Supporting Upstate New York, NY Metro, Long Island, New Jersey, and New England
LEP & NEES offer engineered solutions and standard control products for both industrial and commercial applications. We offer controls such as thermostats, controllers, or custom controls/distribution panels that can be utilized in ordinary or hazardous locations to meet your most demanding heat trace application needs.
We have a wide selection of wall or flush mounted digital thermostats, from single room to intelligent thermostats that can be operated from a handheld application.
We have several different thermostats designed to control heat-tracing systems used in roof and gutter deicing applications. These thermostats usually have a fixed set point between 35 - 40°F, are combined with an ambient temperature sensor (with sensor in air), and have a moisture/snow sensor placed in the gutter.
We will typically use an automatic snow and ice melting control system that utilizes sensors that can reliably detect snow and ice in pavement applications. Strategically positioned sensors detect falling or blowing precipitation before snow or ice begins to form, allowing the control to begin operating the system when it detects precipitation at temperatures below 38°F (3.3°C). This ensures that the system is signaled only if moisture occurs below this temperature, saving energy and ensuring thorough snow and ice melting.
Typically, an electromechanical bulb and capillary thermostat is used in these applications.
Thermostats are used for maintaining proper viscosity and flow in a piping system where heat trace is used for freeze protection or process temperature applications.
Roof/Gutter and snow melting control systems feature multiple sensor capability, ground-fault protection with adjustable trip levels, and adjustable heater hold-on timers.
These standard controllers range from 1 circuit to 10, depending upon the application of the heat trace. Many of our systems will require a hold-on timer which continues heater operation for up to 10 hours after snow stops to ensure complete melting.
An optional remote-control unit can be located where system operation can be easily monitored. The calibrated 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C) high limit thermostat prevents excessive temperatures when using constant wattage and MI heaters and it can include a relay closure interface for use with building management systems (BMS).
For large applications with many circuits that need to be controlled, we will develop a custom dedicated power-distribution, control, ground-fault protection, monitoring, and alarm panel for accurately and efficiently controlling heat tracing applications. This enclosure contains an assembled circuit breaker panel board. The control package contained in this panel allows the system to operate automatically in conjunction with many different sensors to ensure that the system is on when you need it - and only when you need it.
LEP & NEES will design your system and provide a complete BOM of accessories and components that simplifies installation and increases safety and reliability. Our accessories include connection kits, tape rolls, end seals, mounting brackets, pipe straps, labels, roof clips, power connection kits, and every other component required for a smooth operation of your heat tracing system.
Snow Sensors
Power Connection Kit
UL Listed Roof Clip
Heat trace thermostat options vary based on the application being controlled. Floor warming systems often use digital wall-mounted or flush-mounted thermostats, while roof and gutter deicing systems typically combine fixed-temperature thermostats with ambient temperature and moisture sensors. Snow melting systems frequently utilize automatic controls that monitor both temperature and moisture conditions to activate heating only when needed. The specific thermostat selected depends on the heating objective, environment, and level of automation required.
Heat trace controllers provide automated operation, monitoring, and protection for heated systems. Advanced controllers can support multiple sensing points, ground-fault protection, adjustable hold-on timers, high-limit temperature protection, and integration with building management systems. These features help ensure the heating system operates efficiently while reducing energy consumption and minimizing the need for manual intervention during changing environmental conditions.
A hold-on timer allows the heating system to continue operating after snowfall or precipitation has stopped. This additional operating time helps ensure that remaining snow, slush, and ice are fully melted before the system shuts down. Without a hold-on timer, residual moisture could potentially refreeze, reducing the effectiveness of the snow melting or deicing system. Hold-on timers are particularly common in roof and gutter deicing and snow melting applications.
Custom control panels are commonly used for larger installations with multiple heating circuits and more complex control requirements. These panels can integrate power distribution, circuit protection, ground-fault monitoring, alarms, sensors, and automatic controls into a single enclosure. By centralizing control functions, they simplify operation and maintenance while improving overall system reliability and performance.
A complete heat trace system typically requires more than just the heating cable itself. Common accessories include power connection kits, junction boxes, end seals, splices, attachment tapes, pipe straps, roof clips, mounting brackets, snow sensors, temperature sensors, monitoring lights, and labeling products. Selecting the proper accessories helps ensure a safe, reliable, and code-compliant installation while simplifying maintenance throughout the life of the system.
Our team is here to help you with all your Heat Trace needs.
