Easy Heat MSC-1 Installation Manual

MSC‑1

USA

2 Connecticut South Drive
East Granby, CT 06026
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]

CANADA

99 Union St.
Elmira, Ont. N3B 3L7
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]

Control Panel

for Snow & Ice Melting Installations

Installation & Operation Instructions

General

The MSC‑1 Control Panel manages snow and ice melting
equipment for sidewalks, driveways, gutters, etc... Suitable for
controlling heating cables and mats and self‑regulating cables,
the MSC‑1 can monitor snow and ice accumulation in three
separate zones. The MSC‑1 programming allows each zone
to be controlled independently or on a priority mode basis.
In the “priority” mode for example, one zone can be given
priority and the other zones cannot be energized until the
melting/de‑icing in that zone is complete. This can then reduce
the loading on the circuit by ensuring that multiple zones are
not energized simultaneously. The MSC‑1’s program allows
customization of the key elements necessary for intelligent
and efficient snow melting control.

The MSC‑1 uses information from up to three different types
of moisture sensors—surface (or in‑ground, MSP‑1), aerial
(MSA‑1) and gutter (MSG‑1)—and one type of temperature
sensor (TS‑1). The surface, aerial and gutter sensors detect
moisture—snow, ice, sleet, etc.—and send appropriate
signals to the MSC‑1. Similarly, the temperature sensor
sends temperature data back to the MSC‑1. Independent
temperature and moisture information is processed by the
MSC‑1 to ensure that heating equipment will only be energized
when precipitation occurs during freezing conditions. For each
of the MSC‑1 control zones up to two individual moisture
sensors can be connected.
Each MSC‑1 must have a temperature sensor, TS‑1, in order
to function; a TS‑1 is included with each MSC‑1.

MSC‑1 Installation & Operating Instructions 1

The MSC‑1 is housed in an enclosure (NEMA 4, 4X) suitable
for commercial/industrial indoor applications and features an
LCD display, programming and associated indicator lights for
operation of each zone.

The MSC‑1 is powered by 120VAC; control signal relays
provide a 120VAC output to operate the coils of external
contactors. See Fig. 1 & 2.

Sensor Wiring Note

Each of the MSC‑1 sensors communicates with the MSC‑1
Control Panel. The sensor wires must not be run in conduit
with power wires or telephone lines, their magnetic field
will cause communication problems; see sensor installation
instructions for full details.

Pre-Programmed Configuration (Default)

The MSC‑1 Control Panel is delivered preprogrammed for
a one zone system, for use with either an aerial (MSA‑1) or
gutter (MSG‑1) sensors. The ambient off temperature (the
MSC‑1 will not energize the heating equipment when the
ambient temperature is warmer that this value) is pre‑set to
37°F (3°C), and relay hold time (the length of time that the
heating equipment will stay energized after no longer senses
the presence of ice/snow in the zone) is 3.0 hours. If the
snow/ice melting system has been designed to operate in this
manner, then no programming is required: simply wire as per
the following instructions.

Manual Override

Buttons

Fig.1 MSC‑1 Control Panel

Output Relay Status

Lights

(on when ZONE heating is

energized)

LCD

Programming

Buttons

Sensor Status Lights

(on when ZONE sensor is

energized)

o n /o f f Switch

Access Cover

14071-001 Rev. 4 ©2008 Easy Heat

2 MSC‑1 Installation & Operating Instructions

Fig.2 Sample Application Illustration

snow/ice

sensor

options

maximum 2 sensors

per zone

*

power contactors(s)

power contactors(s)

power contactors(s)

120 VAC, to contactor coils

*maximum 1 MSP‑1 sensor per zone

120 VAC, 450 VA

WARNINGS

1. This is not a “do‑it‑your‑ self” product. A qualified
electrician must install the MSC‑1.

2. Completely read these instructions prior to any and all
installations.

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

4. Prior to installation, check the MSC‑1 Control Panel for
possible shipping damage. Do not install a damaged
MSC‑1 Control Panel.

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

6. The MSC‑1 has been designed to accept only EasyHeat
moisture and temperature sensor inputs. The risk of fire
or electric shock exists if the MSC‑1 is connected to any

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

The MSC‑1 is shipped pre‑programmed for operation
with either one MSA‑1 or one MSG‑1 sensor and with
zone 1 output active. If this is your type of installation,
skip to the pre‑programmed connection section.

1. Mount the MSC‑1 securely to the wall with three
#10 screws, mount in an upright position in an
indoor location, in an area that is dry and not subject
to temperature extremes. See Fig.3 for mounting
details.

2. Four ½” connectors have been installed on the
MSC‑1 Control Panel box to facilitate connection
of electrical conduit for input power supply wiring,
and contactor output wiring.

3. Remove the lower front access cover to begin
connecting wiring. On the back of the access cover
is a label that must be used as a wiring guide.

4. Connection to the MSC‑1 is done through terminal
blocks. Fish the wire being connected through the
adjacent knock‑out, and pull out approximately
12” of wire. The top half of the terminal block is
removable for easy wiring, gently pull up on the
top half to remove. After connecting to the wire
to the top half gently set it back into the base,
while carefully pulling back excess wire through

Fig.3 Mounting: mounts to wall via three #10 screws

device other than an EasyHeat sensor.

7. Do not connect heating equipment directly to the MSC‑1
Control Panel. The MSC‑1 control signal relays provide
an output to operate external contactors each output
provides a maximum current output of 1.25A. The risk
of fire or electric shock exists if the heating equipment is
directly connected to the MSC‑1 Control Panel.

