• What can be cooked from squid: quick and tasty

    In a house where a gutter or storm drainage system is installed, a necessary element is the installation of a cable for gutters. Varieties, installation and advice on choosing a heating cable for gutters will be considered in this article.

    The principle of operation and the device of the cable for the drain

    The principle of operation of a self-heating cable consists in the operation of a heating flexible element. The cable device for heating drains consists of a two-core copper wire, which are plated with tin or copper alloy. Thermoplastic plastic is pressed around the cable.

    Scope of use of the self-heating cable:

    • heating of the residential sector: water supply and storm sewage system;
    • commercial sector heating: heating water supply systems, systems fire safety and storm sewer systems;
    • heating of industrial premises in explosive and simple areas.

    Self-regulating gutter heating cable that can be installed on pipes or on the roof, able to react to changes temperature regime.

    Matrix on heating cable, at low temperatures gives off heat. The height of the heating temperature depends on the temperature at the surface of the pipes.

    Metallic coating functions:

    • providing grounding,
    • protection against aggressive influences,
    • protection against exposure to ultraviolet rays,
    • spark protection.

    The two-core wire is responsible for providing voltage along the entire length of the cable. A conductive plastic coating acts as a continuous heating element.

    Benefits of installing gutter cable:

    • lack of formation of areas of local overheating,
    • the formation of unheated areas is excluded,
    • lack of ice formation in winter,
    • ensuring a positive temperature in drainpipes Oh,
    • ensuring the drainage of storm water.

    The main types of cable for heating the drain

    Depending on the type of adjustment, the cable for the drain is divided into:

    • resistive gutter cables,
    • self-regulating cable.

    Resistive cable advantages:

    • improved heat dissipation,
    • security constant value heating system power,
    • the cost of a resistive cable is much lower than that of a self-regulating cable,
    • the need for a low starting current.

    Disadvantages of a resistive cable:

    • high level of energy consumption,
    • limited period of use,
    • in overlapping places, there is a risk of cable burnout.

    Resistive cable is used for heating roofs that have a large area.

    Self-regulating cable for heating the drain, capable of controlling temperature changes, depending on the temperature regime environment.

    Distinctive advantages of self-regulating cable:

    • economical consumption of electricity;
    • easy installation: the cable is cut at the installation site;
    • high level of resistance to burnout;
    • long term of use,
    • suitable for different types roofs with a favorite type of coverage.

    Depending on the material from which the cable is made, there are:

    • armored cables of one- or two-core cross-section;
    • self-regulating cable;
    • armored two-core cable.

    Advantages of armored cable:

    • high strength,
    • affordable price.

    Benefits of armored cable:

    • high level of resistance to mechanical stress;
    • fire resistance.

    Gutter heating system design

    Before disassembling the device of the gutter heating system, let's get acquainted with the functions of this system:

    1. Component protection storm system from mechanical damage, due to the formation of icing in the winter season.

    2. Guarantee of the safe stay of people, machines or animals near the drainage system.

    3. Installation of a gutter heating system eliminates the need to perform work on the removal of icy areas of the roof.

    To provide effective work heating systems, the cable is mounted around the perimeter of the entire roof or in places where precipitation is expected.

    The heating system device consists of:

    • cable,
    • couplings and ring couplings,
    • the cable that supplies power to the system,
    • a control wire that supplies power to the sensors,
    • control sensors, with the presence of a temperature regulator,
    • fastening elements.

    Advice: in order to protect the heating system from damage, during the installation of the heating system, you should install snow-retaining elements.

    The main nodal components of the heating system:

    1. Heating unit - responsible for the installation of heating cable sections.

    2. The control unit includes sensors, temperature controllers, system start devices, protection devices and a control panel.

    3. The distribution unit is characterized by the presence of power and control wiring, which is responsible for the interaction of the control and heating unit.

    Calculation of the power of the heating system for gutters and roofs

    The type of roof has a significant influence on the choice of system power. If the roof does not have thermal insulation, it is recommended to use a cable with a minimum power of 40-50 W per linear meter. If the thermal insulation work was carried out in advance, a 25-30 W cable is suitable for the heating system.

