Raychem H908 User Manual

WARNING:

CAUTION:

H908

WARNING:

CAUTION:

PLUG-IN POWER CONNECTION KIT WITH END SEAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

DESCRIPTION

The Raychem H908 is a plug-in, ground-fault-protected power
connection kit for use with WinterGard H311, WinterGard Plus H611,
and WinterGard Wet H612 120 V heating cables.

This kit ensures compliance with Pentair Thermal Management, NEC and
CEC requirements for ground-fault protection of equipment. It does not
protect people against the hazards of shock. The kit includes materials
for one power connection and end seal. All WinterGard, WinterGard Plus,
and WinterGard Wet heating cables are designed for water-pipe freeze
protection applications. Only the H612 heating cable can be used for both
pipe freeze protection and roof and gutter de-icing applications.

For additional technical support call Pentair Thermal Management at
[phone].

TOOLS REQUIRED

• Needle nose pliers • Propane torch or heat gun

• Utility knife • Diagonal cutters

• Panduit crimp tools CT100 and CT570

APPROVALS

Pipe Heating Cable
718 K
Also Listed as De-icing and
Snow Melting Equipment

-ws

KIT CONTENTS

Item Qty Description

A 1 Plug-in ground-fault equipment protection device

B 2 Black cloth tapes (6 inch long x 1 inch wide)

C 1 Uninsulated braid crimp

D 2 Insulated bus wire crimps

E 2 Heat-shrinkable tubes (1 inch long x 1/8 inch dia.)

F 2 Clamp ties

G 1 Heat-shrinkable tube (8 inch long x 1 inch dia.)

H 2 Warning labels for pipe-trace applications

I 2 De-icing and snow melting equipment labels

J 2 Mastic strips

K 1 Gel-filled end seal

L 1 Heat-shrinkable tube (5 inch long x 3/4 inch dia.)

These components are electrical devices. They must be installed correctly to
ensure proper operation and to prevent shock or fire. Carefully follow all of the
installation instructions and read these important warnings.

• To minimize the danger of fire from sustained electrical arcing if the
heating cable is damaged or improperly installed, and to comply with the
requirements of Pentair Thermal Management and the national electrical
codes, ground-fault equipment protection must be used on each heating
cable branch circuit. Arcing may not be stopped by conventional circuit
protection.

• Component approvals and performance are based on the use of specified
parts only. Do not substitute parts or use vinyl electrical tape.

• The black heating-cable core is conductive and can short. It must be

properly insulated and kept dry.

• Keep components and heating cable ends dry before and during
installation.

• Damaged bus wires can overheat or short. Do not break braid or bus wire
strands when scoring the jacket or core.

• Bus wires will short if they contact each other. Keep bus wires separated.

• Heat-damaged components can short. Use a heat gun or a torch with a
soft, yellow, low-heat flame, not a blue focused flame. Keep the flame
moving to avoid overheating, blistering, or charring the heat-shrinkable
tubes. Avoid heating other components. Replace any damaged parts.

• Use only fire-resistant insulation materials such as fiberglass wrap.

• Leave these installation instructions with the user for future reference.

ADDITIONAL MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Grounded, UL Listed 15-amp, 120-volt receptacle (receptacle must
be approved for wet locations if exposed to weather).

• Additional cable ties may be required for roof and gutter applications.

• Your application may require additional Raychem accessories; for
example, H903 application tape for pipe applications; H913/H914
roof clips and/or H915 downspout hangers for roof and gutter
de-icing applications.

Electric Deicing and

Electric Deicing and

on Premises

Snow Melting Equipment

on Premises

Snow Melting Equipment

WARNING

A

WARNING

Fire and Shock Hazard

Self-regulating electrical

Self-regulating electrical

Fire and Shock Hazard

heating cable attached to this pipe:

Disconnect before sevicing

heating cable attached to this pipe:

Disconnect before sevicing

B
C
D

E

F

G

Charring or burning the heat-shrinkable tubes in this kit will produce fumes
that may cause eye, skin, nose, and throat irritation. Consult Material Safety
Data Sheet RAY3122.

CHEMTREC 24-hour emergency telephone:
[phone]

Non-emergency health and safety information:
[phone].

H

I

J

K

L

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H908 DESIGN AND INSTALLATION INFORMATION FOR HEATING CABLE ON PIPES ONLY

WINTERGARD H311, WINTERGARD PLUS H611, AND WINTERGARD WET H612 HEATING CABLES

Important: For the Pentair Thermal Management warranty to be

valid, you must comply with all the requirements outlined in these
guidelines.

