Emerson Easyheat GC-1 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

6.0”

6.4”

Roof and Gutter De-Icing Control

GC-1

Installation and Operating Instructions

FOR EXTERIOR INSTALLATION ONLY

GENERAL INFORMATION

The GC-1 heating cable controller has been designed
and manufactured for the sole intended use of control­ling heating cables in residential and commercial roof
and gutter de-icing applications. The GC-1 uses micro­controller technology to reduce energy consumption by
energizing the heating cable only when the appropriate
temperature and moisture conditions occur.

The GC-1 controller includes the MSG-1 sensor, used to
detect moisture on roofs and in gutters. Roof moisture
detection is made with the unique sensor wire design;
the sensing grid on the bottom of the MSG 1 detects
gutter moisture. The MSG-1 housing sits directly in the
gutter and the sensor wire is secured to the roof. The
combination roof and gutter detection system provides
quick detection of potentially damaging roof and gutter
icing conditions. When moisture is detected, the GC-1
activates the de-icing cables.

The MSG-1 sensor operates on low voltage provided by
the GC-1 control unit and includes mounting hardware
and 30’ of wire for connection back to the GC-1. The
GC-1 automatically detects and sets-up for supply volt­ages between 120VAC and 277VAC; no dipswitches or
jumpers are required. The GC-1 has a LED indicator to
display when cables are energized.

WARNING! Improper installation, use and/or mainte-

nance of the GC-1 can cause re, electrical shock and/

or result in roof and gutter ice build-up
The GC-1 controller is shown in Fig.1, with the MSG-1

and accessories (6 coated clips, mounting screw and
coated strapping) shown in Fig. 2.

6.0"

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GC-1 CONTROLLER

Figure 1

6.4"

11399-001 REV 0

MSG-1 AND ACCESSORIES

Figure 2

©2015 EasyHeat www.easyheat.com 14104-001 Rev. 4

2 GC-1 Installation Instructions

WARNINGS

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

must install the GC-1 system.

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 GC-1 and MSG-1 body
enclosure or wires for possible shipping damage. Do not
install a damaged GC-1 controller or MSG-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. Any heating cable that is to be connected to the GC-1 must
be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Do not connect more than a 24 Amp load to the GC-1 (See

Fig.4, 5 wiring schematics). Risk of re, electric shock or ice

build up can result from a larger cable being connected.

7. Secure the GC-1 in an area where it will not be damaged

by tree movement or trafc.

8. The MSG-1 has been designed for the sole purpose of
connection to an EasyHeat GC-1 Controller. The risk of

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

any device other than the GC-1 Controller.

9. Secure the MSG-1 housing within the gutter in an area
where drainage is unimpeded and that is free of debris
accumulation such as leaves, etc. to prevent any damage
to the sensor housing.

10. Secure the MSG-1 sensor wire to the roof in an area
where run-off is unimpeded and that is free of debris
accumulation such as leaves, etc. to prevent any damage
to the sensor wire.

11. Avoid excessive shock or vibration.

12. Do not install an MSG-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.

13. Do not run the MSG-1 connection wire in the gutter. The
connection wire is not suited for water/ice submersion, as
would be expected in a gutter.

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

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Loosen the four screws on the GC-1 cover and open the
box ½ way (45deg.). Carefully separate the cover and base
at the hinge, the two pieces should easily slide apart. You
will see that line and load voltage connections (left) are
separated from the sensor and remote signal connections
(right).

2. Mount the GC-1 base securely to the exterior or outside
wall with four #10 screws, position with the hinges on
the bottom. Secure the GC-1 in an area where it will not

be damaged by tree movement or trafc and will sense

outside temperatures. The unit is water-resistant, but not
designed to be submerged or immersed in water. Ensure
that the mounting location is close (less than 25 feet) to
the MSG-1 gutter sensor position. See Fig. 3.

3. Carefully remove one of the knockouts on the low voltage
(right) side of the GC-1 base, fasten a watertight connector
for the MSG-1 sensor wire into place. If a remote control is
also being installed, use the second side knockout for an
additional connector. The side knockouts are metric sized,
M32/M20, the M20 knockout will accomodate a 1/2” tting.
See Fig. 3

4. Figures 4 and 5 show the wiring schematics for connecting
the GC-1. Before connecting the controller to the electrical
power supply, consult the local, state or provincial, and
national electrical codes. The electrical code may require
a Ground Fault Protection device to be used.