    To make an accurate calculation of the heating system, a number of actions should be performed:

    • determine the total length of the cable required for heating: the total length of the horizontal gutters is multiplied by two;
    • determine the total length of the vertical drainage system;
    • add the second to the first value and multiply the result by the estimated power of the cable.

    The power of the cable depends on the type and material from which the gutters are made:

    • power cable for plastic gutters- 20 W per linear meter;
    • cable power for metal gutters - 25 W;
    • power cable for wooden gutters - 18 watts.

    Installation of a heating system for gutters and roofs

    To install the heating system, you need:

    • temperature change controller,
    • regulators for measuring air temperature,
    • a power supply unit that is connected to a temperature sensor,
    • precipitation and water control sensor.

    The main stages of installing a heating system for gutters and roofs:

    1. Compilation general scheme installation of the heating system, which indicates the location of the wires for the gutters and the roof.

    2. Preparation and installation of cables. This stage includes measurements and preparation of the cable, in accordance with the dimensions of the gutters and with total area roofs. It is better to install cables before installing the top layer of the roof and conducting fine finishing walls.

    3. With the help of special clamps, the cable should be tied into bundles. After bundling, the cables must be laid in trays and lowered into pipes. The pipes are installed in a zigzag manner. The pipes are placed on the edge of the roof, the pipes are fastened with clamps, rivets or strips.

    4. After fixing the pipes to the roof, install the heating system for the gutters. In horizontal gutters, the cable is laid in two layers. On the cornice, the cable is installed in a zigzag manner to prevent icing.

    5. The next step is laying the distribution network from the distribution box to the equipment cabinet. For relax this process, you should prepare a place for the equipment cabinet in advance, and make preliminary measurements.

    6. The final stage includes the installation and connection of the equipment cabinet.

    7. After the installation is complete, verification work should be carried out, which include:

    • measurements of the resistance of all cables of the heating system;
    • measurement of resistance in the heating cable;
    • installation of grounding;
    • checking the protection system;
    • zero phase check;
    • checking the automation system;
    • drawing up a report on the work carried out;
    • operation of the heating system.

    Roof and gutter heating system launch

    When the ambient temperature hits the cable, a relay mechanism is triggered to release the chain lock. The system starts up for the time specified by the timer. After the expiration of this time, the machine turns off and the sensors for measuring precipitation and water begin to work.

    With a large amount of precipitation, the heating of the roof and gutters is turned on. When precipitation stops falling on the roof, the roof heating system stops working. Gutter heating works in order to get rid of melt water. The heating of the gutters is turned off automatically.

    1. When choosing a gutter cable, it is better to give preference to a combination of a resistive cable with a self-regulating one. Install a resistive cable on the roof, and a self-regulating cable in the gutter system.

    2. Fastening of the cable for the gutter is carried out using the mounting tape. Choose the thickest mounting tape for a more secure fit.

    3. The installation step length of the resistive type cable is 25 cm, and the self-regulating cable is 50 cm.

    4. In the drainage system, the cable is fixed using a heat-shrinkable tube.

    5. Mounting tape with rivets will help secure the cable inside the pipes.

    6. Sealed mounting tape is used to secure the cable to the roof.

    8. In the place where the cable is installed, it is necessary to exclude the presence of sharp objects that can cause mechanical damage to the heating system.

    9. When buying a cable for a heating system, first of all, pay attention to the life of the cable. It is recommended to give preference to the cable with the longest service life.

    10. Learn the features of the heating element of the cable.

    11. It is advisable to choose accessories for the roof and gutter heating system and the cable from one company to ensure reliable operation of the entire system.

    12. It is better to buy a heating system from firms that are direct suppliers of the manufacturer of components for the heating system.

    Overview of manufacturers of cables and accessories for gutter heating systems

    For a cable for heating gutters, the price is determined by the following factors:

    • power of the cable,
    • type of cable: resistive is cheaper, and self-regulating is more expensive,
    • by the length of the cable,
    • quality and manufacturer.

    1. Raychem (Belgium)

    Peculiarities:

    • security reliable protection anti-icing drainage systems;
    • long service life of the cable;
    • availability of branded components;
    • the cable consists of two copper conductors, a self-regulating element, polyolefin thermal insulation, tinned copper braid, and a protective polyolefin sheath.