All thermal and design information provided here is based upon a
“standard” installation with heating cable fastened to an insulated
pipe. For any other application or method of installation, consult
Pentair Thermal Management at [phone].

HEATING CABLE SELECTION AND DESIGN

Make sure that the heating cable being used is suitable for your
application. Refer to the Commercial and Residential Application and
Design Guide (H53585) for heating cable application information.

1. Determine the heating cable type

Use Table 1 to select heating cables for insulated metal pipes. Use
Table 2 to select heating cables for insulated plastic pipes. Read
across the table to find your pipe size, then drop down to the line
corresponding to the lowest air temperature for that application and
the correct insulation thickness. The cell at that intersection has a
particular shading and may have a number. The shading indicates
which heating cable to use (key to the shading appears above the table
headings). A number represents the spiraling ratio (feet of heating
cable per foot of pipe).

If no number appears in the cell, straight trace the pipe. If a number
does appear in the cell, spiral trace the pipe.

If your spiraling ratio is 2.0, multiple trace the pipe using two straight
traces at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions.

If your spiraling ratio is 3.0, multiple trace the pipe using three
straight traces at the 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock position, and at the 4
o’clock and 8 o’clock positions.

Table 1. For METAL pipes with fiberglass insulation or equivalent (based on 40°F maintain temperature)

Example 1:

Pipe size: 1 in
Lowest air temp.: 0°F
Insulation thickness: 1/2 in
Metal pipe:
Plastic pipe:

WinterGard Plus H611, H621

WinterGard Wet H612, H622

Example 2:

Pipe size: 2 1/2 in
Lowest air temp.: –20°F
Insulation thickness: 1/2 in
Metal pipe:

1.3

WinterGard Plus H611 or

WinterGard Wet H612
(Use 1.3 feet of heating cable
Plastic pipe:

per foot of pipe.)

2.0

WinterGard Plus H611 or

WinterGard Wet H612
(Use two straight traces at the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions.)

WinterGard H311

Key to Table 1:

Lowest air

temp. (°F)

0

–20

–40

= H311 = H611, H612, H621, H622 = Use a thicker insulation

Insulation

thickness

1/2 in

1 in

1 1/2 in

1/2 in

1 in

1 1/2 in

2 in

1/2 in

1 in

1 1/2 in

2 in

1/2 in 6 in4 in3 in2 1/2 in2 in1 1/2 in1 1/4 in1 in3/4 in

Nominal pipe size

Table 2. For PLASTIC pipes with fiberglass insulation or equivalent (based on 40°F maintain temperature)

Key to Table 2:

Lowest air

temp. (°F)

0

–20

–40

= H311 = H611, H612 H621, H622 = Use a thicker insulation

Insulation

thickness

1/2 in

1 in

1 1/2 in

1/2 in

1 in

1 1/2 in

2 in

1/2 in

1 in

1 1/2 in

2 in

1/2 in 6 in4 in3 in2 1/2 in2 in1 1/2 in1 1/4 in1 in3/4 in

1.1

Nominal pipe size

1.41.2

2.0

1.21.1

3.03.02.01.81.51.1

1.1 1.9

1.61.41.2

3.01.81.51.31.1

1.4

3.02.01.71.41.21.1

1.31.1

3.0

1.71.41.21.1

1.31.1

1.81.3

3.01.81.51.31.1

1.51.1

1.1

1.91.41.1

1.4

1.1

3.02.01.7

1.61.2

1.2

3.01.8

1.7

1.4

3.0

1.8

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2. Calculate the total heating cable length required

Length = A + B + C + D + E + F + G + H

A Pipe length x spiraling ratio
B 4 ft x # gate/globe valves x valve length (ft) x spiraling ratio
C 2 ft x # ball/butterfly valves x valve length (ft) x spiraling ratio
D 2 ft x # flanges x pipe diameter (ft) x spiraling ratio
E 2 ft x # pipe supports v pipe diameter (ft) x spiraling ratio
F 1 ft for each power connection
G 2 ft for each splice connection
H 3 ft for each tee connection

= Total heating cable length (ft)

3. Determine the maximum heating cable circuit length allowed.

See Table 3 on the next page. Ensure that your circuits do not
exceed the maximum circuit length listed in Table 3. If necessary,
use additional shorter circuits.

