MSC‑1
Installation & Operating Instructions
1
MSC‑1
Control Panel
for Snow & Ice Melting Installations
Installation & Operation Instructions
General
The MSC‑1 Control Panel manages snow and ice melting
equipment for sidewalks, driveways, gutters, etc... Suitable for
controlling heating cables and mats and self‑regulating cables,
the MSC‑1 can monitor snow and ice accumulation in three
separate zones. The MSC‑1 programming allows each zone
to be controlled independently or on a priority mode basis.
In the “priority” mode for example, one zone can be given
priority and the other zones cannot be energized until the
melting/de‑icing in that zone is complete. This can then reduce
the loading on the circuit by ensuring that multiple zones are
not energized simultaneously. The MSC‑1’s program allows
customization of the key elements necessary for intelligent
and efficient snow melting control.
The MSC‑1 uses information from up to three different types
of moisture sensors—surface (or in‑ground, MSP‑1), aerial
(MSA‑1) and gutter (MSG‑1)—and one type of temperature
sensor (TS‑1). The surface, aerial and gutter sensors detect
moisture—snow, ice, sleet, etc.—and send appropriate
signals to the MSC‑1. Similarly, the temperature sensor
sends temperature data back to the MSC‑1. Independent
temperature and moisture information is processed by the
MSC‑1 to ensure that heating equipment will only be energized
when precipitation occurs during freezing conditions. For each
of the MSC‑1 control zones up to two individual moisture
sensors can be connected.
Each MSC‑1 must have a temperature sensor, TS‑1, in order
to function; a TS‑1 is included with each MSC‑1.
The MSC‑1 is housed in an enclosure (NEMA 4, 4X) suitable
for commercial/industrial indoor applications and features an
LCD display, programming and associated indicator lights for
operation of each zone.
The MSC‑1 is powered by 120VAC; control signal relays
provide a 120VAC output to operate the coils of external
contactors. See Fig. 1 & 2.
Sensor Wiring Note
Each of the MSC‑1 sensors communicates with the MSC‑1
Control Panel. The sensor wires must not be run in conduit
with power wires or telephone lines, their magnetic field
will cause communication problems; see sensor installation
instructions for full details.
Pre-Programmed Configuration (Default)
The MSC‑1 Control Panel is delivered preprogrammed for
a one zone system, for use with either an aerial (MSA‑1) or
gutter (MSG‑1) sensors. The ambient off temperature (the
MSC‑1 will not energize the heating equipment when the
ambient temperature is warmer that this value) is pre‑set to
37°F (3°C), and relay hold time (the length of time that the
heating equipment will stay energized after no longer senses
the presence of ice/snow in the zone) is 3.0 hours. If the
snow/ice melting system has been designed to operate in this
manner, then no programming is required: simply wire as per
the following instructions.
Fig.1 MSC‑1 Control Panel
LCD
Programming
Buttons
Sensor Status Lights
(on when ZONE sensor is
energized)
Manual Override
Buttons
Output Relay Status
Lights
(on when ZONE heating is
energized)
on
/
off
Switch
Access Cover
USA
2 Connecticut South Drive
East Granby, CT 06026
Tel. (800) 537-4732
Fax (888) 324-2440
CANADA
99 Union St.
Elmira, Ont. N3B 3L7
Tel. (519) 669-2444
Fax (519) 669-6419
14071-001 Rev. 4
©2008 Easy Heat
