120v Ground Fault Protected Plug

120V GFEP “PLUG-IN” POWER CONNECTION

(Integrated 30mA Ground-Fault Equipment Protection)

The Easiest Way to Power Your System.

No electrician? No problem. The 120V GFEP Protected Plug is the ultimate solution for DIYers who need to add a heat cable system without hiring an electrician to swap a breaker. We’ve taken the complex safety requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC) and built them directly into the head of the power cord.

WHEN TO USE THIS PLUG

Understanding the “Hierarchy of Protection” At Wasatch Heat Cable, we believe in doing things the right way.

• Primary Recommendation: We always recommend installing a GFEP Circuit Breaker at the panel or using a GFEP Controller as your first source of protection. This is the most robust method.

• The Alternative: However, we know that upgrading an old electrical panel or running new conduit isn’t always possible. When a GFEP cannot be applied at the breaker or controller, this plug should be added as the alternative. It provides the mandatory safety and code compliance in a simple, plug-and-play format.

⚠️ CRITICAL INSTALLATION WARNING

DO NOT “STACK” GFI PROTECTION. Most outdoor outlets are already GFCI protected (the ones with the “Test” and “Reset” buttons on the face). You cannot plug this GFEP plug into an existing GFCI outlet.

• The Conflict: When you insert a GFEP plug into a GFCI outlet, the two safety devices “fight” each other to monitor the current.

• The Result: Most of the time, this conflict will cause a nuisance trip at the circuit breaker or the outlet itself, shutting off your heat cable.

• The Fix: This plug must be used on a standard (non-GFI) outlet. If your outdoor outlet is a GFCI, you will likely need to replace the receptacle with a standard outlet (since the protection is now in the plug) or hardwire the system.

THE “30mA” SECRET (Why standard protection trips)

Eric Wimmer explains: “A lot of people try to use standard 5mA Ground Fault protection (like a bathroom outlet) for heat cable, only to have it trip the second they turn it on.

The Reason: Heat cable acts like a capacitor. When the system is initially energized, the cable consumes power and momentarily holds it, creating a slight delay before the return load balances out. A sensitive 5mA breaker detects this temporary imbalance as a ‘leak’ and trips immediately.

The Solution: This plug is rated at 30mA—the code-required ‘Sweet Spot.’ It is designed to ride out that initial capacitive surge without nuisance tripping, ensuring your system runs reliably while still protecting the equipment.”

🔥 PRO-TIPS FROM THE FIELD

• The “Test” Button: Just like your bathroom outlet, this plug has TEST and RESET buttons. We recommend pressing the TEST button at the start of every winter season to ensure the safety mechanism is active.

• The “Drip Loop”: When plugging this in, always leave a small loop of cord hanging below the outlet. This ensures water runs down the cord and drips off the bottom, rather than running right into the receptacle.

⚠️ COMPATIBILITY WARNINGS

• 120V ONLY: This plug is designed strictly for 120V applications. Do not attempt to adapt this to a 240V outlet.

• NO EXTENSION CORDS: This device must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle. Using an extension cord adds resistance that can overheat the circuit and create a fire hazard.