    2. Hemstedt (Germany)

    Peculiarities:

    • one-way connection;
    • seamless cable connection;
    • Teflon insulation, which is not influenced by ultraviolet radiation;
    • easy installation;
    • automatic control of the heating system;
    • power from 30 to 525 W.

    3. Devi (Denmark)

    Peculiarities:

    • self-regulating cable warranty 5 years;
    • lack of end couplings;
    • number of veins - two;
    • prevention of icing;
    • resistance to ultraviolet and atmospheric precipitation;
    • the presence of a copper coating in conjunction with foil;
    • teflon insulation;
    • manufacturer's warranty: 20 years;
    • maximum power 230 W.

    4. Defrost (Norway)

    Peculiarities:

    • elimination of cable burnout when crossing;
    • easy cutting and simple installation;
    • scope of use: heating of roofs, pipes, containers. gutters and gutters;
    • maximum voltage - 240 W;
    • does not require additional equipment, except for a temperature controller, to ensure that the cable is disconnected in the summer.

    5. Eltrace (France)

    Peculiarities:

    • availability of a wide range of capacities and uses;
    • UV resistance;
    • high level of heat transfer;
    • the presence of a large maximum connection length, allows you to use the cable for heating large gutters;
    • overheat protection.

    Scope of use:

    • prevention of freezing of pipes;
    • containers,
    • gutters,
    • roofing systems,
    • gutters.

    Most of Russia belongs to the territory where winter lasts four to five months, or even all nine. Such weather conditions are a serious test for the roof and drainage system of the entire building. It is especially difficult when the temperature drops between zero. Therefore, gutter heating is an integral part of construction works when building any modern home.

    In Russia, it often happens that there is a thaw during the day, and frost comes at night. As a result, ice accumulates in the gutters, pipes and funnels of the drainage system. All this provokes icing of the roof elements. Ice destroys roofs and gutters. And most importantly, it threatens the life and health of people, since ice and icicles, falling from a great height, can cause serious injuries. In addition, cars parked in front of houses often suffer. Responsibility for such incidents lies with the owners of the home building. It should be noted that such liability is often criminal.

    How can these problems be avoided? You can, of course, consistently hire industrial climbers to clean the roof of snow and ice, but this is almost impossible to do every day. There is another option that is gaining more and more popularity - automatic heating of gutters and gutters. If you decide to install such a novelty, then it is very important to do this without saving on heating and the roof itself, otherwise ice and icicles will remain on the eaves.

    Specialists divide roof heating into two types:

    • Cold roof heating.
    • Heating a warm roof.

    A cold roof is one that has attic... In this case, you can do with heating only the drainage system. In addition, you can lay a heater with a lower power - 30-70 W per square meter.

    A warm roof is a roof that conducts heat to the outside, which creates an almost constant melting of snow and ice. In this case, strong icing of cornices and gutters is created. Therefore, the heating of the roof itself is also mandatory. Heating power also increases and can be up to 200-250 watts for each square meter.

    Electric heating is the most widely used for heating roofs and gutters. It helps to quickly eliminate the problem and protect the building from unwanted ice.

    Let's consider its main components:

    Professionals of a wide range will perfectly cope with the installation of such equipment.... Services can be ordered from a trusted company. As for self installation, then it is better not to risk it. Do-it-yourself installation of such complex equipment can lead not only to violations of safety rules, but also to disable a complex mechanism, which will lead to additional costs.

    The most responsible and loaded element of the gutter heating system is the cable. Heating is carried out by him.

    There are two types of cable:

    • Resistive.
    • Self-adjusting.

    The device of a resistive cable is very clear and simple - a tape of high resistance metal runs inside it. When voltage is applied, the tape instantly heats up. The advantages of this type of cable include ease of use and low cost. A resistive cable system requires a thermostat.

    The power consumption of a system with this type of cable will largely depend on the accuracy of the setting. In terms of energy efficiency, a resistive cable is inferior to a self-regulating one. Professionals advise using zoned resistive cable. This is a type of cable that uses nichrome as a heating element. The advantages of this type of cable also include durability and very simple installation, which can be easily done by hand.

