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De-Icing FAQ's

Q: Where do I begin installing my PRIME Roof & Gutter Cable?

A: The starting position will vary from house to house. It is best to choose a starting point that has an easy ending point. For example, near a downspout. You can use a downspout to use excess cable by first doubling up the cable with spacers every 6 inches to prevent the cable from crossing over. Do not choose the location of the beginning point solely based on where you have an existing outlet. If no outlet exists in the location you plan on starting, have one installed by a licensed electrician with the following specifications:

-          120 Volt Outdoor rated

-          Grounded - CAUTION: A ground fault protection device must be used with this heating device

-          On a circuit with an appropriate current (amp) rating.

-          Has an on/off switch.

-          Is protected from weather.

-          Is within 6 feet of the starting point.

For typical roof application, beginning at one end of the roof edge is the most logical solution to prevent using too much cable. If you have specific trouble areas on the roof, we recommend still covering the entire roof edge as new trouble areas may form over time. If you are still unsure of where to begin after analyzing your trouble area, contact a licensed electrician.

 

Q: What if the only trouble spot I have is in the gutters?

A: The PRIME Roof & Gutter Cable Kit comes with everything you need to install directly in metal gutters and downspouts. We recommend installing the cables double length when installed in gutters only. This means for 30 feet of gutters, you will need 60 feet of cable. Remember to include measurements for downspouts for the cable to run in and back up. If you have 2 downspouts at 10 feet you will need 20 feet X 2 for a total of 40 feet for the gutters. So total cable needed to cover 30 feet of gutters + two 10 foot downspouts (60 feet + 40 feet) = 100 feet. Remember to use spacers every 6 inches in the gutters or downspouts to prevent cables from crossing over.

 

Q: How much Roof & Gutter cable do I need?

A: PRIME provides step by step instructions for measuring the length of cable needed using the PRIME Roof & Gutter De-Icing Kit length calculation tool located on the PRIME De-Icing page. Detailed length calculations can be found in the instruction manual for each Roof & Gutter De-Icing Kit and is also available for download at www.primewirecable.com under the PRIME De-Icing page.

 

Q: Can I double up on cables in trouble spots on my roof?

A: Yes, however DO NOT allow the cable to be crossed over or touch each other at any point during operation.

 

Q: The PRIME Roof & Gutter De-Icing Kit has been installed but it keeps tripping the circuit breaker every time it is plugged in, what is causing this issue?

A: Before installing the PRIME Roof & Gutter De-Icing Kit, be sure to check the outlet intended to be used for the following:

-          Should be ground fault protected using a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

-          Should be outdoor rated

-          Should be covered

-          Should have an appropriate current (amp) rating

-          Is within 6 feet of the starting point on the roof

If the cable meets all of the qualifications above, you should unplug the cable and visually inspect the cable completely. If there are any nicks or cuts, or if the cable has been crossed, causing it to overheat, it could potentially trip the breaker. If the cable has been damaged, DO NOT attempt to repair in any way, dispose of the cable immediately. It is possible to damage the cable internally by kinking the cable (bending the cable by anything less than ½ inches). If no damage is visible to the outside but it is still tripping the breaker, dispose of the cable or contact a licensed electrician to inspect the cable.

 

Q: Can I install the PRIME Roof & Gutter De-Icing Kit on a shared circuit?

A: We recommend installing the cable only on its own circuit. If you plan to install it on a shared circuit, we recommend speaking to an electrician first.

 

Q: My cable was cut during installation exposing just the next level of protection; can I still use the cable?

A: NO, Roof & Gutter Cables require all layers of protection to function properly. Continuing to use cables that have been damaged may cause electric shock or fire and may result in injury or death.

 

Q: How do I know if the PRIME Roof & Gutter Cable is working?

