Outdoor Deicing & Snow Melting

Article 426-427 of the National Electrical Code covers the electrical energy pathways to heat tracing equipment that keep snow buildup from caving roofs and freezing pipes. While the voltage and ampere requirement of the product itself is a known characteristic, the characteristic of the wiring pathway — voltage, ampere, grounding, short circuit, disconnect and control — is more complicated and requires attention. Comments on the Second Draft of the 2026 NEC will be received until April 18th.