This snow sensor detects the presence of snow and/or ice precipitation and tells your ice dam heat tape system to initiate. Early heat tape activation allows maximum effectiveness in the prevention of snow and ice accumulating on your roof line.
$514.95
50 in stock
The PYROSelf is a stylish, smart and reliable snow and ice sensor/controller. Installed outdoors, it measures the temperature and detects snow, sending the information via the PYROCON12 controller to the ice dam heat tape system. The PYROSelf is connected to the snow melting controller (PYROCON12) with a 30 ft (10m), 24V 4-wire cable and communicating with the controller, providing the temperature value and snow detection based on the adjustable parameters for your ice dam prevention needs.
The plastic “igloo” shape design helps to assure reliable snow/ice detection, as it prevents snow from accumulating around the sensing area. Four holes around the sensor are designed to hold the anti-nesting spikes, keeping birds away. The sensor cap helps to keep the sensing area clean from dust, dirt and debris during summer and when your snow melting system is not used.
The measured temperature and the snow detection are visible on the back lit LCD display of the PYROCON12 controller.
“Heat Tape Pro did exactly what I needed it to do. Now I don’t have to worry about water leaking into my house, because I can tell when it’s working by the little light on the end of the cable.”
-Michael P.
Amazon Customer
“This heat tape works as advertised. It was delivered to me fast, and although it’s a little complicated to install, the documentation is good..”
-Shaun D.
Radiant Solutions Customer
“I install thousands of feet of heat tape every year. This is the best stuff I’ve found to protect my customers homes and give them the piece of mind they need.”
-Patrick B.
Professional Installer
The PyroSelf automatically detects when snow or ice is falling and tells your heat tape system to turn on. Instead of your heat tape running all winter (wasting energy) or you having to remember to turn it on manually, this smart sensor does the work for you. It measures temperature and detects precipitation, then sends that info to your heat tape controller so your system only runs when it's actually needed.
You can absolutely use heat tape without a sensor, but you'll either waste energy running it constantly or risk missing ice dam formation if you turn it on manually. The PyroSelf gives you the best of both worlds - automatic activation when conditions are right, plus energy savings when they're not. Think of it as making your heat tape system truly smart instead of just "on" or "off."
Yes, but you'll need the right controller setup. The PyroSelf works with field-assembled heat tape systems through the PYROCON12 controller. If you're using our pre-terminated Heat Tape PRO, you'd typically use our ThermaCord controller instead. Give us a call at 952-444-2044 if you need help figuring out the right combination for your specific installation.
The sensor itself is pretty straightforward - it needs to be mounted outdoors where it can detect weather conditions, and it connects to your controller with the included 30-foot cable. The trickier part is often the controller installation and connecting everything to your heat tape system. If you're comfortable with basic electrical work, you can handle it. If not, we can connect you with professional installers who know these systems inside and out.
Nope. The PyroSelf comes with anti-nesting spikes specifically designed to keep birds away from the sensing area. The plastic "igloo" shape also helps prevent animals from interfering with it, and there's a protective cap to keep debris out during the off-season. We've thought through the real-world challenges of having sensitive equipment outdoors.
The sensor combines temperature measurement with precipitation detection. It's smart enough to distinguish between different types of precipitation based on temperature conditions. When it detects moisture along with temperatures that could cause ice formation, that's when it signals your heat tape system to activate.
We stand behind our products with solid warranty coverage, though specific terms can vary by component. The sensor is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions year after year. For exact warranty details and registration, check out the warranty information that comes with your sensor or visit our website's warranty section.
That depends on your local weather patterns, but it can be significant. Instead of running your heat tape system for entire months "just in case," the PyroSelf only activates it when conditions actually warrant it. In milder winter periods or during temperature swings, this can cut your operating costs substantially while still protecting your home when it matters.
Absolutely. The temperature readings and snow detection status are displayed on the backlit LCD screen of the PYROCON12 controller. You can see exactly what conditions the sensor is detecting and whether your system is active or standby. No more guessing about whether your protection is working.
If you're installing a field-assembled heat tape system and want maximum effectiveness with energy efficiency, yes. The PyroSelf pays for itself through energy savings and gives you peace of mind that your protection is working automatically. However, if you're just looking for basic ice dam prevention on a budget, our simpler ThermaCord controller might be a better fit. We're happy to talk through your specific situation - that's what we're here for.
