)
3. Use of 2" x 4" (50.80mm x 101.60mm) lumber
for placing concrete is recommended to avoid
damaging cables. Also, extreme care must be
used when using shovels.
4. Ensure proper procedures are followed regarding
concrete thickness reinforcing and cure time. It is
acceptable to place foam insulation beneath the
concrete to help reduce heat loss into the ground if
proper industry practices are used.
5. For additional guidance, consult Portland Cement
Association or a professional engineer.
Asphalt
1. In new construction, a minimum total thickness (after
compaction) of 4” (101.60mm) is recommended for
pedestrian walkways and 5” (127.00mm) for areas
supporting motor vehicles.
2. When capping over an existing pavement, careful
preparation of the base slab is necessary. Follow
standard industry practice to ensure good adhesion
between layers. A minimum capping of 3” (76.20mm)
of asphalt (after compaction) is recommended for
either sidewalk or driveway.
Tile, brick terrazzo, marble or granite slab
1. Basic guidelines for concrete apply for base course.
2. After positioning cables, a good bonding agent
such as Weld-Crete®, should be applied to the
base course.
3. Be careful not to damage cables when setting heavy
slabs or brick into position.
Pavers / Interlocking brick over a sand bed
1. Basic guidelines for concrete apply for base course.
2. Position cables on top of either the compacted or
concrete base and cover with 1½” to 2”
(38mm to 50mm) of sand.
3. Be careful not to damage cables when setting
pavers into position.
US T. (800) 537-4732 / F. (888) 324-2440
CAN T. (800) 794-3766 / F. (800) 361-4574
©2008 Easy Heat www.easyheat.com
14122-001 Rev 1
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MI Cable Application Specifications
Junction Box
Do not bend within
3" (76.20mm) of fittings
Cold Leads
4" to 8"
(101.60mm 203.20mm)
Heating Cable
Column
2" to 3"
(50.80mm 76.20mm)
Steps
Expansion Joint
Hand form cables
or use conduit hickey
Column
Splice fitting must be in pavement
Figure 1 Typical Snow Melting System
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GUIDELINES
1. The branch circuit wiring must meet all applicable
provisions of the National Electric Code and local
codes.
2. Provide switches, circuit breakers, or contactors
to break both sides of the line on ungrounded
circuits.
3. A pilot lamp on the load side, or a time switch and
contactor is recommended to be sure heaters are
turned off when not needed.
4. For automatic control use Easy Heat SMC-2,
Automatic Snow Sensor/Controller; MSC-1 Controller
with appropriate sensor; or SA-1, Small System
Automatic Control.
5. Junction boxes. (Note: MI Trace heating units with
cold leads of any length are available from the
factory to reach preferred junction box location.)
a. Preferred junction box location is indoors with
three feet of cable accessible (See Fig. 1-C)
b. Outdoor junction boxes should be at least
3' (.091m) above grade. Box must be
weatherproof with gasketed cover and drain hole.
(See Fig. 1-D)
c. Avoid junction boxes at grade level. If unavoidable,
see Fig. 1-E for special treatment.
d. Avoid using PVC or PVC based conduit and
fittings in installations that may experience
elevated temperatures. High amperage cables
and multiple cold sections installed in a single
conduit run are common examples of these
installations.
6. A maximum of 15 watts per linear foot of heater
cable is recommended for asphalt installations.
NOTICE
Crossing expansion and control joints is NOT recommended. If joint
must be crossed, see below.
Expansion Joint
Concrete
Heating
Cable
Sand
Gravel
Figure 1A Method of Crossing Expansion and Control Joints
Expansion Joint
Concrete
Provide Slack in
Heating Cable
Gravel
1" (25.40mm)
Rigid Conduit Filled
with Duct Seal
Figure 1B Method of Crossing Expansion and Control Joints
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MI Cable Application Specifications
Galvanized
Cast Iron
Sidewalk
Box with
Gasketed
Cover
Weatherproof
Juction Box with
Gasketed Cover
To Power Source
Cold Lead
Cold Leads
Concrete
Drain Hole
3' (91.44cm)
Drip Loop
Form Leads
Away From
Drain
Gravel
Threaded Fittings Do
Not Bend within 3"
(76.20mm) of Fittings
Drain Hole
Figure 1C Indoor Preferred
Junction Box Location
3
To Power
Source
French Drain
Conduit
Cold Leads
Figure 1D Outdoor Above Grade
Junction Box Mounting
Figure 1E Sidewalk Junction Box
Arrangement at Grade Level
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
In General
1.Heating cable systems must be installed in
conformity with the National Electric Code.
2.Check insulation resistance before installing.
The conductor to sheath resistance should be 20
megohms when measured with a 500 Volt DC
megger. See warranty.
3.Unroll the cables along a smooth flat surface to avoid
kinking.
4. Do not bend cable to less than 2” (50.80mm) radius.
5.Do not bend the cable within 3” (76.20mm) of any
splice or fitting.
6.Do not install heating cable where exposure to PVC
or PVC based installation materials is possible.
7.Secure heaters to reinforcing or base.
8.Avoid crossing expansion joints or control joints
with heating units. (If joints must be crossed, see
Figs. 1-A and 1-B for recommended methods.)
9.Heater depth should be 2” (50.88mm) to 3”
(76.20mm) below final surface. Too shallow may
leave strips of ice. Too deep will require a longer
heat up time.
