A snow-melting heating cable, cold-lead splice, or section of cable remains visible at a stair riser or another finished outdoor surface after concrete or mortar placement.
De-energize and lock out the circuit before inspection or corrective work. Electrical testing and connections must be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with applicable codes.
- Document the installation. Record the cable part number, exposed location, cover depth, and any visible crushing, cuts, abrasion, or sharp edges.
- Test before covering. Measure conductor resistance and insulation resistance with a megohmmeter, then compare the results with the factory label and installation records. A failed test requires Technical Support review before proceeding.
- Restore complete noncombustible cover. The heating cable and factory splice must not remain exposed. The Snow Melting Installation Manual records a minimum of 1.5 in. (38 mm) of material above the cable; the project SmartPlan or application cross-section may require greater depth, and current general guidance targets a consistent 2-3 in. below the finished surface.
- Use a project-appropriate repair. Subject to approval by the concrete/masonry professional and the project requirements, either groove and reseat the cable before rebuilding the surface, or build out the affected area with a compatible cementitious or high-quality polymer-modified repair mortar. Do not bend the cable tighter than allowed, cross cables, or leave the cable against an exposed edge.
- Retest after the repair. Repeat and record resistance and megohm readings before the area is returned to service.
If the cable is damaged, the required cover cannot be restored, or the installation differs from the approved plan, stop and escalate the case to WarmlyYours Technical Support.