Smart Roof De-Icing Controller with Temperature & Moisture Sensor
YeloDeer Smart Roof De-Icing Controller is designed to control 120V roof and gutter de-icing cables based on winter conditions. It uses both temperature and moisture sensing to help activate roof heating cables only when ice-forming conditions are present.
This controller is made for roof edges, gutters, downspouts, and ice dam prevention systems. It is especially useful for homeowners who do not want to manually plug and unplug roof heating cables throughout the winter season.
The controller supports automatic operation, manual heating, and Smart Life app remote control, helping make roof de-icing operation more convenient and energy-conscious.
Quick Use Snapshot
120V Roof Systems Designed for compatible 120V roof and gutter de-icing cables.
Temp + Moisture Auto mode uses both temperature and moisture sensing.
15A / 1800W Max Total connected roof heating cable load must stay within rating.
Smart Life App Supports remote mode control and checking through the app.
Key Benefits
Automatic Roof De-Icing Control Helps turn roof heating cables on when cold and wet conditions create ice risk.
Temperature + Moisture Logic Reduces unnecessary runtime compared with simple manual plug-in operation.
Manual Mode Available Useful for testing, temporary operation, or checking heating cable output.
Remote App Control Use the Smart Life app to check or adjust the controller when away from home.
Outdoor Controller Housing IP65 weather-resistant housing for suitable outdoor roof de-icing installations.
Power Outage Memory Restores previous settings after a power interruption.
Best For
Roof De-Icing Systems
Roof Edges Ice Dam Prevention Roof Heating Cable Control
Gutter & Downspout Systems
Gutter Heating Cable Downspout Freeze Protection Winter Drainage Paths
Cold Weather Homes
Freeze-Thaw Cycles Recurring Icicles Frozen Gutters
Convenience & Control
Automatic Operation Remote Control Reduced Manual Plugging
Important Before You Order
This product is for roof and gutter de-icing control.
It is not a pipe heat tape thermostat, not an electric floor heating thermostat, and not a general-purpose heating controller.
Your roof de-icing cable is 120V Total connected load is within 15A / 1800W Your cable layout allows proper sensor placement The moisture sensor can contact meltwater The controller can be installed in a suitable outdoor location Your outlet and circuit provide required electrical protection You understand how auto mode works Your system is for roof, gutter, or downspout heating
Use It For / Do Not Use It For
Use It For 120V roof de-icing cables, gutter heating cables, downspout heating cables, roof edge ice dam prevention, and smart winter drainage control.
Do Not Use It For Pipe heat tape control, electric floor heating, baseboard heaters, in-pipe heating cables, 240V systems, or loads above 15A / 1800W.
How Auto Mode Works
In automatic mode, the controller does not turn on just because there is snow on the roof.
It turns on when both key conditions are met: the temperature is cold enough, around 38°F / 3°C or below, and the moisture sensor detects liquid water from melting snow or ice.
This design helps avoid running roof heating cables when the roof is cold but dry, or when snow is present but no meltwater is reaching the sensor.
Why Moisture Sensor Placement Matters
The moisture-sensing cable must be placed where meltwater is likely to contact it.
If the sensor shows “dry,” the controller may not activate in auto mode even if snow is visible on the roof. Manual mode can be used for testing or temporary operation, but proper sensor placement is important for reliable automatic control.
Recommended Applications
YeloDeer Smart Roof De-Icing Controller is designed for 120V roof and gutter heating cable systems where automatic winter operation is needed.
Roof De-Icing Control
Roof Edge Heating Ice Dam Prevention Sloped Roof Protection Roof Valleys
Gutter & Downspout Control
Gutter Heating Cable Downspout Heating Cable Frozen Gutter Prevention Winter Drainage Paths
Common Roof Types
Asphalt Shingle Roofs Metal Roofs Roof Drainage Problem Areas
Problem Conditions
Recurring Icicles Freeze-Thaw Cycles Frozen Downspouts Snowmelt Refreezing
Compatible Roof Heating Systems
This controller is compatible with many 120V roof and gutter de-icing cables when the total load is within the controller rating.
Cable voltage is 120V Total amperage is within 15A Total wattage is within 1800W Cable is suitable for roof and gutter de-icing Outlet and circuit protection meet local requirements Controller and sensor can be installed according to roof layout
When This Controller Is Most Useful
Automatic Operation Useful when you want roof heating cables to run based on winter conditions instead of manual plugging.