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

9. Secure the MSC‑1 in an indoor location. The MSC‑1
Control Panel is not suitable for installations environments
subject to condensing moisture or those exposed to
temperature extremes.

10. Avoid shock or vibration.

mounting screw

locations

MSC‑1 Installation & Operating Instructions 3

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

the knockout.

5. The MSC‑1 terminal blocks serve 5 distinct connection sectors (see Fig 4), they are:

1) TS‑1 ‑ temperature sensor,

2) MSA‑1 aerial sensors / MSG‑1 gutter sensors (one each per zone),

3) MSP‑1 in‑ground sensors (one each per zone),

4) Output to power contactors (one each per zone),

5) Power input.
Connection to each sector is described below.

6. The TS‑1 is connected to the left‑most terminal block, identified as TEMP. SENSOR. The MSC‑1 will not function if the TS‑1 wire colour
codes are not properly matched at the terminal block. See Fig.4

7. The MSA‑1 or the MSG‑1 may be connected to any one of the 3 terminal blocks, identified as A/G. SENS. The Zone number at the
terminal block correlates to a snow‑melting zone, ensure that the sensor is connected to the proper zone terminal. The MSC‑1 will
not function properly if the MSA‑1/MSG‑1 wire colour codes are not properly matched at the terminal block. See Fig.4

8. The MSP‑1 may be connected to any one of the 3 terminal blocks identified as PAV. SENS. The Zone number at the terminal block
correlates to a snow‑melting zone, ensure that the sensor is connected to the proper zone terminal. The MSC‑1 will not function
properly if the MSP‑1 wire colour codes are not properly matched at the terminal block. See Fig.4

9. The outputs to the power contactors may be connected to any one of the 3 terminal blocks in the –OUTPUT TO POWER CONTACTORS–
segment, ZONE#1, 2 or 3.

The Zone number at the terminal block correlates to a snow‑melting zone, ensure that the output being connected matches the

sensor inputs connected. The output wire must be connected with the polarity as noted, ensure voltage and amperages are suitable
for the contactor being used. The MSC‑1 will not function properly if the output connections are improperly made. See Fig.4

10. The power supply is connected to the right‑most terminal block, identified as POWER SUPPLY. The power supply wires must be
connected with the polarity as noted, ensure supply voltage is correct and noted ampacity is available. The MSC‑1 will not function
if the power supply connections are improperly made. See Fig.4

11. At this point a quick check on the power supply wiring can be made. Energize the supply circuit for the MSC‑1 Control Panel, and
turn on the MSC‑1 via the toggle switch, the LCD should illuminate at this point. Reattach the front access cover, connection of the
MSC‑1 is complete.

12. Each of the MSA‑1, MSG‑1 or MSP‑1 sensors connected to the MSC‑1 must be activated by programming the MSC‑1; to do so, follow

(continued)

PRE‑PROGRAMMED (DEFAULT) CONNECTIONS

1. With the front access panel removed and wiring routed to the MSC‑1.

2. Connect the temperature sensor lead to the temperature sensor terminal block.

3. Connect the aerial or gutter sensor lead to the Zone 1 sensor terminal block.

4. Connect the control wire from the contactor coil to the Zone 1 output terminal block, 120VAC only. DO NOT CONNECT OUTPUT

DIRECT TO THE LOAD, THIS WILL DESTROY THE MSC‑1, RESULT IN RISK OF INJURY OR FIRE.

5. Connect 120VAC to the power supply terminal block, watch polarity.

6. Turn on the power to the MSC‑1 using the toggle switch on the front panel.

7. System is now operational.

Fig.4 MSC‑1 Control Panel (access cover removed)

TS‑1 MSA‑1/MSG‑1 MSP‑1 Contactor Output

Conduit

*

Heating Mats/Cables

MSA‑1 or MSG‑1

Sensor Wire

Outdoor

Connection

Box

Conduit

*

MSC‑1

Power

Input

240 Volt Power

L1
L2

Supply

Contactor/

Connection

Box

*As required by electrical codes

4 MSC‑1 Installation & Operating Instructions

Fig.4 MSC‑1 Control Panel (access cover removed)

TS‑1
Terminal
Block

Zone 1 Sensor
Input MSA‑1 or
MSG‑1 (Default)

Zone 2 Sensor
Input MSA‑1
or MSG‑1

Zone 3 Sensor
Input MSA‑1
or MSG‑1

Zone 1 Sensor
Input MSP‑1
(must be pro‑
grammed to acti‑
vate)

Zone 2 Input
for MSP‑1

Zo n e 3 Inpu t
for MSP‑1

Zone 1 Output
Terminal Block
Connector to
Contactor Coil
(Default)

Zone 2
Output

Zone 3
Output

Fuse

"Fuse OK" LED

120VAC Power Connection

Temperature
Sensor, TS‑1:

this is included with
the MSC‑1 and
must be installed
outdoors to sense air
temperature.

Aerial Snow
Sensor, MSA‑1:

mast mounted to
sense falling snow
(may be used as the
preprogrammed sensor).

Gutter Sensor,
MSG‑1: secured in the

gutter to detect moisture
conditions (may be used
as the preprogrammed
sensor).

Wiring guide on
back of terminal
block cover

In‑ground Sensor, MSP‑1:

installed in‑ground to detect
moisture and slab temperature
(the MSC‑1 must be programmed
to recognize this sensor, refer
to the instruction manual for
details).