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WiFi Snow Melting Controller for Roof & Driveway De-Icing
Overview
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
Key Benefits
Choose the Right SKU
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.
Choose the EFS-R roof moisture sensor for roof and gutter de-icing systems where meltwater can reach the sensor surface.
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
Important Before Ordering
Confirm the SKU, electrical load, installation location, and heating cable system before ordering.
- 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.
- The Weatherproof Enclosure SKU is the enclosure only. It does not replace the controller or sensor kit.
- Heating cable is not included with the controller sensor kits. The EFC1 controls a compatible external snow melting or de-icing heating system.
- The EFC1 controller is IP20. Install it indoors or inside a suitable weatherproof electrical enclosure when used in an outdoor installation.
- 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.
Related Roof De-Icing Products
Building a roof or gutter de-icing system? Explore YeloDeer Roof & Gutter De-Icing Cables.
Applications
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.
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.
Who This System Is For
Applications to Avoid
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.
Specifications
EFC1 Controller Specifications
| Model | EFC1 |
| Product Type | WiFi snow melting and de-icing controller |
| Input Voltage | 85–265V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Typical North American Systems | 120V or 240V AC |
| Maximum Relay Current | 16A |
| Recommended Continuous Load | 11A or less for long-term continuous operation |
| Standby Power | 2W |
| Relay Type | AC-1 |
| Mounting | 35 mm DIN rail |
| Controller IP Rating | IP20 |
| Maximum Terminal Wire Size | 2.5 mm² / 13 AWG |
| Controller Dimensions | 3.54 × 2.09 × 2.56 in / 90 × 53 × 65 mm |
| Ambient Temperature | 32–113°F / 0–45°C |
| Storage Temperature | 14–122°F / -10–50°C |
| Air Temperature Sensor | NTC, 10 kΩ at 77°F / 25°C |
| Air Sensor Cable Length | 9.8 ft / 3 m |
| Control Logic | Outdoor temperature + moisture detection |
| WiFi | 2.4 GHz WiFi; Smart Life app compatible |
| Operating Modes | Automatic Mode and Forced Heating Mode |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty for product quality-related issues |
Moisture Sensor Specifications
| Specification | EFS-G Ground Sensor | EFS-R Roof Sensor |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Application | Driveways, walkways, ramps, porches, paved snow melting areas | Roof edges, gutters, downspouts, roof drainage areas |
| Sensor Cable Length | 32.8 ft / 10 m | 32.8 ft / 10 m |
| Temperature Sensor | NTC, 10 kΩ at 77°F / 25°C | NTC, 10 kΩ at 77°F / 25°C |
| Internal Sensor Heater | 5W | 5W |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Ambient Temperature | -58–158°F / -50–70°C | -58–158°F / -50–70°C |
| Measured Temperature Range | -22–167°F / -30–75°C | -22–167°F / -30–75°C |
| Operating Temperature | -58–158°F / -50–70°C | -58–158°F / -50–70°C |
| Dimensions | 2.36 × 2.36 × 1.42 in / 60 × 60 × 36 mm | 4.72 × 1.18 × 0.59 in / 120 × 30 × 15 mm |
| Weight | 26.74 oz / 758 g | 16.68 oz / 473 g |
About the 5W sensor heater: The internal heater inside the EFS-G and EFS-R moisture sensors is used only to melt snow or ice on the sensor surface so moisture can be detected. It is not designed to melt snow across the driveway, roof, gutter, or other protected area.
Advanced Control Functions
| Function | Default | Setting Range |
|---|---|---|
| F0 — Temperature Unit | °F | °F / °C |
| F1 — Drying Delay Time | 2 hours | 0.5–9 hours |
| F2 — Air Temperature Calibration | 0°F / 0°C | ±9°F / ±5°C |
| F3 — Moisture Detection Threshold | 200 | 10–990 |
| F4 — Maximum Heating Alarm Time | 36 hours | 1–240 hours |
| F5 — Temperature Hysteresis | 1°F / 1°C | 1–18°F / 0.1–10°C |
| F6 — Total Heating Hours | View only | View only |
| F7 — Heating Cycle Counter | View only | View only |
| F8 — Software Version | View only | View only |
| F9 — Factory Reset | No | No / Reset |
Weatherproof Enclosure SKU
| Product Type | Weatherproof DIN rail controller enclosure |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Primary Use | Protecting the EFC1 controller in suitable outdoor installations |
| Cover | Transparent access window |
| Included Controller | No — enclosure SKU only |
| Included Moisture Sensor | No — enclosure SKU only |
Installation
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
Air Temperature Sensor Placement
EFS-G Ground Sensor Installation
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
For additional installation resources, visit the YeloDeer Installation Guide.
FAQ
Which SKU should I choose?
Choose the EFC1 + EFS-G Ground Sensor Kit for driveways, walkways, sidewalks, porches, ramps, loading docks, and similar paved snow melting surfaces.
Choose the EFC1 + EFS-R Roof Sensor Kit for roof edges, gutters, downspouts, and roof drainage de-icing systems.
Choose the Weatherproof Enclosure only when you need an enclosure for the controller. The enclosure SKU does not include the EFC1 controller or moisture sensor.
What is the difference between the EFS-G and EFS-R sensors?
Both work with the same EFC1 controller and use moisture detection with an internal 5W sensor heater.
The EFS-G is a round ground sensor designed for horizontal, flush installation in paved snow melting surfaces. The EFS-R is a lower-profile roof sensor designed for roof, gutter, and downspout applications.
Does the controller detect snow directly?
No. The system detects water on the moisture sensor surface rather than snow itself.
Because snow and ice are poor electrical conductors, the moisture sensor uses its built-in heater to help melt snow or ice on the sensing surface. Once water is detected and the outdoor temperature is within the selected operating range, automatic heating can begin.
Why might the system not start immediately when snowfall begins?
The sensor may need time to melt snow or ice on its surface into detectable water. This is normal for the moisture-detection method used by the system.
The controller also operates only when the outdoor temperature is within the configured operating range.
Can I use the EFC1 with both 120V and 240V snow melting systems?
Yes. The EFC1 accepts 85–265V AC, 50/60Hz input and can be wired for compatible 120V or 240V systems.
Always confirm the heating cable voltage, circuit configuration, wiring method, grounding, and load before installation.
Can the controller power my heating cable directly?
The controller relay is rated for a maximum of 16A. For long-term continuous operation, keeping the direct connected load at or below 11A is recommended.
For loads above 16A, 3-phase systems, or systems above 265V, the EFC1 should control a properly rated external AC contactor rather than carry the full heating load.
Can the EFC1 controller be installed outdoors?
The EFC1 controller itself is rated IP20 and should not be directly exposed to outdoor weather.
Install it indoors or inside a suitable weatherproof electrical enclosure. For WiFi installations, a non-metallic enclosure is preferred when possible because metal can reduce WiFi signal strength.
What WiFi network does the controller require?
The EFC1 uses a 2.4 GHz WiFi network and supports remote control through the Smart Life app.
Check WiFi signal strength at the final installation location before completing the enclosure installation.
Guides
How Automatic Mode Works
Temperature Range Logic
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.
Forced Heating bypasses the normal automatic detection logic. Use it only when necessary and monitor the connected heating system appropriately.
Before Each Winter Season
Sensor Care
System Planning Checklist
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.
