WiFi Snow Melting Controller System for Roof, Gutter, Driveway, and Walkway De-Icing
The YeloDeer EFC1 is an automatic snow melting controller designed to operate compatible heating cable systems based on both outdoor temperature and moisture conditions. Choose the Ground Sensor Kit for paved surfaces or the Roof Sensor Kit for roof and gutter de-icing applications.
The controller supports 120V and 240V systems, WiFi monitoring through the Smart Life app, and automatic or forced heating control. The heating cable itself provides the snow-melting heat and is not included with the controller sensor kits.
Quick Fit Snapshot
Ground or Roof Sensor Choose EFS-G for driveways and paved surfaces, or EFS-R for roofs, gutters, and downspouts.
120V / 240V Compatible EFC1 accepts 85–265V AC, 50/60Hz power for compatible North American snow melting systems.
16A Max Relay Maximum controller relay current is 16A. For continuous operation, keeping the connected load at or below 11A is recommended.
Temperature + Moisture Automatic heating operates only when the selected temperature conditions and moisture detection requirements are both satisfied.
Key Benefits
Automatic Snow & Ice Control Helps operate compatible heating cables only when cold and wet conditions indicate de-icing may be needed.
Application-Specific Sensors Separate ground and roof sensor designs allow the system to match the way meltwater is detected in different locations.
WiFi Remote Monitoring Connect through a 2.4 GHz WiFi network and the Smart Life app for compatible remote monitoring and control functions.
Automatic or Forced Heating Use automatic dual-sensor operation for normal winter control or activate forced heating when temporary manual operation is required.
Choose the Right SKU
Weatherproof Enclosure Only
IP65 Enclosure DIN Rail Housing Outdoor Controller Protection
Choose this option when you need a weatherproof enclosure for an EFC1 controller installation. This SKU is the enclosure only and does not include the EFC1 controller or moisture sensors.
Roof Sensor Kit — EFC1 + EFS-R
Roof Edges Gutters Downspouts
Choose the EFS-R roof moisture sensor for roof and gutter de-icing systems where meltwater can reach the sensor surface.
Ground Sensor Kit — EFC1 + EFS-G
Driveways Walkways Porches & Ramps
Choose the EFS-G ground moisture sensor for paved snow melting areas. The sensor is designed for horizontal, flush installation in the protected surface.
Suitable For
Ground Snow Melting
Driveways Walkways Sidewalks Ramps Porches Loading Docks
Roof & Drainage De-Icing
Roof Edges Gutters Downspouts Roof Drainage Areas
Important Before Ordering
Confirm the SKU, electrical load, installation location, and heating cable system before ordering.
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The Ground Sensor Kit and Roof Sensor Kit use the same EFC1 controller but different moisture sensors. Choose EFS-G for ground applications and EFS-R for roof or gutter applications.
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The Weatherproof Enclosure SKU is the enclosure only. It does not replace the controller or sensor kit.
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Heating cable is not included with the controller sensor kits. The EFC1 controls a compatible external snow melting or de-icing heating system.
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The EFC1 controller is IP20. Install it indoors or inside a suitable weatherproof electrical enclosure when used in an outdoor installation.
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Maximum relay current is 16A. For long-term continuous operation, keeping the connected load at or below 11A is recommended.
- For loads above 16A, 3-phase systems, or systems above 265V, use a properly rated external AC contactor rather than routing the heating load directly through the controller.
- The controller supports 85–265V AC, 50/60Hz. Confirm the heating cable voltage and circuit configuration before wiring.
- WiFi control requires a stable 2.4 GHz network. A non-metallic enclosure is preferred when possible because a fully enclosed metal box may weaken the WiFi signal.
Electrical Safety
This controller must be installed and wired by a qualified electrician in accordance with applicable electrical requirements.
Disconnect power before installation, wiring, inspection, or maintenance. Appropriate circuit breaker and GFCI/leakage protection are strongly recommended. The heating cable ground conductor must be connected to the mains grounding system.
Do not install the controller near flammable materials, heat sources, or in hazardous or explosive atmospheres.
