JANUARY 2006
To de-ice or not to de-ice: that is the question
By Howard Hopper
Q: A contractor in my jurisdiction is planning to
install heating cable in the sidewalks at an upscale
eating establishment to make sure they don’t ice up
during cold weather. Does UL List cables for these
applications? If so, how can these cables be
identified and what types of factors should be
considered to ensure the installation complies with
the NEC?
A: These types of systems, using heating cables and
mats, are Listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
under the product category “De-icing and Snow
Melting Equipment (KOBQ).” Guide Information for
this category can be found in UL’s Online
Certifications Directory at www.ul.com/database and
on page 228 of UL’s 2005 General Information for
Electrical Equipment Directory (White Book). This
product category covers fixed outdoor electric de-
icing and snow melting systems for use in accordance
with Article 426 of the National Electrical Code®
(NEC®). The equipment is provided with a means for
permanent wiring connections. However, equipment
rated 20 amps or less and 150 volts AC or less to
ground may be of cord- and plug-connected
construction.
Heating cables and mats are intended for installation
as described in the manufacturer’s installation
instructions. These instructions will indicate any
limitations of the installation and/or use of the
equipment. The instructions for mats or cable units
intended for burial in concrete will indicate that the
slab must be a double pour (i.e., poured in two parts)
if that is the only acceptable means of installation. If
1
such a limitation is not specifically mentioned, either a
single or double pour may be used. The instructions
will also specify other important installation
considerations, such as the minimum spacing between
adjacent cable runs if this is greater than 1 inch on
center.
These products are Listed as a system and are
composed of many individual components, such as
heating cables/mats, connections, splices, tees, end
seals, etc., that are often provided as a kit. It is
important that the installation be treated as a complete
system, and that no component substitutions be made
that are not covered in the instructions.
De-icing and snow removal systems investigated for
use in this application will include a UL Listing Mark
and the words “De-icing and Snow-Melting
Equipment.”
Article 426 of the NEC includes a comprehensive set
of installation requirements for this equipment. Among
other things, this includes requirements for the support
and cover requirements of the poured walkway,
identification of the installation by caution signs or
markings, protection of the cables, mats, and
connections from physical damage, and securing of
the heating elements during installation.
If the proposed installation of the de-icing system
employs methods of construction or installation that
are not covered by Article 426 of the NEC, the
installation is permitted only by special permission,
which is by written consent of the regulatory authority.
For more information on this equipment, contact Joel
Hawk in San Jose, Calif., by phone at +1-408-754-
6575; or by e-mail at Joel.Hawk@us.ul.com.
 THE CODE AUTHORITY®: ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS Managing Editor Editor
Published by the Regulatory Services Department of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Howard Hopper Doug Schultz
© 2006. All rights reserved. Telephone: +1-408-754-6609 Telephone: +1-847-664-1265
www.ul.com/tca Howard.D.Hopper@us.ul.com Douglas.Schultz@us.ul.com

Metallic wireways — voltage limitations, wire sizes and supports

By Robert Osborne

Q: Are there any limitations on the voltage of the conductors used in UL Listed metallic wireways? How can I
determine the maximum size of the conductors for which the wireways are Listed? Also, how can I identify metallic
wireways that have been Listed for use with horizontal supports spaced greater than 5 feet apart?

A: To begin with, metallic wireways consist of a sheet-metal trough with a hinged or removable cover for housing and
protecting electric wires and cables. Conductors are laid in place after the wireway system has been installed as a
complete system.

In response to your three questions, first, the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) does not impose any voltage
limitations on the use of wireways, although many installations will be expected to be less than 600 volts. Accordingly,
ANSI/UL 870, Standard for Safety for Wireways, Auxiliary Gutters, and Associated Fittings, does not contain any
voltage limitations in the construction, performance or marking requirements for these products.

Second, each length of Listed metallic wireway is marked to indicate the maximum size of conductor for which it has
been investigated, such as “Maximum conductor size ____ AWG (or MCM).”

And finally, metallic wireways intended for horizontal installation with supports at intervals exceeding 5 feet are marked
to indicate the maximum acceptable support interval for the wireway. In accordance with Section 376.30(A) of the
NEC, the distance between supports shall not exceed 10 feet.

Metallic wireways are Listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. under the product category “Wireways, Auxiliary
Gutters and Associated Fittings (ZOYX).” Guide Information for this category can be found in UL’s Online
Certifications Directory at www.ul.com/database and on page 148 of UL’s 2005 General Information for Electrical
Equipment Directory (White Book). Listed wireways and the associated fittings are intended for installation in
accordance with Articles 376 of the NEC. These products are investigated and Listed using the requirements in ANSI/
UL 870.

For more information on wireways, contact Robert Osborne in Research Triangle Park, N.C., by phone at +1-919-
549-1559; or by e-mail at Robert.D.Osborne@us.ul.com.

A look back at UL’s contribution to electrical safety

100 years ago ...

The beginning of the 20th century was a period of rapid growth for both UL and the young electrical industry. UL re-
sponded by building a 15,000 square foot testing station at 207 E. Ohio Street in Chicago. By 1905, UL published its first
7,500 Test Reports. In those early years, certification was completed on a variety of products, including the first multicol-
ored Christmas lights, fire extinguishers, electrical switches and transformers. UL labels included the words “Tested and
Inspected” or “Inspected” along with the product type. The word “Listed” was not required to appear on labels until 1962.