Brochure

I N T E R I O R S L A B H E A T I N G C A B L E

Designing the System

A properly designed heating system begins with an accurate heat-loss calculation to determine whether the system will provide

enough energy to function as the primary heat source for the space or provide ﬂoor warming only. If ﬂoor warming alone is desired,

use the guide below. If it is a primary heating system, a detailed heat-loss must be performed ﬁrst, then select wire spacing based

on heat output.

SlabHeat cable should be installed in all interior ﬂoor areas to be warmed. It cannot be used for exterior applications, snow melting,

or in ceilings.

STEP 1.1

Make a sketch of the room. Measure the total square footage of ﬂoor area to be warmed (measurements should be made all the way

to the edge of walls, cabinets, tub, etc). Keep in mind the following:

Heat will not conduct beyond 3"- 4" on either side of the heating cable, therefore consistent coverage is important.

STEP 1.2

Select the cable spacing. Below are typical spacings for various types of rooms. This spacing can vary depending on the insulation

of the ﬂoor and room, and the desired effect. Note: Never space cables closer than 4" apart; this will cause a very

hot area and may cause damage.

Typical uses:

• Do not install the cables underneath cabinets or fixtures or inside a wall. Excessive heat will build up and cause damage.

• Do not run the heating cables into small closets or other confined areas where excessive heat will build up.

• Do not install the heating cables closer than 6” from toilet rings to avoid possible melting of wax rings.

• Do not cross expansion joints in a slab unless proper technique and protection steps are followed.

• Do not place the heating cable any closer than 4 inches from other items such as underground cable or piping to avoid

overheating them.

• Do install heating cable within about 1-1/2” to 2” from a counter or vanity in the kick-space to ensure warmth in this area.

• Cable must be laid in a manner to prevent other obstructions placed on top of the finished floor surface, resulting in captured

heat or allowing potential damage from mounting brackets, bolts, or similar.

• In open areas, like sun rooms or dining rooms, install the heating cables 4” to 6” away from the perimeter of the room. If the

cable is installed in a slab where an exterior wall will be built, keep the cable 8” to 12” away from the edge of the slab.

• The heating cable and factory splices must be completely embedded in the concrete. Only the power lead may exit the slab. It

will be pulled through UL listed conduit to a UL listed junction box or the control box.

• For a new concrete slab, when a run of cable exceeds 20 feet, an additional U-shaped loop should be added to help minimize

possible damage to the cable from thermal expansion.

• 4" spacing: Sun room floors, basement slabs, bathrooms, kitchens, living areas, and baths with exterior walls.

(NOTE: Insulation is always recommended due to high heat losses in these areas. Performance is

never guaranteed due to construction and climate differences in these applications.)

• 6" spacing: Hallways, entry ways, garages, workshops, and large areas with low heat loss.

Page 8

USA: 4500 East Progress Place, Springfield, MO 65803; www.suntouch.com

Canada: 5435 North Service Rd., Burlington, ONT. L7L 5H7; www.suntouch.com