HEATING CABLE INSTALLATION

Example (taken from Example 2 [on metal pipe], page 3):

Pipe length: 50 ft
Spiral ratio: 1.3 (from Table 1, page 3)
Globe valves: 3 (each 0.5 ft long)
Pipe supports: 10 supports for 1 in pipe
Power connections: 1
Splice connections: 1

WinterGard heating cable required:
A Pipe length x spiral ratio = 50 ft x 1.3 = 65.0 ft

B 3 globe valves (0.5 ft each) = 4 ft x 3 x 0.5 x 1.3 = 7.8 ft
C 0 ball/butterfly valves = 0 = 0
D 0 flanges = 0 = 0
E 10 pipe supports = 2 ft x 10 x 0.085* x 1.3 = 2.2 ft
F 1 power connection = 1 ft x 1 = 1.0 ft
G 1 splice connection = 2 ft x 1 = 2.0 ft
H 0 tee connection = 0 = 0

Total heating cable length required = 78.0 ft

*1 in pipe diameter / 12 in per foot = 0.085 foot

1. Prepare for installation

• Store the heating cable in a clean, dry place.

• Complete piping pressure test.

• Review the WinterGard heating cable design and compare
to materials received to verify that the proper WinterGard
heating cable and accessories are available. The WinterGard
heating cable will have the heating cable type printed on the
outer jacket.

• Walk the system and plan the routing of the WinterGard
heating cable on the pipe.

2. Cut the heating cable to length

• Cut the heating cable to the length required. This can be
done before or after the cable is attached to the pipe. Leave a
minimum of 1 foot extra heating cable for connection to power.
For splice and tee connections, leave a minimum of 1 foot for
each section of heating cable. WinterGard heating cable can be
cut to length without affecting its heat output per foot.

• Protect the heating cable ends from moisture or mechanical
damage if they will be left exposed before connection.

3. Position and attach heating cable to pipe

• Be sure all piping to be traced is dry.

• Install heating cable, using straight tracing, spiraling, or multiple
tracing according to the “Heating cable selection and design”
section on page 2.

• For straight tracing, install the heating cable on a lower half of the
pipe; for example, in the 4 o’clock or 8 o’clock position.

• Be sure to install the additional heating cable required for valves,
flanges, etc. as indicated in Step 2 of the “Heating cable selection
and design” section.

• When the design calls for spiraling, begin by suspending a loop
every 10 feet as shown in Figure 1. To determine the loop length,
obtain the spiral factor from Table 1 or 2 and multiply by 10. For
example, if a spiral factor of 1.3 is called for, leave a 13-foot loop
of heating cable at every 10-foot section of pipe. Grasp the loop
in its center and wrap it around the pipe. Even out the distance
between spirals by sliding the wraps along the pipe. Use glass
tape to secure the center of the loop to the pipe. Secure the
heating cable flat to the pipe to obtain good contact.

• Tape WinterGard heating cable to the pipe at 2-foot intervals using
Raychem H903 fiberglass application tape or nylon cable ties. Do
not use vinyl electrical tape, duct tape, metal bands, or wire.

4. Install heating cable end seals, splices, tees, and power
connection

• Test each circuit before installing the H908 ground-fault
device, according to the instructions in the “Heating cable
testing and maintenance” section.

• Install all end seals, splices, tees, and power connection prior to
plugging in.

• Follow the H908 kit installation instructions beginning on page 8.

• Use only weatherproof receptacles approved for wet locations
when installing WinterGard Wet H612 heating cable with the H908
Power Connection Kit for Roof and Gutter De-Icing Applications.

5. Check the installation

• Prior to installing thermal insulation, make sure the heating
cable is free of mechanical damage (from cuts, clamps, etc.) and
thermal damage (from solder, overheating, etc.).

• Visually check all power connections, end seals, splices, and tees.

• Using a megohmmeter, test each circuit according to the
instructions in the “Heating cable testing and maintenance”
section (page 4) both before and after installing the thermal
insulation.

10 feet

Glass tape
(typical)

Heating
cable

Apply glass
tape before
spiraling
heating cable
on pipe

Figure 1. Spiraled heat tracing

Pull heating
cable loop
length

Wrap loops
in opposite
direction

Tape after
spiraling
heating
cable on
pipe

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6. Install thermal insulation

• A reliable heat-tracing system depends on properly installed and
weather-proofed thermal insulation.

• Ensure that type and thickness of the insulation are in accordance
with the information in the heating cable selection tables on
page 2 and that all pipe work—including valves, joints, wall
penetrations, and other elements—has been fully insulated.

• Minimize the potential for mechanical damage to the heating
cable after instal lation by installing the insulation immediately.

7. Mark the installation

• Place “Warning” labels for pipe trace applications on the outer
surface of the insulation at 10-foot intervals (on alternating
sides of the pipe) to indicate the presence of WinterGard
electric heating cable. Additional labels and application tape are
contained in the H903 kit.