This is specifically for field-assembled heat tape systems where you're building a custom installation. If you already have a controller setup or need a sensor for a specialized application, this gives you just the detection component.
You'll need the PYROCON12 controller (sold separately) and the expertise to wire everything together. This isn't a plug-and-play solution - it's for custom installations.
The sensor connects to a separate controller with a 30-foot cable, and that controller manages your heat tape activation. Think of this as one component in a larger system.
Not really - by the time you add the required controller, you'll spend more than a complete kit. This is for specific technical applications, not cost savings.
Professional installers, electrical contractors, or technically skilled DIYers who are building custom automated systems and need individual components.
PipeFreezePRO comes with one or more 30ft rolls of high-quality fiberglass tape, but you can use any tape with a temperature rating of 150º F and above. Self-adhesive aluminum foil tape can be used but avoid standard tapes, including electrical tape and duct tape because they lose their adhesion when exposed to heat. Remember, it’s imperative to cover the pipe/heat tape assembly with pipe insulation (1/2″ minimum thickness). Think four easy steps: 1) cable on pipe, 2) tape on cable, 3) insulation on pipe/cable and 4) tape on insulation.
Pipe Freeze PRO can be overlapped during installation. This is a fundamental advantage of self-regulating heat cable over cheap, constant wattage cable found in hardware stores is that it can be overlapped without risk of shorting out or catching fire. So yes, overlap away!
The amount of heat cable needed for pipe freeze prevention is determined by a couple of simple factors including: Length of pipe, diameter of pipe, distance to power supply and number of valves.
Most of the time, we do not recommend a spiral cable application because it’s simply not necessary. It requires 3x the cable to do the same job.
Therefore, simply use a straight, single run of cable affixed to the bottom of the pipe (think 6 o’clock position) using the provided fiberglass installation tape. Next, add 1 foot of cable for every valve because you will be wrapping the valve with cable. For pipes less than 1″ in diameter, a single cable run is sufficient. For larger pipes, two cable runs are recommended. Keep in mind that plastic pipes are less thermally conductive so you may choose to use two cable runs on larger plastic pipes to be safe. Finally, if your outlet isn’t close to the pipe you are treating, factor in enough heat cable to reach your outlet (Pipe Freeze PRO does come with a 36″ power cord).
Finally, you must install insulation on your pipe and heat cable assembly in order for the system to operate effectively. See instructions for further details.
The cable can be exposed to wetness but the thermostat must stay dry to function properly. Use Pipe Freeze PRO for pipe freeze prevention applications only.
Consider using Heat Tape Pro inside of open drain pipes as that cable is rated for use in wet areas.
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Heat Tape Pro has the most comprehensive installation system that works on almost any kind of roof type.
For information about installing Heat Tape Pro on a Natural Slate Roof, Click here.
For information about installing Heat Tape Pro on a Synthetic late Roof, Click here.
Pipe Freeze Pro’s integrated thermostat turns power on and off automatically to the cable to save electricity. The thermostat is the lump located between the power cord and the heat cable. The thermostat triggers the cable to turn on at 37ºF and off at 50ºF, with a sensitivity range of +/- 4ºF. It’s a great feature that makes Pipe Freeze Pro unique among heat cables on the market.
Yes and no. The cable is approved for exposure to wet conditions but you should keep the thermostat dry for proper operation.
No. The thermostat need only be exposed to cold air. It does not hurt to have the thermostat attached to the pipe but it is not necessary. If you choose to attach it to the pipe keep in mind that the thermostat should not be covered with insulation.
No. You want the thermostat to react to the cold environment so it triggers the Pipe Freeze Pro to turn on.
Every Length of Heat Tape Pro has a cord length of 10-feet that is not included in the listed/state length. Meaning: A 100-foot Heat Tape pro will have a 100 feet of heated cable + a 10-foot unheated power cord.
Every Length of Pipe Freeze Pro has a cord length of 3-feet (36″) that is not included in the listed/state length. Meaning: A 30-foot Heat Tape pro will have a 30 feet of heated cable + a 3-foot unheated power cord.
Radiant Solutions has the most comprehensive installation system for Heat Tape that exists. We make accessories to install heat tape on almost any kind of roof.
Click here to learn about product specifically for Natural Cedar Roofs
Check out our full list of Frequently Asked Questions on our FAQ Page.
Take a Look at Our Heat Tape Installation Case Studies
Learn a Bit about Ice Dams and How & Why they Form