    Self-regulating cable is considered more progressive. b. Its device is much more complicated in comparison with the resistive one. Two heating elements run inside the cable, a special matrix is ​​created around them, which controls the ambient temperature. Accordingly, the warmer the external environment, the less the cable heats up and, conversely, the colder, the stronger the heating will be.

    Such a cable has many advantages: energy saving, no thermostats are required, it can be cut (the minimum cut length is 20 centimeters), it can be twisted as you like, it can be mounted anywhere.

    Heating system calculation

    Heating drains requires some calculations. Experts advise using a roof and gutter cable with a capacity of at least 25-30 watts for heating. Interestingly, these same cables are used in systems for fast floor heating. They are also considered the most powerful, practical and durable..

    To calculate the system, its maximum activity is taken. This is about 11 to 33 percent of the cold season, for middle lane this is from mid-autumn to early spring. This period varies depending on the climate.

    To calculate the heating parameters, you need to know the indicators of the drainage system. These data include the diameter of the gutter pipe and the cross-section of the vertical gutter. Special Internet sites, where the parameters of the weir are laid, will help you to accurately calculate the parameter of the system you need. However, it is best to contact a specialist who will make the necessary calculations and install heating drains.

    Heating cables are laid in places where ice forms. The recommended power is 250-300 watts per square meter. On the elements of the roof, the cable, as a rule, is laid with a snake. When installing, special attention must be paid to the absence of cold spots, as this will lead to the formation of ice. Two strands of cable are laid inside the gutters. The drain pipe usually contains one heating cable. Also, do not forget about the water intake funnels, they need the most powerful heating.

    Self-assembly of complex systems can lead to their further frequent breakdowns. Therefore, it is better to transfer such an important stage in the construction of a house into the hands of real professionals.

    Let's briefly dwell on the installation of a heating system for gutters and gutters:

    Correct installation will allow you to simplify your own life with high-quality gutter heating. He will allow you not to worry about possible consequences ice falls from the eaves. The process of installing heating gutters and gutters is quite time consuming and requires special skills. Therefore, this work should be entrusted to professionals or experts with extensive experience..

    In winter, icing of roofs and the appearance of ice build-up on eaves becomes a serious problem. A significant increase in snow load on the roof structure can lead to damage to the roof or even to its collapse. Ice icicles form on the edges of the cornices, which, when dropped, pose a significant threat to pedestrians and cars parked in front of buildings. In winter, drainage systems designed for drainage of melt and rainwater, after alternating thawing during a thaw and subsequent freezing during frost, become clogged with ice so that normal operation becomes impossible. To solve these problems, apply innovative technology heating downpipes and gutters with an electric self-regulating cable, which, due to the automatic mode of operation, greatly facilitates winter maintenance of downpipes

    Collapse of the eaves under the destructive effect of snow and ice

    Winter heating technology

    The principle of operation of this technology is based on the heating of gutters and downpipes with a heating electric cable laid in the roof structure, through drainage pipes, downpipes, receiving funnels and other places where ice and snow accumulate. The heating cable, equipped with an automatic temperature switch, generates the required amount of heat that can cause ice and snow to melt.

    Icicle-free gutter heating systems perform the following functions:

    • Prevents the formation of ice and prevents the formation of an ice crust.
    • Creates normal drainage conditions melted ice and snow on downpipes and gutters.
    • Eliminates the threat of pipe clogging with an ice plug and failure of pipe drains.
    • Eliminates the threat of dangerous falling ice and "icicles".
    • Increases the service life of gutters.

    In addition, the heating complex operates in full automatic mode and does not need manual control.


    Scheme of heating gutters and drainage pipes with a heating cable

    Self-regulating cable concept

    Of all the special cable products used for heating roof drainage pipes and wall gutters, the most effective protection against icing is provided by an electrical self-regulating wire. In terms of its structural structure, it represents two conductive cores connected to a special semiconductor matrix, with photopolymer inner insulation, wire or foil braid, and outer plastic insulation. Two insulating layers provide maximum resistance to mechanical shock external loads and contribute to an increase in dielectric strength. The main elements of a self-regulating wire is a semiconductor matrix, which can convert its electrical energy into thermal energy. Depending on the decrease or increase in the winter temperature regime, the electrical resistance of the wire changes, the thermal heating of the wire begins, sufficient to defrost the gutter and the drain pipe. It is this use of the self-regulation effect that underlies the principle of operation of the heating cable.

