Roof Drain De-Icing System for Flat & Low-Slope Roofs (FRDDS)

Overview Targeted Freeze Protection for Internal Drains on Flat and Low-Slope Roofs The YeloDeer Flat Roof Drain De-Icing System is designed to help keep internal roof drains open during winter freeze-thaw conditions. Instead of heating the entire roof, the system concentrates self-regulating heat around the drain opening and extends part of the heating cable into the drainage path where localized ice blockage can prevent meltwater from leaving the roof. The complete 120V kit combines a 50 ft self-regulating heating cable with a center aluminum ring and six grooved aluminum panels. The aluminum assembly organizes cable placement around the drain while helping distribute heat across the freeze-prone drainage area. Designed for commercial buildings, multifamily properties, warehouses, schools, facilities, and other flat or low-slope roofs with internal drainage systems. Quick Fit Snapshot Drain Compatibility Designed for compatible internal roof drains up to 14 in / 355 mm. 120V Complete Kit Includes a 50 ft self-regulating heating cable and 25 ft power cord. Targeted Drain Heating Positions heat around the drain opening and allows cable to extend into the drainage path. CSA Certified Cable The heating cable supplied with the Complete Kit is CSA certified. Key Benefits Targets the Critical Drain Area Concentrates heat where localized freezing can interrupt drainage instead of attempting to melt snow across the entire roof. Organized Cable Positioning Six grooved aluminum panels hold the heating cable in a planned layout around the drain opening. Flexible Six-Panel Layout Use all six panels in an open area, or omit one or more when a wall, parapet, curb, or rooftop obstruction limits space. Adjustable Heating Coverage Available cable can extend into the drain or toward a localized icing area when additional targeted coverage is required. Suitable For Commercial Buildings Office Buildings Retail Buildings Hotels Shopping Centers Industrial & Facility Roofs Warehouses Manufacturing Distribution Centers Utility Buildings Institutional Properties Schools Universities Hospitals Municipal Buildings Freeze-Prone Roof Drains Flat Roofs Low-Slope Roofs Internal Drains Freeze-Thaw Areas What Is Included 1 center aluminum spacer ring 6 grooved aluminum panels 50 ft self-regulating heating cable 25 ft power cord 120V plug-in power configuration Installation instructions Not included: roof drain dome or strainer, roof de-icing controller, required GFCI/GFEP protection, junction box, or site-specific electrical and mounting components. Important Before Ordering This is a targeted roof drain freeze-protection system—not a whole-roof snow-melting system. Before ordering, confirm that your roof is flat or low-slope, uses an internal drain, and has enough space for the aluminum assembly. The center assembly is designed for compatible drains up to 14 in / 355 mm. The standard Complete Kit uses 120V power and includes 50 ft of heating cable. Required GFCI/GFEP electrical protection must be provided, and the heating cable must be positioned so it does not obstruct the drain opening or interfere with water flow. Internal roof drain application Drain size is 14 in / 355 mm or smaller 50 ft cable is suitable for the planned route Compatible 120V power is available Required GFCI/GFEP protection can be provided Cable can enter the drain without blocking water flow Roof and drain area are suitable for installation Professional installation support is available when required Need a Custom Roof De-Icing Layout? If your project requires a different cable length, 240V power, hardwired installation, multiple roof drains, bulk cable, or an aluminum assembly without the standard heating cable, review the YeloDeer Project Consultation page before ordering. Qualified installers planning custom cable lengths can also view the YeloDeer Bulk Cut-to-Length Self-Regulating Heat Trace Cable. Applications Recommended Applications This roof drain de-icing system is designed for flat and low-slope roofs where meltwater converges at an internal drain and repeated winter freezing can restrict the drainage path. Recurring Drain Freeze-Up Frozen Drain Openings Freeze-Thaw Cycles Recurring Ice Winter Drainage Meltwater Ponding Water Around Drain Localized Ponding Blocked Drainage Ice Formation Retrofit Projects Existing Roof Drains Commercial Roofs Facility Upgrades Winterization Restricted Drain Locations Near Parapets Near Curbs Near Walls Near Equipment When to Consider Roof Drain De-Icing Ice repeatedly forms around an internal roof drain Meltwater ponds near the drain during winter The drain throat or upper drainage path freezes Maintenance teams repeatedly remove ice from the same drain Standard roof-edge heating cable does not protect the internal drain A repeatable drain-focused heating layout is required Typical Customers Facility Managers For properties with recurring winter drainage problems at specific internal roof drains. Roofing Contractors For compatible retrofit projects where localized drain freeze protection is required. Electricians & Installers For professionally planned roof de-icing systems requiring controlled cable placement. Commercial Property Owners For offices, retail properties, warehouses, multifamily buildings, and institutional facilities. Not Intended For Melting snow across an entire roof surface Standard sloped-roof eave and gutter