A: All PRIME de-icing cables are manufactured with the PRIMELIGHT® Indicator Light in the plug. This light illuminates to let you know the cable is receiving power. The PRIME Roof & Gutter Cable remains warm at all times when the indicator light is on. After only a couple of minutes, the cable should be warm to the touch. At no point when the cable is plugged in should the heating portion be crossed over itself or touching any other part of the cable including the power cable.

 

Q: Can I install the PRIME De-Icing Cables in gutters using any form of gutter protection?

A: We do not recommend using the PRIME Roof & Gutter De-Icing Kit in gutters using any form of gutter protection. If you still wish to install in gutters with gutter protection, contact the manufacturer of your specific type of gutter protection before installation.

 

Q:  What does the Prime Roof & Gutter De-Icing warranty cover?

A:The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship.

 

For Prime Roof & Gutter De-Icing Complete Safety Instructions & Warranty Click Here

 

Q: How do I file a claim?

A:Contact Prime’s customer service department at our toll-free number, 1 (888) 445-9955 and request a claim form. The claim form provides detailed instructions on how to start the claim process.

 

Q:  What is the turnaround time for the claim to be processed?

A:Upon our receipt of the surge protector and completed claim documentation (including all receipts, technical reports, estimates for repairs, etc. as outlined in the claim procedure) it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete the claim evaluation process.

 

 

FAQ – PRIME Water Freeze Protection Cables

Q: Can the PRIME Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cable be used on plastic pipes?

A: Yes – Plastic pipes are a particularly troublesome area in many homes exposed to harsh cold in the winter. The PRIME Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cable can be used on metal and plastic pipes up to 1.5 inches in diameter. To be used on plastic pipes, the pipes must be primary supply pipes and cannot be drain pipes. The best method to heat plastic pipes is by first wrapping the pipes in aluminum foil; this will provides a better chance for even heat distribution. Warm pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures can also be protected by the Freeze Protection Cables as long as the water within the pipe will never exceed 150°F/65°C.

 

Q: My cable was cut during installation exposing just the next level of protection; can I still use the cable?

A: NO, Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cables require all layers of protection to function properly. Continuing to use cables that have been damaged may cause electric shock or fire and may result in injury or death.

 

Q: Do I need to insulate my PRIME Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cables?

A: It is important to wrap fiberglass insulation around the pipe and the pipe heating cable after installation to keep the heat evenly distributed. Wrapping the cable also serves to keep the cable from turning on when it is not necessary to do so. If unwrapped, the cool air will cause the pipe to stay on even when the pipe is not in danger of freezing, causing your electric bill to go up.

 

Q: How do I know if the PRIME Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cables are working?

A: All PRIME Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cables are manufactured with the PRIMELIGHT® Indicator Light in the plug. This light illuminates to let you know the cable is receiving power. The indicator light on the PRIME Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cable illuminates only to let you know it is ready to turn on when temperatures on the pipe drop below 40°F/4°C. A quick way to test the cable to make sure the thermostat is working properly is to take an ice pack and apply it directly to the small black cap on the thermostat. After only a couple of minutes, the cable should be warm to the touch. At no point when the cable is plugged in should the heating portion be crossed over itself or touching any other part of the cable including the power cable.

 

Q: How should the PRIME Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cables be attached to pipes?

A: Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cables should be secured using tape rated to withstand heat up to 175°F/80°C. In addition, zip ties and cable ties may be used as long as they are not so tight as to cut into the cable during operation.

 

Q:  What does the Prime Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cables warranty cover?

A:The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship.

 

For Prime Water Pipe Freeze Protection Cables Complete Safety Instructions & Manual Click Here

 

Q: How do I file a claim?

A:Contact Prime’s customer service department at our toll-free number, 1 (888) 445-9955 and request a claim form. The claim form provides detailed instructions on how to start the claim process.

 

Q:  What is the turnaround time for the claim to be processed?

A:Upon our receipt of the surge protector and completed claim documentation (including all receipts, technical reports, estimates for repairs, etc. as outlined in the claim procedure) it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete the claim evaluation process.