    Self-regulating wire automatically changes the power consumption electrical energy and regulates the heating temperature .


    Self-regulating cable structural structure

    The main advantages of the heating cable

    An electric self-regulating cable stands out noticeably from its "brothers" due to the following advantages:

    1. Profitability.
    2. Low power consumption.
    3. Reliability and durability.
    4. No risk of overheating and burnout.
    5. Ease of installation.
    6. The cable can be cut into pieces of the required length directly at the installation site.

    The cable system against icing of gutters is easy to install, has an automatic control unit and does not require dismantling in the summer

    Disadvantages of a heating cable:

    • Defrosting drainpipes at low winter temperatures requires a sufficiently high starting current.
    • Long warm-up period.
    • High price.

    Heating of downspouts and gutters with self-regulating cable

    In order to melt the ice cover, in the drainage system, the heating wire is placed in the structure of the pipe and the funnels themselves, the place of the main formation of ice. There are several features of laying a self-regulating wire:

    1. If the diameter of the gutter is not more than 100 mm, the cable is laid in one thread.
    2. To heat gutters with a diameter of 100 mm to 300 mm, you will need to lay two strands of wire.
    3. At the entrance to the drain structure, the cable is fixed with steel brackets.
    4. The upper and lower parts of the gutter need enhanced heating. Therefore, it is recommended to additionally lay several turns of the wire in the form of a spiral, or the cable is laid in the form of a "dripping" loop.
    5. In the case when the length of the gutters is more than 3 meters, the cable is fixed with strong fasteners in the form of a metal chain, cable, fixed on the wooden elements of the roof.

    The power of the self-regulating cable is selected depending on the diameter of the drain.


    An example of laying a self-regulating wire in a water intake funnel

    Video example of a winter gutter heating device:

    The procedure for calculating the power of the heating system

    If the owner of a private house is tired of manually cleaning the ice from the roof and gutters, and he decided to install a heating system, then the first step towards this goal will be the development of a heating project. In fact, the selection of the cable and the calculation of the required power are carried out by specialists that every reputable trading organization has. Unfortunately, occasionally there are not too conscientious suppliers who are interested in selling an expensive de-icing system and therefore you should not rely entirely on the seller's honesty. For this reason, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with general rules calculation and design:

    • Drawing up a plan for laying the heating cable. With an insulated roof with a slight pitched slope, the wire is placed around the perimeter and in the water intake funnels.
    • On flat roofs the cable is laid in the areas adjacent to the gutters.
    • Roofs with a large slope require a slightly different installation pattern. The cable is laid in a zigzag manner between the edge of the roof and the structure of the snow holder.
    • In the places where the roof adjoins the wall and on the valleys of the gable roofs, a kind of pocket is formed, in which ice constantly forms. In these places, the heating cable is laid in height at a distance equal to 2/3 of the long side of the valley. In places of contact between the roof and the wall, the heating wire is laid with an elongated loop of 10 - 15 cm at a distance of 5 to 8 cm, without bringing it to the wall to the structure.
    • If it is necessary to heat a roof with a steep slope and without an organized drain, the heating cable is placed in a "dripping" loop. In this case, it is planned to install the cable in a loop so that the melt water drops directly from it to the ground in drops. The dripping loop element increases the consumption of cable products by 50 - 80 mm.
    • In a gutter up to 150 mm wide, a heating cable is laid in one thread and a dripping loop of 300 - 400 mm is inserted into the drain funnel.

    As mentioned above, the most the best option The heating cable is considered to be a self-regulating cable. Since this type of cable product is more expensive and its price ranges from 240 to 660 rubles per 1 meter, it can only be used to heat gutters, and the roof structure can be equipped with a cheaper type of heating wire.


    Type of drainage system with electric heating

    At the next stage, the owner needs to decide on the places Maintenance where the mounting boxes will need to be installed. Most often they are installed on the roof next to the heating cable or somewhere under a hinged canopy or on a parapet fence.