de-icing layouts Emergency removal of large existing ice accumulations Replacing proper roof slope or drainage design Replacing drain cleaning, roof inspection, or snow-load management Repairing damaged roof drains, blocked drainpipes, or failed roofing membranes Hazardous locations unless the exact system and installation are approved for that application For conventional roof edges, gutters, valleys, and downspouts, browse the YeloDeer Roof De-Icing Collection. Specifications Product Specifications Product Type Flat roof drain de-icing and freeze-protection system Product Series FRDDS Complete Kit Model FRDDS-50P Primary Application Internal drain freeze protection on flat and low-slope roofs Heating Technology Self-regulating heating cable Heating Cable Certification CSA certified heating cable Standard Voltage 120V AC Heating Output 5 W/ft at 50°F / 10°C Heating Cable Length 50 ft Power Cord Length 25 ft Power Connection Plug-in Aluminum Assembly Center aluminum ring with 6 grooved aluminum panels Compatible Drain Size Up to 14 in / 355 mm Maximum Compatible Cable Profile 6 mm × 13 mm / approx. 0.24 in × 0.51 in Panel Length 24 in / 600 mm each Control Method Self-regulating cable; compatible automatic roof de-icing controller recommended Ground-Fault Protection Required GFCI/GFEP protection must be provided Installation Type Rooftop drain-area installation Certification note: the supplied product information confirms CSA certification for the heating cable included with the Complete Kit. This should not be interpreted as certification of every custom system, third-party component, or site-specific installation. Custom Project Options Custom Cable Lengths Project-specific lengths may be available when the standard 50 ft cable does not match the required layout. 240V Systems Contact YeloDeer for projects requiring 240V rather than the standard 120V Complete Kit. Hardwired Installation Custom professional installations can be reviewed for hardwired power and connection requirements. Multiple Roof Drains Commercial projects with multiple drains can be reviewed for cable, control, accessory, and quantity requirements. For custom configurations, visit YeloDeer Project Consultation. For field-terminated cable systems, also review the Heat Trace Cable Connection & Termination Kits. Installation Installation Overview The system is installed around a compatible internal roof drain. The aluminum assembly positions the heating cable around the drain opening, while a suitable portion of cable can extend into the drainage path to help protect the freeze-prone section below the roof surface. Review the applicable product instructions before installation. Rooftop and electrical work should be performed by qualified personnel where required. Basic Installation Steps 1. Prepare the Drain Area Remove leaves, gravel, ice, and debris. Confirm the drain, roof surface, and surrounding area are suitable for installation. 2. Position the Center Ring Place the center aluminum spacer ring around the compatible roof drain dome or strainer and center the assembly around the drain opening. 3. Install the Aluminum Panels Attach the grooved aluminum panels to the center ring. Use all six when space permits, or omit panels where a wall, curb, parapet, or other obstruction requires a modified layout. 4. Install the Heating Cable Plan the cable path before inserting it into the grooves. Insert the flat cable and rotate it 90° so the narrow side sits vertically and securely in the groove. 5. Extend Cable into the Drain Route a suitable length into the drain toward the freeze-prone area without blocking the drainage opening or interfering with the dome or strainer. 6. Connect Protected Power Connect the system to a properly grounded 120V source with the required GFCI/GFEP protection. Verify the system before normal winter operation. Important Installation Notes Plan the full cable route before pressing the cable into the aluminum grooves. Do not drag the cable jacket against aluminum edges when repositioning it. Do not crush, kink, puncture, sharply bend, or otherwise damage the heating cable. Keep the roof drain opening and water-flow path clear at all times. Do not allow cable placement to interfere with the drain dome or strainer. A roof de-icing controller does not replace required GFCI/GFEP electrical protection. Hardwired, 240V, field-terminated, and other custom systems should be handled by qualified professionals. Cable Placement Inside the Drain There is no single insertion depth suitable for every roof drain. The required cable depth depends on the drain construction, location of the freeze-prone area, available cable length, and site conditions. Use enough cable to provide targeted protection where freezing occurs while keeping the drainage path open. Recommended Automatic Control Self-regulating heating cable changes heat output as local temperature changes, but it does not completely switch itself off. For more automatic and energy-conscious winter operation, consider the YeloDeer Smart Roof De-Icing Controller. Before adding a controller, confirm voltage, total connected load, electrical protection, sensor placement, and compatibility with the final roof de-icing configuration. FAQ How is this different from a standard roof and gutter heating cable? Standard roof de-icing cable is normally routed along roof edges, eaves, valleys, gutters, and downspouts to maintain perimeter drainage paths. This system