Features of CIT-2 25458 Snow Owl Snow/Ice Sensor

The ETI Snow Owl is designed to work with a controller or contactor, optimizing energy usage in heated snow/ice melting applications. During dry or warm weather, the system’s heaters are turned off to save energy costs. The heaters are turned on only when snow and/ or ice is present and kept on only long enough to ensure complete melting and drying. Temperature and time parameters are preset for optimum system performance.

• Input Power: 24 V AC 50/60 Hz or 24V DC or 24V full wave rectified AC/ Pulsed DC 0.2A max
• Output: Relay Contacts: 2 Amps max, 30 V
• Operating Temperature: -40ºC to +85ºC (-40ºF to +185ºF)
• Temperature Set Point: 38ºF
• Storage Temperature: -40ºC to +85ºC (-40ºF to +185ºF)
• Automatic snow sensor for reduced energy consumption in sidewalk, gutter/downspout snow and ice melting applications
• Slim design minimizes visual impact
• Mounts on 3⁄4” PVC conduit for easy installation
• Operates on safe low voltage power
• Simple three wire connections: 2 for power, 1 for signal output
• Wire colors match commonly available cable for easier installation
• Convenient power-on self-test to verify proper sensor operation
• Made with UV-tolerant and corrosion-resistant materials for long life
• Power-on self-test to verify proper sensor operation
• The ETI Snow Owl is also an excellent solution for building automation applications.
• MADE IN THE U.S.A. in South Bend, Indiana

Sensor Operation

The ETI SNOW OWL sensor monitors atmospheric conditions to determine when a snow/ freezing rain event occurs and responds by providing a grounded output to the control circuit or contactor which in turn will enable the heating system. It does this by using the snowflake shaped moisture sensor on the top cap to melt the snow/ ice that lands on it and then detects the resulting water using a low voltage current. The detection of water alone will not provide an output but is used in combination with a temperature reading below 38°F. An Internal processor looks for this combination or moisture and temperature and triggers the output only when both conditions are present. This allows the SNOW OWL to trigger a heat cycle only when it is needed. Once the SNOW OWL has triggered it will remain on until one or both of the stimuli is removed, and it determines that the stimuli remains missing for the next 4 minutes.