Choose Ground or Roof Sensor Kit Confirm 120V or 240V System Calculate Total Heating Load Keep Direct Relay Load Within Rating Plan Weatherproof Controller Protection Provide Required Circuit Protection Confirm Sensor Installation Location Confirm Stable 2.4 GHz WiFi if App Control Is Needed
Related Roof De-Icing Products
Building a roof or gutter de-icing system? Explore YeloDeer Roof & Gutter De-Icing Cables.
Ground Sensor Applications — EFS-G
The EFS-G Ground Sensor Kit is designed for outdoor paved areas where the moisture sensor can be installed horizontally in the snow melting surface and exposed to representative meltwater conditions.
Residential Ground Areas
Driveways Walkways Sidewalks Porches
Access & Traffic Areas
Ramps Stairs Loading Docks Outdoor Paved Areas
Roof Sensor Applications — EFS-R
The EFS-R Roof Sensor Kit is designed for roof and drainage applications where melting snow or ice water can reach the moisture-sensing surface.
Roof De-Icing
Roof Edges Ice-Prone Areas Roof Drainage Paths
Gutter Freeze Protection
Gutters Downspouts Meltwater Paths
Who This System Is For
Homeowners For automatic control of compatible residential driveway, walkway, roof, and gutter snow melting systems.
Property Managers For seasonal snow and ice control around residential, rental, and small commercial properties.
Contractors & Electricians For DIN-rail snow melting control systems requiring temperature and moisture-based activation.
DIY Project Planning Suitable for experienced users planning a snow melting system, while electrical installation and wiring must be completed by a qualified electrician.
Applications to Avoid
Recommended Use the controller with a properly designed outdoor snow melting or roof de-icing heating system where temperature and meltwater conditions can be monitored correctly.
Do Not Use Do not install the controller in hazardous or explosive atmospheres, near flammable materials or heat sources, or with electrical loads outside the controller rating unless a properly rated external contactor is used.
The system detects water, not snow directly. Snow and ice are poor electrical conductors, so the moisture sensor uses its built-in heater to help melt snow or ice on the sensor surface before moisture is detected.
Installation Overview
The EFC1 is a DIN-rail electrical controller and must be installed and wired by a qualified electrician. The following information is intended as a pre-installation overview rather than a replacement for the complete instruction manual.
- Select the correct EFS-G Ground Sensor or EFS-R Roof Sensor kit for the application.
- Confirm supply voltage, heating cable voltage, total current, circuit protection, and whether an external contactor is required.
- Install the EFC1 indoors or inside a suitable weatherproof electrical enclosure.
- Install the air temperature sensor outdoors in a shaded location away from direct sunlight, rain, and snow.
- Install the selected moisture sensor where representative meltwater can reach the sensor surface.
- Complete power, load, grounding, and sensor wiring according to the wiring diagram in the instruction manual.
- Restore power, configure the operating temperature range and moisture settings, and test system operation before winter use.
Controller Installation
DIN Rail Mounting Mount the EFC1 on a standard 35 mm DIN rail.
Protect the Controller The EFC1 is IP20 and must be installed indoors or inside a suitable weatherproof electrical enclosure.
Mount Above Ground The manual specifies installing the controller more than 19.7 in / 0.5 m above ground.
Recommended Installation Temperature Install in an environment approximately 23–95°F / -5–35°C when possible.
Add Circuit Protection Install appropriate circuit breaker and leakage/GFCI protection in series with the controller.
Ground the Heating System The heating cable ground conductor must be connected to the mains grounding system.
Air Temperature Sensor Placement
Recommended Install the air temperature sensor in a shaded outdoor location protected from direct sunlight, rain, and snow. Under the eaves is recommended when available.
Avoid Do not route the air sensor cable alongside power wiring unless appropriate shielding is used, because electrical interference can affect temperature readings.
EFS-G Ground Sensor Installation
Install Horizontally The moisture sensor must be placed horizontally with its sensing surface facing upward, even when the surrounding paved area is sloped.
Keep the Top Flush Install on a solid concrete base with the sensor surface flush with the finished ground surface.
Position Between Heating Cables Keep the sensor at least 0.8 in / 2 cm away from each adjacent heating cable.
Stay Away From the Edge Keep the sensor at least approximately 3.3 ft / 1 m from the edge of the snow melting area.
Choose a Representative Wet Area Install in a low, wet, shaded area where meltwater conditions represent the snow melting surface.