    Calculation of the power of the electrical heating system

    The next step in calculating the "system without icicles" will be to determine the linear and total power consumption. There is a table of values ​​of indicative values ​​of the power of various types of roofs:

    Plastic gutters are equipped with a heating cable with a total power of no more than 17 W / m, and for a roof with a soft coating, the maximum permissible power is considered to be 20 W / m.

    After determining the calculated power of the heating wire, calculate its required length and the number of cable threads, knowing that maximum length one chain should not exceed 120 - 150 meters. Each circuit is connected to its own UZ0.

    At the final stage, the control panel of the entire heating complex is selected.


    Self-regulating wire laying - perfect solution icicle-free roofs

    Maintenance

    For normal operation of the laid self-regulating heating cable, the following preventive measures must be taken in a timely manner:

    1. Once a year, before the winter season, visually inspect the cable surface for mechanical damage.
    2. Before starting operation in the cold season, it is necessary to clean the water intake gutters and funnels from leaves, branches and other debris.
    3. Check the resistance value of the insulating layer.
    4. Before the onset of cold weather, set the operation of the automatic thermostat.
    5. Check the RCD.

    Preparing for winter operation of the heated gutter

    The use of the technology of heating gutters with a heating cable allows you to significantly save the owner's time for clearing ice, eliminates the possibility of injury due to falling ice icicles. Therefore, the cost of purchasing and installing this entire complex in winter will be quite justified. Of course, equipping gutters with heating is a serious project and for a better result of operation, it is advisable to participate in the installation by experienced specialists. .

    V winter period and in early spring you can often see huge threatening icicles hanging on the roof overhangs of houses, icy or, even worse, gutters out of order under a mass of ice. Right organized heating gutters are able to prevent such phenomena - to protect the residents of the house from ice falling from the roof, and to protect the drainage system from the need for annual repairs.

    In our article, we will analyze the factors affecting the appearance of ice on roof overhangs and gutters, and also describe in detail how to choose a suitable heating cable, a scheme for laying it and organize heating the roof and drain on our own.

    Where does frost appear on the roof and gutter

    Icicles in the eaves and ice in the gutter are caused by two main reasons:

    1. The difference between day and night temperatures. This often manifests itself in the spring, when during the day the snow on the roof melts under the influence of the sun's heat and flows from the roof into the drainage system, and at night it freezes as the temperature drops, sometimes forming huge ice. Ice accumulations often lead to the fact that the gutter system simply cannot withstand their weight, because it is not designed for it, and becomes unusable, simply breaking.
    2. Warm roof operation. So called mansard roofs, as a rule, are more likely to be prone to ice formation even in winter, since the heated room under the roof provokes, albeit insignificant, heating of the roof carpet. As a result, the snow melts, and water begins to flow down the roof overhang, and at the colder eaves of the roof and in the drain, it solidifies again.

    Pro tip: It is possible to prevent the heating of the roof in winter by organizing the so-called cold roof (with an unheated ventilated attic), as well as competent arrangement roofing cake- with a properly arranged ventilation gap and sufficient insulation thickness.

    Means for heating gutters and roof overhangs

    To prevent the formation of ice, various systems for heating gutters and roofs are currently used, but practically each of them is based on the use of a special heating cable and automation equipment.

    Let's take a closer look at what types of heating cable and control equipment exist, which of them will be preferable to choose.

    Which heating cable to choose

    There are two main types of roof and gutter heating cables:

    • Resistive cable. In practice, it is a conventional cable consisting of a metal core and insulation. Resistive cable has constant resistance, constant heating temperature during operation and constant power. Heating of the cable occurs from a closed circuit connected to electricity.

    • Self-regulating cable for heating gutters and roof overhangs is more technologically advanced. It consists of a self-regulating heating element (matrix) that responds to the ambient temperature (downpipe) and changes its resistance and, accordingly, the degree of heating, as well as an insulating sheath, braid and outer sheath.

    Each type of heating cable can provide the same efficient heating roofs and gutters. However, each of them has advantages inherent only to it. So, the main advantage of a resistive cable is its much more low price in comparison with self-regulating. At the same time, the second type is more efficient in terms of electricity consumption and unpretentious to the laying conditions.

    As the outdoor temperature rises, the number of conductive paths in the cable matrix decreases, due to which the power and the amount of electricity consumed decreases. The temperature of the self-regulating cable is also reduced. All this avoids the need to use a temperature sensor that automatically regulates the operation of the cable.