10.Heater spacing shall agree with specifications
and drawings. In general, spacing will be from
4” (10.16cm) to 8” (20.32cm) to provide 40 to 60
watts per square foot of pavement surface. This will
depend on the rate of snow melting desired.
In Concrete
1.Check each heater cable with a 500 Volt DC megger
for insulation resistance to ground. Minimum
resistance should be 20 megohms.
2.Locate junction boxes per plans or specs. Install
any necessary conduit from panelboard to junction
boxes for power cable. Power cable may be installed
at this time or later.
3.Install reinforcing rods or mats at correct distance
from final surface by use of concrete spacers,
bricks, wire “chairs” or any suitable method to
insure proper placement of reinforcing material.
(See Fig. 2)
4. Lay out cable on top of rods or mesh but do not
fasten until layout has been checked.
5. When location of all runs and bends is correct, fasten
the cable to the re-rods or to the mesh with plastic
straps or wire ties. If wire ties are used, be sure they
are not so tight that they nick or otherwise damage
the cable.
6. Megger the cable one more time.
7. Pour the concrete carefully. Be sure that the chute
is high enough and the speed of delivery is slow
enough to drop the concrete in place without
dislodging the cables.
8. During the pouring operation an electrician should
be on hand to monitor the continuity of the cable
with an ohmmeter or other test device and to stop
the work if a cable is dislodged or damaged.
9. Do not energize the cable until concrete has cured
(usually 25-30 days).
In Asphalt
Lay a 1” (25.40mm) to 2” (50.80mm) base course of
asphalt over a compact sub-base and roll smooth.
See Fig. 3. After spacing and anchoring cables into
position, a small amount of asphalt should be put over
the cables by hand and tamped to protect them from
damage by tools or paving equipment during the laying
of the finish course. The cables should be monitored
with an ohmmeter throughout the installation of
paving material - moving from cable to cable as work
progresses. Should a cable be damaged in installation,
replace it immediately. Asphalt rollers will not harm
cables when properly covered.
NOTE: Asphalt capping over an existing concrete or
asphalt base is not recommended unless such base is
in very sound condition. Even then, be sure to position
cables so as not to cross any existing expansion joints.
Follow standard industry practice to ensure good
adhesion between layers.
US T. (800) 537-4732 / F. (888) 324-2440
CAN T. (800) 794-3766 / F. (800) 361-4574
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MI Cable Application Specifications
4
Tile, Brick, Terrazzo, Marble or Granite Slab
Use basic procedures for concrete installation (See Fig. 4)
Expansion Joint
(Avoid crossing expansion or control
joint with heater units)
Pavers / Interlocking Brick Over A Sand Bed
Use basic procedures for concrete installation. After
spacing and anchoring cables into position, cover
cables with sand. Cables should have a minimum
of 1½” (38.10mm) to 2” (50.80mm) sand cover for
protection during paver installation. The cables
should be monitored with an ohmmeter throughout
the installation of pavers. Should a cable be damaged
in installation, replace it immediately.
2" to 3"
(50.80mm - 76.20mm)
below surface
Heating Cable
Reinforcing
Steel
Gravel Base
Figure 2 Typical Concrete Installation
Hold heating cable in place
with cable spacers or mounds of asphalt
In Steps
While it is possible to make up forms for embedding
heater cables in steps in a single pour, the added
expense of the forms usually dictate that a
two-pour construction be used. The first pour should
be stopped about 2" (50.80mm) below the planned
finished surface level. After the first pour, the cables
are placed on the steps using two passes per step
with the pass nearest the edge of the step being
1½” (38.10mm) to 2” (50.80mm) from the edge, and
the next pass spaced about 6" (15.24cm) back from the
first. The corners of the front edge of the base pour
should be broken to permit a 2" (50.80mm) radius to be
used in bending the cable between steps. No passes
are required in the risers – only in the treads.
OPERATING GUIDELINES
Fasten heating cable to reinforcing
with #14 AWG or plastic ties
Concrete
11/2" Minimum
(38.10mm)
2" (50.80mm)
Minimum Depth
Asphalt
Heating Cable
Concrete, Asphalt or
Compact Gravel Base
Figure 3 Typical Asphalt Installation
Heating Cable
Decorative Tile
Thin layer
of Concrete
or Grout
DO NOT operate cable in summer weather. Ensure
that appropriate controls are energized and
operational prior to winter season.
Weld-Crete®
or equalivalent
Concrete
Reinforcing
Gravel Base
Figure 4 Typical Tile* Installation
*Also Brick, Terrazzo and Marble or Granite Slab
Second Pour
First Pour
Figure 5 Typical Step Installation
US T. (800) 537-4732 / F. (888) 324-2440
CAN T. (800) 794-3766 / F. (800) 361-4574
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MI Cable Application Specifications
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 first 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, for a period of twelve (12) months after the date of performance, any services performed hereunder will be 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 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 specifications 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
modification or alteration, use beyond rate capacity, or improper installation, maintenance or application. To the extent that you or your agents
have supplied specifications, 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 affirmation, representation
or warranty concerning the goods sold unless such affirmation, representation or warranty is specifically 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.
ATTN: WARRANTY DEPARTMENT:
In US - EasyHeat Inc; 2 Connecticut South Drive, East Granby, CT 06026
In CANADA - EasyHeat Ltd; 99 Union Street, Elmira, ON N3B 3L7
US T. (800) 537-4732 / F. (888) 324-2440
CAN T. (800) 794-3766 / F. (800) 361-4574
www.easyheat.com
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