TStat Only Controller
$285.00
HARDWIRED THERMOSTAT CONTROLLER
This heat cable thermostat only controller provides automatic temperature control for pipe freeze protection and roof deicing systems without built-in GFEP protection. (Ambient Air Sensing + External LED Indicator)
The “Set It and Forget It” Solution for Ice Prevention. You don’t need a complicated computer to melt snow—you just need reliable power when the temperature drops. Our T-Stat Only Controller is the workhorse of the Heatable.com lineup. It strips away the complexity to provide exactly what you need: a heavy-duty, automated switch that turns your heat cable on when it freezes and off when it warms up.
🏭 CERTIFIED UL 508A PANEL SHOP
Overbuilt by Design. At Heatcable.com, we don’t sell flimsy plastic timers. We are a Certified UL 508A Panel Shop. This controller is engineered and assembled in-house to the same rigorous safety standards as our complex commercial panels. When you buy this box, you are getting industrial-grade components housed in a NEMA 4X enclosure that is built to survive the harshest winters on the planet.
WHY THIS “BASIC” BOX IS A MUST-HAVE
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Automated Energy Savings: The biggest cost of a heat cable system isn’t the installation—it’s the electricity. This controller uses a precision ambient thermostat to ensure your system never runs wastefully on a warm day. It pays for itself in energy savings alone.
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Industrial Armor: We use the exact same NEMA 4X Polycarbonate Enclosure found on our high-end commercial units. It is UV-stabilized, waterproof, gasketed, and virtually indestructible. It won’t crack, fade, or leak like standard hardware store boxes.
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Instant Visual Status: We’ve included a high-visibility External Green LED on the door. You can verify your system is powered and fighting the ice from the comfort of your driveway—no ladder required.
SPECIFICATIONS
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Thermostat: High-Precision Ambient Air Sensing (Adjustable)
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Voltage: 120V / 240V (Rated for High-Amp Loads)
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Enclosure: IP66 / NEMA 4X (Weatherproof & UV Resistant)
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Indicator: External Green LED Pilot Light
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Certification: Assembled in a UL 508A Certified Shop
🔥 PRO-TIP FROM ERIC WIMMER
“The most expensive heat cable is the one you forget to turn off.” “I see it every year: a homeowner turns their system on in November, forgets about it, and runs it until April. That is hundreds of dollars wasted. This box eliminates human error. It’s a simple, hardwired mechanical switch that just works. And that green light? It’s the simplest way to know you’re protected without going outside in the cold.”
⚠️ INSTALLATION NOTE
Hardwire Installation Required. This is a professional control unit designed to be hardwired into your electrical system. It requires an upstream circuit breaker for protection (GFEP breaker recommended if not already present on the circuit). Installation should be performed by a qualified electrician to ensure compliance with local and national codes.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Drexan MultiTrace® Self-Regulating Cable (The gold standard for longevity)
- Factory-Terminated Power Plug (Grounded & Lighted) OR
- GFEP Factory-Terminated Power Plug (Grounded & Not lighted)
OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED:
- Aluminum Roof Clips: These corrosion-resistant clips are designed to hold the cable firmly in the “zig-zag” pattern on both asphalt shingles and metal roofs. Click Here
- M-1 Structural Adhesive: This is the only glue we trust. Unlike silicone that peels off in a year, M-1 creates a permanent chemical bond (up to 400 PSI) that cures even in damp or cold conditions. Requires a caulk gun. Click Here
How many Clips & Glue do I need? For a standard zig-zag or valley installation, a good starting point is to estimate 1 clip for every 24 inches (2 feet) of run.
- Note: This is an approximation based on typical roof layouts. Every project is unique, so don’t stress about getting the number perfect—you can always purchase extra clips or tubes of M-1 adhesive later if you find you need tighter spacing.
WHY CHOOSE A Heatcable.com ‘N’ PLAY KIT?
- Skip the Electrician: No hard-wiring required. These kits come with a pre-terminated, grounded power plug. Just mount the cable and plug it in.
- Instant Visual Check: The integrated Lighted Plug gives you instant peace of mind. One look tells you the system is powered up and melting snow. (Note: Actual plug brightness and color may vary).
VOLTAGE MISMATCH
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.
⚠️ 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.
⚠️ INSTALLATION WARNING
Must be installed by a Qualified Electrician. To maintain the UL 508A Certification and ensuring the GFEP functions correctly, all input and output wiring must adhere to local, state, and national electrical codes.
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
⛑️ 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.
TOOLS & TIPS
- 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.
🔥 PRO-TIPS FROM THE FIELD
- 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.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Product Specs:
- 4”x4”x2” weather tight box
- 2 Mounting holes
- Screw on cover
- Stainless steel adjustable dial thermostat probe (rated for up to 22 amps from 100V to 600V)
- Weight 1.875 lbs
- 2 Year limited warranty covering manufacturer defects and workmanship
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