EasyHeat EasyHeat MSP-1 In-ground Moisture Sensor, Snow Melting Controls, 14070-001 Instruction Sheet

In-ground Moisture Sensor for MSC-1 Panel for Snow & Ice Melting

MSP-1

Installation & Operation Instructions

GENERAL

The MSP-1 in-ground sensor is encased within a rugged
enclosure and is intended to be embedded within the
surface being heated, usually concrete or asphalt. The

MSP-1 is supplied with a protective eld cover to simplify

asphalt or concrete installations, and comes with 30' of wire
for connection back to the MSC-1 control unit. The sensor
has an integral ½” NPT conduit connection. The MSP-1
connection wire may be extended up to 500’ with an
appropriately rated 18AWG 4 wire shielded stranded cable.

The low voltage MSP-1 senses falling or drifting snow
by melting it on the “grid” area of the sensor and then
detecting the presence of moisture by measuring an
electrical signal between the grid bars. The MSP-1 also
measures the temperature of the surface. This “dual
sensing” technique allows the MSC-1 to control the heating
equipment (mats, cables, etc.) in the optimum manner
possible. This assures minimum energy costs while still
providing reliable surface snow detection.

The main components of the MSG-1 are shown in Fig.1.

WARNINGS

1. This is not a “do-it-your-self” product. A qualied electrician
must install the MSP-1.

2. If after carefully reading these instructions you still have
questions regarding installation, operation or maintenance
of this product, call the numbers listed for assistance.

3. Prior to installation, check the MSP-1 body, enclosure
and wires for possible shipping damage. Do not install a
damaged MSP-1 sensor.

4. All heating equipment, controls & associated systems must
be installed in compliance with the latest editions of all
applicable electrical codes and ordinances.

5. The MSP-1 has been designed for the sole purpose of
connection to an EasyHeat MSC-1 Control Panel. The risk of

re or electric shock exists if the MSP-1 is connected to any

device other than an
MSC-1 Control Panel.

6. These instructions must be saved and made available to
owners or users of this product and/or transferred to future
owners.

©2009 Easy Heat www.easyheat.com 14070-001 Rev. 3

7. The MSP-1 must be located within the heated area, in a
spot which gets a snowfall accumulation representative
of the entire heated area. Do not locate in an area of

heavy trafc, such as a tire track, this may damage the

sensor and prevent it from working. Make sure the location
chosen will drain the melted snow; if the MSP-1 is located
in an area where melting snow or other debris will pool the
sensor will not function properly.

8. Do not install an MSP-1 Sensor when the ambient
temperature is colder than 32°F (0°C). Installing the sensor
below this temperature will damage the connection wire

and result in the risk of re or electrical shock.

9. Ensure that MSP-1 junction box is installed such that water

will drain from within the box and that the eld connected

conduit is sealed at the junction box to prevent water
backing up into the conduit. Failure to ensure drainage
or failure to seal may result in situations that damage the
sensor and prevent it from functioning properly.

MSP-1 Installations & Operation Instructions

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. The MSP-1 should be located in area that best represents the zone being heated. Placement must be made in a
reasonably level area, where surface drainage is unimpeded and free of debris accumulation. Avoid unusual sunny
spots or standing water areas, both may adversely affect snow-sensing performance. Ensure the MSP-1 junction box rests
on a drainage bed. It is recommended that a drainage pipe (approx. 1" dia.) be positioned below the box. If the MSP-1
mounting location is further than 30 feet from the MSC-1, then the MSP-1 connection wire must be routed to a junction
box, and additional connection wire (up to 500´ with an appropriately rated 18AWG 4 wire shielded stranded cable)
must be routed from the junction box to the MSC-1. Ensure that all electrical connections into a junction box are water­tight as appropriate. See Fig.2, Fig.5.

2. The MSP-1 box is supplied with a eld cover to prevent it from being accidentally lled with asphalt or concrete during
surfacing operations. After surfacing operations are completed the top of the eld cover must be level with the top

surface of the pavement or concrete. Prior to surfacing, adjust the height of the box up or down as necessary to
maintain the level. See Fig. 2.

3. The MSP-1 box should be installed at the same time as the snow melting equipment. Centre the box between parallel
runs of heating cable, with the temperature tube running centred between the parallel heater runs. Connect supply
conduit to the box as required. See Fig. 3.

4. Once the surface material has cured the MSP-1 sensor may be installed. Remove the eld cover. Fish the connection

wire through the conduit back to the MSC-1 or junction box. Feed the MSP-1 slab temperature sensor into the
temperature tube, until it reaches the end. Seal the connection wire in the conduit against water. Set the sensor into the
box and secure with the screws provided. See Fig. 4.

5. The MSP-1 is wired directly to the appropriate zone sensor terminal block on the MSC-1 control panel.

Drainage Bed

Drainage Bed

©2009 Easy Heat www.easyheat.com 14070-001 Rev. 3