5. Carefully remove two knockouts on the line voltage
(left) side of the GC-1 housing for the line and load wire
connections, secure two watertight connectors into place
and run the wires through. See Fig. 3

6. Select a location in the gutter for the MSG-1 housing,
ensure it is in an area where drainage is unimpeded and
that is free of debris accumulation such as leaves. An area
closer to the low end of the gutter slope is preferable.
Secure the MSG-1 housing within the gutter using the

mounting strap and screw provided, note the water ow

direction arrow on the top of the housing. The screw

provided is sized to t into the hole on top of the MSG-1

housing. The wings on the side of the housing are designed

to t over heating cables in the gutter. The housing will

sit at a slight angle off horizontal when installed, this is
normal, and the unit is designed to sit in such a manner.
The unit is water-resistant and may be submerged or
immersed in water in the normal course of operation See
Fig.6, 7.

7. Route the MSG-1 sensor wire along one triangular weave
of the heating cable on the roof. At the peak of the second
triangle, attach the sensor wire up the roof, at least 2 feet
past the heater wire. Use the clips provided to secure the
sensor wire to the roof. Gently squeeze the coated end of
the clip around the sensor wire. See Fig. 8.

8. Run the communication wire from the MSG-1 back to the
GC-1; do not run in the gutter.

9. Carefully lock the GC-1 cover into the base hinge. The
two pieces should easily slide together when open ½ way
(45deg.).

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10. Connect the load (de-icing cable or contactor coil)
wires to the two leads marked “LOAD”.

11. Connect the power supply wires to the two leads
marked “LINE”.

12. Connect the GC-1 ground wire to the power supply
and load ground wires.

13. Attach the MSG-1 communication wire to the 3 seg­ment terminal block. See Fig. 9.

14. Tighten down the watertight connectors, and form
drip loops on all external wires.

15. Tighten the four screws on the GC-1 cover snug.

GC-1 Installation Instructions 3

..... .....

CONT

GC-1 CONTROLLER WITH LOAD HIGHER THAN 24A
OR 3 - PHASE LOADS

Figure 5

FOR EXTERIOR

GC-1 BASE LOCATION

Figure 3

..... .....

CONT

GC-1 CONTROLLER WITH SINGLE/DUAL PHASE LOAD LESS
THAN OR EQUAL TO 24A

Figure 4

INSTALLATION

ONLY

MSG-1 HOUSING INSTALLATION

Figure 6

MSG-1 HOUSING INSTALLATION

Figure 7

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MSG-1 SENSOR WIRE INSTALLATION

Figure 8

MSG-1 CONNECTION

Figure 9

GC-1 Installation Instructions 5

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

The GC-1 roof and gutter de-icing controller is designed
to energize the heating cable only when moisture condi­tions exist and there is risk of freezing. If the tempera­ture is below 3°C (38°F) and the MSG-1 sensor detects
moisture, the controller will apply power to the heating
cable. The cable remains energized until 3 hours (hold
time) after the sensor is dry. The delay is necessary to
ensure the heated area dries. If at any time moisture

is detected the controller restarts the de-icing cycle.
The optional remote control allows the hold time to

be dialed from 0.5 to 10hrs. There are 2 LED’s on the
remote. The top LED indicates the remote is powered
and functioning, the lower gives the status of the GC-1
power relay (heating cables on - energized or off ­de-energized). If the cables are off, pressing the push
button will turn the cables on for the hold time, and
then the control will revert to automatic operation. If
the cables are on, pressing the push button will turn
the cables off, only if the sensor is dry, otherwise the

control will continue to nish the hold time in automatic

operation.
The MSG-1 may be tested for functionality if outside

temperature is below 3°C (38°F). Submerge 2” of the
sensor wire in water, the GC-1 should energize the
heating equipment in the associated zone, the green
LED on the GC-1 will illuminate. After this test, dry the
sensor, the heating equipment in the associated zone

should de-energize after the pre-set hold time.
At the beginning of the heating season and monthly

during operation inspect for and remove all leaves and
combustible debris from roofs gutters and downspouts.
At the beginning of the heating season the MSG-1 must

be inspected for physical damage and the snow sensor
surface cleaned. To clean the snow sensor surface:

1. Lock-out the power supply to the GC-1.

2. Remove the MSG-1 sensor housing from the gutter.

3. With a clean wet swab clean up the surface of the
snow sensor.

4. Replace the MSG-1 sensor housing in the gutter.

5. Reconnect GC-1 to the power supply.

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5 GC-1 Installation Instructions

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Functional
Activation temperature +3°C (38°F +/-1°F)
Environmental
Working temperature -40°C (-40°F) to 65°C

(150°F)

Storage temperature -45°C (-49°F) to 70°C

(160°F)