ELECTRICAL PROTECTION

For the maximum heating cable circuit length permitted for a given
circuit breaker rating, refer to Table 3. Limit your circuit length based
on your lowest anticipated start-up temperature.

The H908 kit contains a built-in 27-mA equipment-protection ground­fault device. This kit provides ground-fault protection of equipment
only. It does not protect people against the hazards of electrical shock.

Do not use an extension cord. Plug the unit directly into the outlet.
Note: Pentair Thermal Management, Article 427 of the NEC and

Part I, Section 62 of the CEC require ground-fault protection for pipe
heating cable applications.

8. Check the installation

• Prior to powering, check to be sure the heating cable is free of
mechanical damage (cuts, clamps, etc.).

• Visually check all power connections, end seals, splices, and tees
for proper installation.

9. Test the ground-fault protection

• Verify the H908 ground-fault device is functioning correctly,
according to the instructions in the “Heating cable testing and
maintenance” section.

Table 3. Maximum heating cable circuit length on pipe

Maximum heater length

Circuit
breaker

Heating cable type 0°F 40°F
WinterGard 120 V

H311 on pipe

WinterGard Plus 120 V

H611 on pipe

WinterGard Wet 120 V

H612 on pipe

Note: Circuit breaker sizing is based on Section 427-4 of the National
Electrical Code. Maximum circuit lengths are based on start-up load. Steady­state amps per foot is dependent upon heating cable temperature..

rating (A)

15 150 250

15 125 150

15 125 150

(ft) per circuit at start-up
temperature

HEATING CABLE TESTING AND MAINTENANCE

Using a 2500-Vdc megohmmeter (Megger) test the heating cable
circuit prior to installing the H908 ground-fault device but after
installing any splices, tees and end seals. Measure the insulation
resistance between the heating cable bus wires and the copper braid.
If the readings are less than 1000 megohms, inspect heating cables for
signs of damage and verify the components are correctly installed.

If physical damage is found, the entire damaged section must be
removed and a new section of heating cable spliced in using only
approved H910 splice kits.

If physical damage cannot be found, the complete circuit should be
removed and replaced with new heating cable.

To verify the ground-fault circuit is functioning, test the H908 before
each use. Push in the test button. The indicator light must turn off.

Table 4. Product data—WinterGard products on pipe only

Heating cable type WinterGard WinterGard Plus WinterGard Wet

H311 H611 H612
Service voltage (V) 120 120 120
Thermal output at 40°F (W/ft) 3 6 6
Weight per 100 ft (lb) 6 6 9
Minimum installation temp. (°F) 0 0 0
Maximum exposure temp. (°F) 150 150 150
Exposure to chemicals None None None
Environment Use only in dry ordinary

(nonhazardous) areas.

Then press the reset button. If the light goes back on, the device is
ready to use. Do not use the device if the indicator light does not go on
when the device is reset or if the indicator light remains on when the
test button is pushed.

Test the H908 functionality before each winter season or more often as
required by local code.

WARNING: Shock and Fire Hazard. Damaged heating cable

or components can cause electrical shock, arcing, and fire.
Do not attempt to energize damaged cable or components.
Replace them immediately using a new length of heating
cable and the appropriate WinterGard accessories.

Use only in dry ordinary
(nonhazardous) areas.

Use only in wet or dry ordinary
(nonhazardous) areas.

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H908 DESIGN AND INSTALLATION INFORMATION FOR ROOF AND GUTTER DEICING ONLY

(WinterGard Wet H612 Heating Cable)

Important:For the Pentair Thermal Management warranty to be

valid, you must comply with all the requirements outlined in these
guidelines.

HEATING CABLE DESIGN

Only WinterGard Wet H612 120 V heating cable is suitable for use

with the H908 power connection kit for roof and gutter de-icing
applications.

1. Calculate the heating cable length required.

Length = A + B + C + D + E + F + G

A Roof edge length (ft) x feet of heating cable per foot of roof edge

(From Table 5)

B Roof edge length (ft) x 0.5*
C Total gutter length (ft)
D Total downspout length (ft) + 1 (ft)
E 1 ft for each power connection
F 2 ft for each splice connection
G 3 ft for each tee connection

= Total heating cable length (ft)

* Roof extension: This length allows the heating cable to extend into the gutter

to provide a continuous drain path, or where no gutters are present, extends
beyond the roof edge to form a drip loop.

All design information provided here is based on a “standard”
shake or shingle roof application. For any other application or
method of installation, consult Pentair Thermal Management at
[phone].