Seal Around the Sensor Seal gaps so meltwater flows over the sensing surface rather than draining into gaps around the sensor.
For asphalt installations, replace the normal protective conduit with metal conduit and do not install the EFS-G sensor before paving. Protect sensor wiring and follow the complete installation instructions.
EFS-R Roof Sensor Placement
Install the EFS-R in a roof, gutter, or drainage location where melting snow or ice water can reliably reach the moisture-sensing surface. Keep the sensor secured, unobstructed, and accessible for seasonal inspection and cleaning.
Load Wiring
The EFC1 LOAD terminals function as switching contacts and do not independently supply power to the heating cable.
Follow the 120V or 240V wiring diagram supplied with the controller. For loads above 16A, 3-phase systems, or supply voltages above 265V, use a properly rated external AC contactor.
WiFi Installation Notes
2.4 GHz WiFi Only The controller requires a stable 2.4 GHz WiFi network for Smart Life app connectivity.
Check Signal Before Final Mounting Confirm WiFi performance at the controller location before completing the enclosure installation.
Prefer Non-Metallic Enclosures A plastic or other non-metallic enclosure is recommended when possible for more reliable WiFi communication.
Avoid Fully Enclosed Metal Boxes A metal enclosure may weaken or block WiFi. Verify signal strength before final installation if a metal enclosure must be used.
For additional installation resources, visit the YeloDeer Installation Guide.
How Automatic Mode Works
1. Monitor Outdoor Temperature The controller continuously checks outdoor air temperature.
2. Monitor Moisture When temperature enters the selected operating range, the system begins monitoring the moisture sensor.
3. Start Heating When water is detected while temperature conditions are satisfied, the controller activates the connected heating system.
4. Continue Through Drying Delay After moisture is no longer detected, heating continues for the preset drying-delay period before shutting off automatically.
Temperature Range Logic
Above Upper Limit Conditions are considered too warm for normal snow or ice risk, so moisture monitoring does not operate.
Between Upper & Lower Limits The system monitors moisture and can activate heating when water is detected.
Below Lower Limit The controller stops automatic moisture monitoring because conditions may be too cold for effective melting or drainage.
Example from the manual: with an upper limit of 41°F / 5°C and a lower limit of 14°F / -10°C, moisture monitoring operates while outdoor temperature is between those limits.
Forced Heating Mode
Forced Heating Mode allows the connected heating system to operate continuously for a selected period without checking the normal temperature and moisture activation conditions.
Typical Uses
Emergency De-Icing System Testing Pre-Heating Drying Wet Surfaces
Forced Heating bypasses the normal automatic detection logic. Use it only when necessary and monitor the connected heating system appropriately.
Before Each Winter Season
Inspect All Wiring Connections Inspect Heating Cable for Visible Damage Check GFCI / Leakage Protection Clean the Moisture Sensor Surface Remove Leaves, Stones, Dirt, and Debris Confirm Meltwater Can Drain Away Check Sensor Placement Run a Short Test Before the First Snowfall
Sensor Care
Keep the Surface Clean Leaves, dirt, stones, ice blockage, or other debris can interfere with moisture detection and may trigger abnormal-operation alarms.
Maintain Drainage Water must be able to reach and leave the sensing surface normally. Standing water or poor drainage can affect system operation.
Inspect After Severe Weather Check the sensor and surrounding area after heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, maintenance work, or unusual drainage conditions.
Check Before Replacing Parts If abnormal moisture detection occurs, first inspect sensor cleanliness, drainage, wiring, and physical condition.
System Planning Checklist
Select EFS-G for Ground or EFS-R for Roof Confirm Heating Cable Voltage Calculate Total System Current Determine Whether a Contactor Is Required Plan Controller Enclosure Location Plan Air Temperature Sensor Location Plan Moisture Sensor Location Provide Circuit Breaker and Ground-Fault Protection Verify Grounding Check 2.4 GHz WiFi Signal if App Control Is Needed Test Automatic Operation Inspect the System Before Each Winter Season
Need Installation Help?
See the YeloDeer Installation Guide for additional installation resources. For project-specific questions, contact yelodeer@yelodeer.com with your supply voltage, heating cable specifications, total load, application type, wiring plan, and installation photos.
