Make all electrical connections in compliance with the National Electrical
Code (NFPA 70) and local electrical code. If you have questions
concerning the installation or application, contact Customer Service.
Abnormal Odor or Smoke
In the event of smoke or a burning or abnormal odor, immediately
interrupt power to the unit by unplugging the unit or by turning off the
circuit breaker protecting the unit.
Electrical Shock / Fire Hazard
Even when the snow melting elements are disconnected, as long as the
circuit breaker is on and power is running to the unit, voltage is still
being applied to the system’s yellow leads. Therefore, never touch the
ends of the yellow leads or let the two leads touch each other. Do not let
the two yellow leads contact any component inside the unit.
Any installation involving electric heater wiring must be grounded to
earth to protect against shock and re hazard. Suitable ground fault
detection and interrupting systems must be in use at all times to reduce
shock and re hazard and to protect equipment.
Electric wiring to heating elements must be installed in accordance
with National Electrical Code (NEC) or Canadian Electrical Code (CEC)
requirements and all other local and applicable electrical codes and
any third party standards. Follow the installation instructions contained
herein and those provided by the heater manufacturer.
Use a GFEP (Ground Fault Equipment Protection) circuit breaker on
each branch circuit connected to the ice melting system. Clearly label
each circuit breaker with its function. This is vitally important when there
is more than a single point of disconnect.
Size the circuit breaker in accordance with the size of the expected load.
The maximum current load for the LCD-8 is 16 Amp resistive. This product
is intended for use in residential or light commercial applications.
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SNOW/ICE CONTROL INSTALLATION MANUAL | PART NO. 24782 REV C
Make certain that the heater shield is properly grounded.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the equipment
or re.
Following installation and prior to beginning system
operation, refer to and perform the Post-Installation Tests
(page 12) described in this manual.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
More information is made available regularly through
our website, www.networketi.com. Please visit us online
for Data Sheets, Manuals, White Papers, technical articles,
and more. The most current and up to date version of this
and every other manual for our products can be found in
Acrobat (PDF) format to view online or to print. This is to
assist you in installing and using our products to the best
effect possible. If you have any comments about this or
any other product from ETI, please contact us.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Snow Switch® Model LCD–8 (Figure 1) is a
congurable aerial snow melting system controller which
makes automatic snow melting a cost-effective alternative
in even the smallest applications. Heaters operate at
temperatures below the LCD-8’s congurable set point,
pre-programmed to 38°F (3.3°C), only when required.
The adjustable hold-on period, pre-programmed to 3
hours, continues heater operation after snow stops to
ensure complete melting. The LCD–8 controller includes
an internal magnetic reed switch used for manual heater
cycling and conguring the controller’s operational
temperature set point and hold-on time.
The LCD–8 controller is available as a model which
operates from either an automatic selecting 100VAC –
240VAC or as a model which operates from 24VAC. These
two voltage options combine with the congurable hold-
on time and temperature set point to meet the need of a
wide number of applications using just two part numbers.
FIGURE 1. LCD-8
inductive. The operating temperature range extends from
–40°F to 140°F (–40°C to 60°C). The redesigned, patent
pending, rugged polycarbonate enclosure provides
excellent protection at temperature extremes, while
allowing snow to shed to prevent iglooing over the
moisture sensor.
The internal magnetic reed switch allows for both
conguration and manual heater operation without the
need for external switches—which are susceptible to
damage—or the need to open the enclosure.
Verifying system functionality after installation or when
troubleshooting used to require spray circuit cooler
or ice for controller activation. The Sno-Test™ feature
eliminates this need by performing a self-test after power
application and operating heaters in a unique pattern for
a few seconds. Reading the test results takes only an AC
voltmeter or clamp-on ammeter.
It controls heater loads up to 16 amps resistive or 3 amps
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A congurable snow sensor with two light-emitting diode
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SNOW/ICE CONTROL INSTALLATION MANUAL | PART NO. 24782 REV C
(LED) indicator lamps (Figure 2), the LCD-8 features a
hold-on timer which allows its system to operate to a drier
surface after melting snow.
• The hold-on timer can be congured for off, 1 hour, 3
hours or 5 hours. The operating temperature can be
congured for none (precipitation sensor), 36°F, 38°F
or 40°F.
• The low-temperature lockout (17°F/-8.3°C), which
• The LCD-8 uses an internal magnetic switch. The user
swipes a magnet externally across this switch to start a
hold-on cycle or to terminate a running hold-on cycle.
This switch may also be used to recongure the unit, or
to view the current conguration.
• The green LED, ordinarily on steady, blinks to indicate a
concern with the unit. This LED is also used in the LCD8’s conguration process.
Immediately upon receipt, inspect the container and
packing material for any noticeable damage. Unpack the
unit, taking care not to damage the packing materials.
Conrm all components noted in “Packing List” above
are included. Save the shipping container and related
materials until normal operation has been established.
If the unit must be returned, take care to ensure that it is
repackaged as it was received.
As soon as the unit arrives at your facility, inspect it for
mechanical damage. If any of the following problems is
found, contact ETI, Customer Service immediately:
• contents incomplete or incorrect;
• internal or external mechanical damage; or
• defective operation.
ETI Customer Service is available between 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. In the event of shipping damage,
keep the packing materials for inspection by the carrier.
• The yellow LED indicator is lit whenever the output
relay is powered (“on”).
• There is an initialization period where the heaters are
tested.
UNPACKING THE LCD-8
RETURNS AND REPLACEMENT PART PURCHASES
Equipment cannot be returned for credit once it has
been installed. ETI will repair or replace faulty equipment
under warranty. Prior to removal of equipment for
warranty return, please contact ETI Technical Support for
troubleshooting assistance.
Before returning a unit to ETI, obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization from our Customer Service Department,
available between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If
possible, use the original container and packing materials
when packing the unit for shipment. It is important to
mark the Return Merchandise Authorization clearly
on the outside of the shipping container so that it may
be correctly processed upon receipt at Environmental
Technology.
For more information about replacement parts or for a
replacement Manual, please visit www.networketi.com.
FIGURE 2. LCD-8 LEDs
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SNOW/ICE CONTROL INSTALLATION MANUAL | PART NO. 24782 REV C
INSTALLATION
With user-supplied hardware, mount the LCD-8 securely
in an upright position (sensor grid at top; see Figure 3)
in a clear and open area typical of the area to be melted,
either above the roof line or removed from the building
and exposed to, rather than protected from, falling snow.