    Pro tip: The most effective in terms of cost-quality ratio is considered to be combined system heating cables. Usually, inexpensive resistive cables are used in the roofing part of the system, while the heating of gutters and gutters is provided by self-regulating cables.

    As for the calculation of energy consumption and the choice of the power of heating cables, here the norm for products of the resistive type is a cable with a power in the range of 18-22 W per linear meter, for self-regulating - 15-30 W per meter. However, it should be borne in mind that in the case of a drainage system from polymer materials the power of the cable should not exceed 17 W per running meter, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the drain due to an excessively high heating temperature.

    The composition of the drainage and roof heating system

    In addition to the heating cables themselves, heating systems also consist of the following main components:

    • Fasteners.
    • A control panel, usually consisting of:
    1. input three-phase circuit breaker;
    2. residual current devices, as a rule, 30mA sensitivity;
    3. a four-pole contactor;
    4. single-pole circuit breakers for each phase;
    5. thermostat control circuit breaker;
    6. warning light.
    • Distribution network components:
    1. power cables used to supply heating cables;
    2. signal cables connecting thermostat sensors to the control unit;
    3. mounting boxes;
    4. couplings that ensure tightness of connections and ends of all types of cables.

    • Thermostat. The operation of the cable heating system can be adjusted using two types of devices:
    1. Actually, the thermostat. This device is designed to turn on the heating system in a given temperature range. Typically, the working range is set within -8 .. + 3 degrees.
    2. Meteorological stations. In addition to a certain temperature range, the weather station is able to monitor the presence of precipitation and its melting on the roof. The station includes not only a temperature sensor, but also a humidity sensor, and some weather stations are equipped with both a precipitation sensor and a melting (humidity) sensor.

    When using a conventional thermostat in the cable system, the user will need to independently turn on the system in the presence of precipitation and turn it off in the absence of precipitation. The weather station, on the other hand, allows you to fully automate the process of the system's operation and even program the delays of its shutdown in time. Among other things, conventional thermostats are much more profitable in terms of cost.

    Heating system installation technology

    Heating cable routing areas

    The heating cable should be laid in places where melt water flows out and in areas of ice formation:

    • One or more threads are pulled along the entire length of the gutters. The linear power of the cable, depending on the diameters of the elements of the drainage system, is selected from 200 to 300 W per square meter.

    • Downpipes. Heating of funnels and pipe outlets requires additional reinforcement. Usually, two cable lines with a power of 20-30 W per linear meter are laid in pipes, depending on the diameter of the pipes.
    • In the roof valleys, the cable is laid up and down. The length of laying is chosen at least 1 m from the beginning of the overhang, but better by 2/3 of the entire length of the valley. The design power is 250-300 watts per square meter of the valley.
    • To prevent the formation of ice on the eaves of the roof, a “snake” cable laying scheme is chosen. Such a heating scheme involves laying a cable along the edge of the cornice. In this case, the step of the snake on hard roofs is chosen as a multiple of the pattern, and on soft ones - depending on the power consumption per square meter (35-40 cm). The height of the "snake" triangle is chosen so that the heated surface does not have cold zones on which ice can form.
    • On a drip line on the water separation line. 1-3 strands of cable, depending on the design of the drip.

    Step-by-step instructions for arranging a cable heating system for gutters and roofs

    Installation of heating gutters and roof cornices is carried out in accordance with the following rules:

    1. It is recommended to fasten the cable in the gutters using a special mounting tape across the gutter in strips. The service life of the mounting tape is the greater, the greater its thickness. The stripe pitch is 0.25 m for a resistive cable and 0.5 m for a self-regulating cable. They fix it on the gutter most often with rivets, after which the places of their installation are treated with a sealant.
    2. In downpipes, the cable is fixed with a heat-shrinkable tube or mounting tape. If the height of the pipes exceeds 6 m, it is better to additionally attach the cable to a metal cable in an insulating sheath to transfer the bearing load to it.
    3. The heating cable is fastened with riveted mounting tape at the pipe and funnel mark.
    4. The cable is fastened to the roof using a mounting tape on a sealant.