Table 5. WinterGard Wet cable length for roof de-icing

Standing seam metal roof:

Eave overhang Shingle roof 18 inch seam

24 inch seam

0 2.0 ft 2.5 ft 2.0 ft
12 in 2.8 ft 2.8 ft 2.4 ft
24 in 3.8 ft 3.6 ft 2.9 ft
36 in 4.8 ft 4.3 ft 3.6 ft

Note: Pentair Thermal Management recommends a gutter and downspouts to
provide a continuous path for melted water.

Example:

Roof edge: 20 ft
Roof overhang: 1 ft
Roof gutter: 20 ft
Downspout: 15 ft
Power connection: 1 ea
Tee connection: 1 ea
Voltage available: 120 V
CB Size Available: 15 A
Start-up temperature: 0 °F

WinterGard Wet heating cable required:

A Roof edge: 20 ft x 2.0

(from Table 5) = 40 ft

B Roof extension: 20 ft x 0.5 = 10 ft
C Roof gutter: = 20 ft
D Downspout: = 15 ft + 1 ft = 16 ft
E Power connection: 1 ft x 1 ea = 1 ft
F Splice connection: = 0
G Tee connection: 3 ft x 1 ea = 3 ft

Total WinterGard Wet
heating cable required: 90 ft**

**This total is less than 100-ft maximum circuit length (see

Table 6), therefore a single circuit is required

HEATING CABLE INSTALLATION

1. Prepare for installation.

• Store the heating cable in a clean, dry place.

• Use only the following Raychem accessories to satisfy code and
agency requirements:

- H908 Plug-in Power Connection Kit (with end seal)

- H910 Splice and Tee Kit
(if splicing or teeing)

- H915 Downspout Hangers

- H913/H914 Roof Clips

• Carefully plan the routing of the heating cable for roof and gutter
de-icing.

• Make certain gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and other
debris.

2. Cut the heating cable to length.

• Cut the heating cable to the length required before or after it
is installed. Leave a minimum of 1 foot extra heating cable for
connection to power. For splice and tee connections leave a minimum
of 1 foot for each section of heating cable. WinterGard heating cable
can be cut to length without affecting its heat output per foot.

• Protect the heating cable ends from moisture and mechanical
damage if they will be left exposed before connection.

3. Position and attach the heating cable.

On roofs

• Loop the heating cable on the overhang area of the roof. This is the
part that extends past the building wall. Extend the bottom of each
heating cable loop over the roof edge and, using a UV-resistant cable
tie, connect the bottom of each loop to the cable running in the gutter
to ensure a drainage channel off the roof and into the gutter and
downspout. The cable running in the gutter should remain against
the bottom of the gutter. Extend the top of each heating cable loop
beyond where the wall joins the roof. Pentair Thermal Management

recommends 2-foot clip-spacing along the roof edge. See the
“Heating cable design” section (Table 5) for spacing and layout
information.

• Use WinterGard H913/H914 roof clips to attach heating cable to the
roof surface. One kit contains ten double roof clips for approximately
7 linear feet of roof edge. One H914 kit contains 50 roof clips for
approximately 35 linear feet of roof edge.

For flat roofs, the heating cable can be spaced as needed to create

runoff paths for melting ice and snow. Use single-ended clips located
at 3-foot intervals to secure the cable to the roof.

Roof clips may be attached to a shake or shingle roof with nails or

screws. Roof clips may be attached to a metal roof using screw, nail
or adhesive. (See H56723 installation instruction for more details.)
Reseal the nail or screw holes if necessary before installing heating
cable in the clips.

• A barrier (snow fence) can be placed on the roof above the heating
cable. This prevents damage to the cable and keeps the installation
from coming loose due to ice slides. The heating cable can be
attached to the barrier with UV-resistant cable ties, instead of using
roof clips, if desired. Do not use wire or other materials because they
may damage the heating cable.

In gutters and downspouts

• Run heating cable along gutters and into downspouts, ending below
the freezing level. Permanent attachment of the cable to the gutter
bottom is not necessary. Loop the heating cable in downspouts if
convenient, such as when the downspout is not at the end of the run,
or use the H910 splice and tee kit to tee down the downspout.

• Use WinterGard H915 downspout hangers to protect the heating cable
from fraying and from damage from sharp edges and to provide strain
relief. Refer to the H915 kit instructions for installation details.

• Use WinterGard H913/H914 roof clips to route heating cable into
and out of the gutter in such a way as to prevent abrasion to the
cable. Protect all cable that protrudes past the lower opening of the
downspout.

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