⚡ Code Corner: NEC 426 – Outdoor De-icing & Snow-Melting Systems

📘 What NEC 426 says:

What it says:
NEC Article 426 governs fixed outdoor electric de-icing and snow-melting systems—like those installed under sidewalks, driveways, stairs, or roofs. These systems help prevent snow buildup and ice hazards but must be installed with care to meet safety codes.

Why it matters:
Improperly installed snow-melting systems can pose serious safety and liability risks—not just to property, but to people.

• 🔥 Without GFPE, a ground fault could go unnoticed, overheating cables and causing fires beneath concrete or roofing.

• 🔌 Without a proper disconnect, technicians can’t safely service or troubleshoot the system, increasing the risk of shock or unintended energization during maintenance.

• 🔒 Lockable disconnects ensure that once turned off, the system stays off until intentionally re-energized—a critical safety feature in both residential and commercial setups.

Whether it’s a heated driveway at a luxury home or embedded cables on a commercial sidewalk, following Article 426 protects lives, equipment, and your liability.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if the system is on a roof or remote slab, the disconnect must still be readily accessible—plan placement during design, especially if using a breaker as the disconnect!

🧠 Think it through – Article 426 requires equipment-level ground-fault protection (GFPE), not personnel-level GFCI. A disconnect is always required, and must either be readily accessible and lockable, or cord-and-plug connected if under specific limits. Controllers can only be used if they have an OFF position and meet lockability requirements.