Away-from-Home Control Helpful when you want to check or adjust the system remotely during winter weather.
Energy-Conscious Use Helps reduce unnecessary runtime compared with leaving roof heating cables powered continuously.
When Not to Use This Product
- Pipe heat tape control
- Electric floor heating
- Baseboard heater control
- In-pipe heating cables
- 240V roof heating systems
- Loads above 15A / 1800W
- Roof layouts where the moisture sensor cannot contact meltwater
- Systems intended to melt heavy snow accumulation quickly
- Installations without proper outdoor electrical protection
For pipe heating control, choose YeloDeer Pipe Heat Tape Thermostat.
Product Specifications
| Product Type |
Smart roof and gutter de-icing controller |
| Application |
120V roof de-icing cable control |
| Control Modes |
Auto mode, manual mode, and app control |
| Auto Activation |
Around 38°F / 3°C with moisture detected |
| Auto Shutoff |
Around 46°F / 8°C when heating is no longer required |
| Voltage |
120V AC |
| Maximum Load |
15A / 1800W |
| App Control |
Smart Life app |
| Weather Rating |
IP65 controller housing |
| Power Cord Length |
6 ft |
| Moisture-Sensing Cable Length |
10 ft |
| Power Outage Memory |
Supported |
| Included Accessories |
Shingle clips, spacers, and mounting screws |
| Recommended Use |
Roof edges, gutters, downspouts, and ice dam prevention systems |
Understanding the Three Control Modes
Auto Mode Uses temperature and moisture together. Heating activates when conditions are cold enough and the moisture sensor detects liquid water.
Manual Mode Turns the connected roof heating cable on directly. Useful for testing, temporary operation, or checking controller output.
App Control: Smart Life app control allows remote operation, mode switching, and status checking. This is useful when you are away from home or want more convenient control during winter storms.
Load and Cable Length Planning
Before connecting roof heating cables, calculate total load. Do not exceed 15A / 1800W.
If your roof heating cable system exceeds the controller rating, use a different control method or divide the heating system into properly rated circuits according to electrical code.
Moisture Sensor Function
Detects Liquid Water The sensor is designed to detect water from melting snow or ice.
Not Just a Snow Sensor If snow is dry, frozen, or not melting at the sensor location, auto mode may not activate.
Placement Is Critical The sensor should be placed where meltwater naturally reaches it.
Basic Installation Overview
YeloDeer Smart Roof De-Icing Controller should be installed where it can power the roof heating cable and where the moisture sensor can be placed in the meltwater path.
- Confirm your roof heating cable is 120V.
- Confirm total load is within 15A / 1800W.
- Plan the controller mounting location.
- Place the moisture-sensing cable where meltwater will contact it.
- Secure the sensor using the included clips and spacers where suitable.
- Connect the roof de-icing cable to the controller.
- Plug the controller into a properly protected outdoor-rated outlet.
- Select auto mode, manual mode, or app control.
- Test the system before severe winter weather.
- Check sensor status during early winter operation to confirm placement.
Important Installation Notes
120V Roof Systems Only Use only with compatible 120V roof and gutter de-icing cables.
Do Not Exceed Load Total connected load must stay within 15A / 1800W.
Place Sensor Correctly Auto mode may not activate if the moisture sensor stays dry.
Protect Connections Do not place electrical connections in standing water.
Use Outdoor Protection Use outdoor-rated GFCI protection where required.
Install Before Ice Forms Do not expect the system to remove heavy snow or large ice dams quickly.
Moisture Sensor Placement Guide
Good Sensor Locations Near roof edge meltwater paths, gutter areas where water begins to drain, heating cable loops, or problem areas where refreezing often begins.
Avoid These Locations Areas that stay dry, are buried in dry snow, are far from the heated drainage path, are blocked from meltwater flow, or collect debris.
Testing the System
Manual mode can be used to confirm that the controller and heating cable can power on.
If manual mode works but auto mode does not activate, the controller may not be defective. The most common reason is that the moisture sensor is not detecting liquid water.
Check whether the app shows the sensor as dry or wet, then adjust sensor placement if needed.
Using the Smart Life App
Remote Operation Useful when you travel during winter or want to control the system without accessing the controller.
Status Checking Helps you check controller status, sensor condition, and mode selection from the app.
Mode Adjustment Allows you to switch between auto and manual operation when needed.
