Drexan Multitrace 120V Self Regulating Heat Cable | Custom Cut Length

Installation & Support

Don’t just install it—install it like a pro.

• The “Hershey Kiss” Method: When using the M-1 glue, don’t smear it flat like paint. Apply a nickel-sized dollop (shaped like a Hershey Kiss) under the clip. Press the clip down until glue pushes through the holes, but leave a layer of adhesive between the clip and the roof. This creates a chemical bond that lasts for decades.

• Create the “Melt Channel”: Remember, the cable doesn’t melt the whole roof; it creates a path for water to escape. Ensure your cable extends past the roof edge (1 inches or more) over the gutter to prevent an ice dam from forming right at the lip.

• Check Your GFEP: If you aren’t buying the GFEP plug option, you must plug this into an outlet protected by a GFEP breaker. We recommend testing the breaker before every winter season.  Note: Your GFEP may also be in your controller.

• The “Drip Loop”: When plugging the unit in, make sure there is a small loop in the power cord below the outlet. This prevents water from running down the cord and directly into your electrical socket.

🛠️ TOOLS NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION

• Caulk Gun: Required for applying the M-1 Structural Adhesive. (We recommend a high-ratio “dripless” gun for easier application in cold weather).

• Extension Ladder: To safely access your roofline.

• Clean Rags & Isopropyl Alcohol: Essential for cleaning smooth surface areas—such as membrane and metal roofs—where clips will be glued. Any dust or grime left on the surface will cause the adhesive to fail.

• Light Duty Brush: Essential for brushing away loose granules and debris on asphalt shingle roofs before installing clips.

• Measuring Tape: To ensure consistent spacing for your “zig-zag” pattern.

• Pliers: Helpful for crimping the roof clips slightly if needed for a tighter hold on the cable.

✅ COMPATIBILITY CHECKLIST

Before you buy, confirm this kit fits your home:

• Voltage: 120V standard outlet (Verify your power outlet is 120V, not 240V).

• Gutter Type: Safe for Aluminum, Steel, and Copper gutters/downspouts.

• Outlet Proximity: Measure the distance from your roof edge to the outlet. You cannot use an extension cord. Ensure the kit length + lead is sufficient to reach the power source directly.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING

• It is recommended not to cut this cable. If a qualified technician cuts or modifies the cable for any reason, the warranty from Heatcable.com is immediately void. In this instance, the responsibility of the warranty falls entirely on the qualified technician performing the work. If you have excess cable, instead of cutting it, we recommend doubling it back into the gutter or downspout to increase melting power in that area.

• Code Compliance: Installation must strictly adhere to all applicable state and local electrical codes. We recommend consulting with a licensed electrician or your local building authority to ensure full compliance.

⚠️ VOLTAGE WARNING: WHY 120V MATTERS.  DO NOT PLUG THIS 120V KIT INTO A 240V POWER SOURCE. HERE IS WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO:

• The “Fixed Resistance” Danger: Old-school cables have a fixed resistance. If you double the voltage (by plugging into 240V), they get hotter and hotter until they burn themselves out or start a fire.

• The Drexan Difference (Fail-Safe): Our self-regulating cable is smarter. If you hit it with 240V, it tries to generate 4x the power. However, because it is self-regulating, it senses that massive heat spike and fights to regulate it downward.

• The Result: The cable wins the safety battle, but loses the war. The internal core is pushed beyond its limit trying to keep you safe. Instead of catching fire, it will simply “fail cold”—meaning the core degrades and will permanently stop producing heat.

• Bottom Line: Plugging this kit into 240V won’t burn down your house, but it will ruin your cable and void the manufacturer warranty.

IMPORTANT SAFETY & SPECS:

• GFEP Protection: Safety is non-negotiable. If you do not select a kit with a built-in GFEP plug, the device must be used with a Ground-Fault Equipment Protected (GFEP) circuit.

• System Compatibility: The GFEP can also be applied in a custom or standard controller box, provided the controller already includes a GFEP component.

• Factory-Built Confidence: We don’t outsource our quality. These are assembled right here in Utah by pros who know winter.

❌ INCOMPATIBLE / DANGER

To prevent fire, shock, or system failure, AVOID the following:

• NO EXTENSION CORDS: Never plug this kit into an extension cord. The resistance can cause overheating and fire. It must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle or controller.

• NO BURIED CABLE: Do not install this cable inside walls, under shingles, or buried in building insulation. The cable can be installed under our Patented Thermal Cartridge System.

• NO COILING: While Drexan cable is self-regulating, do not leave the cable coiled up in a tight spool while powered on. Unspool the cable completely before plugging it in to test.

OUR  GUARANTEE:

We stand behind our craftsmanship. Every Plug ‘N’ Play kit is backed by an unbeatable 10-Year Limited Warranty. We build them to last, so you can sleep soundly while the snow melts.

NEED HELP WITH LAYOUT?

Check out our “Diagrams & Layouts” page or watch Eric’s latest tutorial to see exactly how to space your clips and apply M-1 glue for a leak-free install.  – Coming Soon!

Please consult the Drexan MultiTrace spec sheet for circuit capacities. Because this item is built to your unique specifications, returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee plus return shipping costs.