is specifically designed around an internal drain on a flat or low-slope roof. The aluminum panels organize heating cable around the drain, while part of the cable can extend into the drainage path below the roof surface. Can I use this system on a sloped roof? This system is intended primarily for flat and low-slope roofs that rely on internal roof drains. For conventional sloped-roof edges, gutters, valleys, and downspouts, choose a standard solution from the YeloDeer Roof De-Icing Collection. Will this system melt all the snow on my roof? No. It is not a whole-roof snow-melting system. Its purpose is to concentrate heat around the drain and help maintain a path for meltwater to reach and enter the drainage system. What roof drain size is compatible? The center assembly is designed for compatible roof drains up to 14 in / 355 mm. Before ordering, also confirm the available space around the drain, dome or strainer configuration, roof surface condition, and planned cable route. How far should the heating cable extend into the drain? There is no universal insertion depth. The required depth depends on where the drain freezes, the drain configuration, available cable length, and site conditions. Route enough cable toward the freeze-prone section while making sure it does not restrict water flow or interfere with the drain dome or strainer. Do I have to install all six aluminum panels? Not necessarily. All six panels can be used when the drain is located in an open roof area. If a drain is close to a parapet, wall, curb, or rooftop equipment, one or more panels may be omitted as long as the remaining assembly is stable and does not interfere with drainage. Does the system need a controller or GFCI/GFEP protection? Required GFCI/GFEP electrical protection must be provided for the heating cable circuit. A controller is recommended for automatic and more energy-conscious operation, but it does not replace required ground-fault protection. For compatible 120V projects, review the YeloDeer Smart Roof De-Icing Controller. Can I order a different cable length, 240V version, or custom commercial system? Yes. Contact YeloDeer before ordering if the standard 50 ft, 120V Complete Kit does not match your project. Project options may include custom cable lengths, 240V configurations, hardwired installations, aluminum assemblies without the standard cable, multiple-drain layouts, and bulk cable supply. For custom layouts, visit YeloDeer Project Consultation or review the Bulk Cut-to-Length Self-Regulating Heat Trace Cable. Guides Pre-Installation Checklist Confirm the roof is flat or low-slope Confirm the roof uses an internal drain Measure the drain opening and surrounding area Identify the section that repeatedly freezes Plan the complete 50 ft cable route Confirm suitable 120V power Confirm required GFCI/GFEP protection Check that cable placement will not block drainage Inspect the roof membrane and drain area Determine whether automatic control is required Winter Use & Inspection Guide Inspect Before Winter Check the drain area, aluminum assembly, heating cable, power cord, and electrical connection before freezing weather begins. Keep the Drain Clear Remove leaves, gravel, debris, and other material that could restrict drainage around the drain opening. Check Cable Position Confirm the heating cable remains properly seated and has not been crushed, cut, pulled, or displaced. Check the Drain Path Make sure cable extending into the drain remains positioned without restricting normal water flow. Inspect After Roof Work Recheck the system after roofing repairs, drain maintenance, equipment installation, or other rooftop work. Disconnect Damaged Systems Do not operate the system if the cable, power connection, or other electrical components appear damaged. Choosing the Right System Standard 120V Project Choose the Complete Kit when a 50 ft plug-in heating cable and the standard aluminum drain assembly match the installation. Custom Cable Length For project-specific lengths or multiple circuits, review the YeloDeer bulk cut-to-length cable platform. Automatic Operation Add a compatible roof de-icing controller when automatic temperature and moisture-based operation is preferred. Commercial or 240V Project Use YeloDeer Project Consultation for 240V, hardwired, multiple-drain, bulk, or site-specific configurations. Related YeloDeer Resources Bulk Roof De-Icing Cable For professional projects requiring custom cable lengths, field termination, multiple circuits, or 120V / 240V configurations. View Bulk Heat Trace Cable → Roof De-Icing Controller Automatic temperature and moisture-based control for compatible 120V roof de-icing systems. View Roof De-Icing Controller → Connection & Termination Kits Power connections, end seals, splice kits, and tee kits for compatible professional cut-to-length cable installations. View Connection Kits → Roof De-Icing Solutions Compare roof heating cables, controllers, mounting accessories, and other winter drainage solutions. Explore Roof De-Icing Solutions → Planning & Technical Support For additional roof drainage and freeze-protection information, visit the YeloDeer Knowledge Center and Installation Guide. For commercial flat roofs, multiple drains, custom cable lengths, 240V systems, hardwired installations, or uncertain layouts, use the Project Consultation page. If you need help with product selection or installation questions, contact YeloDeer Product Support.