Using commercial grade self-regulating heating cables are the most effective ways to prevent ice dams, however, not all roof ice melt systems are created equal. When heating cables are poorly designed or manufactured, they can pose safety risks that are not worth the cost. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 3,300 residential fires occur each year because of heat cables. These fires cause 150 injuries, 20 deaths, and over $20 million in property damage.
Is it the heating cables themselves, or something else that’s causing the issue? Oftentimes, these fires are caused by heating cables that are improperly installed. When these cables overlap each other, are damaged or come in contact with insulation, they can cause a fire. In other cases, it’s the poor quality heating cables that are to blame.
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Safe Roof Ice Melt Systems
This is not to say that heating cables are inherently unsafe. In fact, when the right cable is installed properly, this can be a perfectly safe way to prevent ice dams, and annual inspections can further prevent fire risks.
HotEdge offers a heated roof ice melter system that’s UL accredited. In fact, HotEdge is the only company that has designed a roof edge ice melt system that can be UL accredited. What does that mean? UL is an independent, non-profit organization that provides stringent testing and standards to help companies manufacture and provide safe, compliant, and sustainable electric products.
Having a UL accredited heated roof edge ice melt system ensures that your roof ice melt system is compliant with NEC (National Electric Code) standards. The NEC has a specific code that addresses the heat cable applications on roof structures.
HotEdge is the first and the only company to complete the arduous process of testing and certifying a roof edge ice melt system. “We are UL Listed and have received a UL Certificate of Compliance for safety and compliance.” The UL accreditation is important because it gives homeowners and businesses peace of mind in knowing that all of the components of their roof edge ice melt system will function in a safe and effective way.
Annual inspections of heating cables can further help prevent fire risks. Deteriorating insulation and damaged heating cables can increase the risk of fire. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also recommends replacing any uncertified cables that you may have installed with cables that are certified to meet recognized standards.
