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6. HEATING CABLE USE AND TECHNICAL
MAINTENANCE
For the cable to operate correctly, both proper installation and regular mainte-
nance are necessary.
6.1 Pre-Season Inspections
At the beginning of the winter season it is necessary to:
Remove all debris from the roof, from gutters and drainage pipes, such as
leaves, pine needles, seeds, etc.
Make sure that the cable has not been moved from its intended position.
Inspect cable for damage without removing it from the roof.
Stop use and disassemble the cable if it shows any signs of damage or deterio-
ration, including cuts, charred parts, cracks, discolored surfaces, or bare wires.
If there seems to be an issue inside the drainage pipe, carefully pull out the
cable to check it.
If there is no damage, plug the power cable into the outlet. Position the cable
so that a drip loop is obtained using a spacer.
The purpose of the drip loop is to prevent melt water from entering the power
outlet through the cord.
Drip Loop
Figure 22. Making a drip loop before turning on the cable.
Check all ground fault protection devices.