Humidity environment 0 to 100 %

Supply requirements
Power supply voltage 120VAC, 208VAC,

240VAC, 277VAC
Frequency 60 Hz
Maximum power consumption 50W

Output characteristics
Output type relay (wet contact)
Contact output N.O. max. 24 Amps @

277VAC

MSG-1 characteristics
Power supply voltage 24VAC class2
Maximum Amperage 500mA
Accessories

Connection Wire 30’

Screws, coated strapping,

coated clips

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LIMITED WARRANTY

Easy Heat warrants that if there are any defects in material or workmanship in any heating cable or accessory during
the first year after the date of purchase. We will provide new products to replace any defective items, or we will
refund the purchase price paid for the accessory or cable, not including any labor or other installation costs. As
an alternate, we may elect to repair the cable or accessory at our factory with all shipping and other removal costs
borne by the purchaser.

We further warrant that for a period of twelve (12) months after the date of performance any services performed
hereunder will be in a good and skillful manner, based on our understanding of pertinent technical data as of the
date of performance of such services. Easy Heat’s sole responsibility and liability in the event of any defect, error,
omission, or failure in the services rendered hereunder shall be to provide corrected services of the type provided for
herein, designed to correct such defect, error, omissions, or failure, and in no event shall Easy Heat’s liability with
respect to such warranty exceed the amount received by it from the Buyer on account of such services.

Our obligation to provide corrected services, new products, refund the purchase price, or perform the repair described
above is conditioned upon (a) the installation of the accessory or cable conforming to the specifications set forth
in our installation instructions and (b) the accessory or cable not having been damaged by mechanical or electrical
activities unrelated to the operation of the accessory or cable.

A refund of your purchase price, provision of replacement products, repair of the accessory or cable or provision of
corrected services as described above, shall be your sole and exclusive remedy for a breach of this warranty. THESE

ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTIES GIVEN BY EASY HEAT WITH RESPECT TO THE GOODS AND SERVICES AND ARE IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDE ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHETHER OR NOT THE PURPOSE OR USE HAS BEEN DISCLOSED TO EASY HEAT IN SPECIFICATIONS, DRAWINGS
OR OTHERWISE, AND WHETHER OR NOT EASY HEAT’S PRODUCTS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED AND/OR MANUFACTURED BY EASY HEAT FOR YOUR USE
OR PURPOSE.

This warranty does not extend to any losses or damages due to misuse, accident, abuse, neglect, normal wear and tear,
negligence, unauthorized modification or alteration, use beyond rate capacity, or improper installation, maintenance
or application. To the extent that you or your agents have supplied specifications, information, representation of
operating conditions or other data to Easy Heat in the selection or design of the Goods and the preparation of Easy
Heat’s quotation, and in the event that actual operating conditions or other conditions differ from those represented
by you, any warranties or other provisions contained herein which are affected by such conditions shall be null and
void.

If within thirty (30) days after your discovery of any warranty defects within the warranty period, you notify Easy Heat
thereof in writing, Easy Heat shall, at its option, repair, correct or replace F.O.B. point of manufacture, or refund the
purchase price for, that portion of the Goods found by Easy Heat to be defective. Failure by you to give such written
notice within the applicable time period shall be deemed an absolute and unconditional waiver of your claim for such
defects. Goods repaired or replaced during the warranty period shall be covered by the foregoing warranty for the
remainder of the original warranty period or ninety (90) days from the date of shipment of the repaired or replaced
goods, whichever is longer.

This limited warranty does not cover any costs relating to the repair or replacement of any accessory or cable at the installation site. Our
accessories and cables are not easily accessible. A failed accessory or cable usually cannot be easily repaired.
Replacement of a failed accessory or cable will require that the materials under which it is installed be removed to
permit replacement of the accessory or cable. We will not reimburse any costs relating to the repair or replacement of any accessory

or cable at the installation site.

IN NO EVENT, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, INFRINGEMENT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY, OTHER TORT OR OTHERWISE), SHALL EASY HEAT’S LIABILITY TO YOU AND/OR YOUR CUSTOMERS EXCEED THE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR THE
SPECIFIC GOODS PROVIDED BY EASY HEAT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION. YOU AGREE THAT WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR
YOUR CUSTOMERS FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. No agent, employee or representative of ours has
authority to bind us to any affirmation, representation or warranty concerning the goods sold unless such affirmation, representation or warranty
is specifically incorporated by written agreement.

To obtain new products, arrange repair of existing product, or a refund under this warranty, please contact Easy Heat
with a description of the defect and proof of purchase at the address noted herein.

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