I need to install a receptical under the eve of my roof for roof cable to plug into for melting ice on my roof. I would also like a pilot lite switch installed to let me know when the power is on for the roof cables. Do I need conduit from the inside of the house to the outside box. Any help in wireing diagram would help. Thanks JB

tkrussell

There are so many methods of performing the installation you mention.

Here is a link for one brand of pilot light switches by Leviton:
http://www.leviton.com/sections/techsupp/diagrams8.htm

Any switch controlling an outlet would simply feed a light also.

There are switches with a light in the handle that will illuminate only when the switch is ON.
This is the best method, see the switch part # HBL1201PL on the following link: http://63.90.33.38/wiring/catalogpages/page_C05.pdf

Install your 2 wire cable from the switch location to the overhang, cable is fine, conduit is not needed if the cable will be installed in an attic, I am assuming.

Do you also realize that the deicing heat cable must be protected by a special ground fault device rated for Equipment Protection at 30 MA ( milliamp). The best method is to install a 30 MA GFI circuit breaker in your circuit breaker panel.

In addition to the switch/pilot light, most brands of deicing cables offer a temperature/moisture controller. This would mount at the overhang outlet, and control the heat tape by only turning on the heat tape if the temp is below 32 deg F, and if there is moisture.. No need to have the heat tape on if the temp is above freezing and if there is no moisture.

jbane1

There is a moisture/temp. controller that I bought which is seperate from the roof cable. I will have a 1ft. piece of cable that is between recepticle and attic outside that I was concerned about needing conduit. Does this need its own circuit? Please reply. JB.

tkrussell

The cable that will be exposed cannot be BX or Romex, must be rated for wet locations and sunlight. Why cant the cable go over and thru the overhang and come into the back/top of the outlet box? If not then you may need to sleeve this cable with conduit somehow.

A separate circuit may be needed if the load exceeds 1440 watts for a 15 amp circuit, or 1920 watts for a 20 amp circuit, both at 120 volt. Plus you may only be able to get a 30 MA GFI in a circuit breaker, so looks like you should have a separate circuit.