    1. The procedure for installing a cable heating system involves an inspection of the installation site, which should not have sharp edges and foreign objects that could damage the cable.
    2. The cable sections are checked to ensure that their lengths correspond to the heating zones.
    3. If necessary, sections are cut to the right sizes, muft, unfold and secure.
    4. Install junction boxes, ring and measure the insulation resistance of the sections.
    5. The thermostat sensors are mounted, the signal and power cables are laid.
    6. Install the control panel.
    7. They measure the resistance and ring out the power and signal cables.
    8. The residual current device is tested.
    9. Set up the thermostat.
    10. Carry out commissioning works.

    So, we examined in detail how you can organize cable heating of the drainage system with your own hands, figured out the structure of the system and the rules for choosing its components. We hope that our tips and tricks will be useful to you, and you can put them into practice.

    Large amounts of snow accumulate on the roof during the winter months. Due to the temperature difference and high humidity, it thaws, water flows into the drainage system, and an impressive layer of ice forms there. We get unpleasant consequences: ice build-ups lead to a narrowing of the gap in the gutters and block the flow of melt water, because of which the drain begins to collapse from the inside, and huge icicles grow along the edge of the roof. In addition, the trays' fixings may not withstand, and the trays may fall under the influence of tens of kilograms of ice.

    Restoring the drainage system is a rather expensive "pleasure". To prevent the occurrence of such troubles, it is advisable to equip the roof with a heating system in advance.

    Electric heating is needed:

    • Gutters.
    • Joints of individual sections of the roof.
    • Cornices.
    • Pipes and funnels.

    In addition, such elements of storm drains as trays and water collectors should be heated.

    What does the heating system for trays and gutters consist of?

    The design and methods of supplying thermal equipment may slightly differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, however, the basis modern systems Electric heating of gutters always has two main components: heating cable and safe automation.

    The economic efficiency of the design, ease of installation and the quality of heating depend on which type of cable you choose: self-regulating or resistive.

    Resistive cable is a hermetically insulated conductor with high active resistance. Resistivity such a cable is constant, and, accordingly, the heat dissipation is constant, if it is connected to an uninterruptible power supply. The disadvantages of a resistive cable include inefficiency and the need to have a strictly defined length of the heating section.

    Self-regulating cable, unlike resistive, is devoid of these drawbacks. It is a more modern high-tech equipment that ensures the stable operation of heating systems. It consists of an outer and an insulating shell, a shielding braid and a heating element, which, in addition to the conductive cores, includes a semiconductor matrix. It is to the latter that the cable owes its self-regulation property, due to which the degree of heating changes depending on the temperature of the pipes. The special design allows you not to be afraid of possible overheating. And besides, the cable can be cut into pieces of any length.


    It is most expedient in terms of value for money to buy a combined set for heating gutters. When installed on heated sections of the roof, inexpensive resistive cables are used, and more expensive self-regulating cables are used on gutters, gutters and other stormwater elements.

    How is the installation

    The installation of a heating system for gutters, trays and gutters begins with laying a cable on horizontal sections of the drain, prone to ice formation, and in places where melt water comes off. Then, a heating cable for the gutters is pulled along the entire length of the drain, which are fixed to the walls with mounting tape. In vertical sections, the cable is attached to a special cable and hangs down.

    Before switching on the cables, it is imperative to check for short circuits, which may occur due to installation errors or accidental damage.

    Important! It is advisable to mount gutter and roof heating systems together. With separate installation, cable laying will be not only ineffective, but, in some cases, completely useless. The design of the anti-icing system includes optimally matched heating cable sections, thermostats, sensors and a remote control.


    Installation of a gutter heating system

    The scheme of the cable heating system of the gutters consists of a heating section, a control panel complete with a thermostat and a distribution network. When installing a gutter heating system, it is important that the heating cable is located where the water flows. The complexity of installation is that additional holes in the drainage system are unacceptable. For this reason, the self-regulating gutter heating cable is fixed inside in a certain way. Particular attention must be paid to ensure that the outflow of water is carried out at each section of the drainage system.

    Objects made by us:

    • Automobile Shopping Center "Moscow" on Kashirka;
    • Gas station British Petrolium;
    • TNK Vladivostok.