SlabHeat Installation Manual

Phase 4: Finish Coverings

STEP 4.1

Before beginning work, inspect the cable for damage and secure any cable that may have come loose.

To avoid burying any possible damage that may have occurred since the cable was laid, the following tests should be

performed:

Use a digital multi-meter to measure the resistance between the conductors of the cable power leads again (see Step 2.3). Your

electrician should perform an insulation resistance test on the cable. A megohmeter (e.g. Megger®) adjusted to a minimum 1000

VDC should give a measured value at least 20 megohm (M). (see Step 2.4)

STEP 4.2

Pour concrete over the base and SlabHeat Cable so that there is a minimum of 3/4" of material above the heating cable. The

SlabHeat Cable should be no more than 1-1/2" to 2" below the top finished surface of the floor.

CAUTION: Do not use sharp tools which could damage the SlabHeat cable. Blunted shovels should allow you to work the

concrete carefully into all areas.

Make sure the heating cable is fully embedded, as well as 2 to 6 inches of the conduit(s) enclosing the power lead and slab sensor

wiring.

Allow the concrete to fully cure as required by the concrete supplier. Do not energize the SlabHeat Cable except to briefly test it, as

this would improperly accelerate the curing and potentially cause concrete damage.

STEP 4.3

Make a final inspection of the installation. Take another resistance reading! Use a digital multi-meter to measure the resistance

between the conductors of the cable power leads. Record these readings in the Cable and Sensor Resistance Log (page 9).

STEP 4.4

Ceramic or Stone Tile Applications

Apply mortar and tile such that the heating cables in the slab will be no more than 1-1/2" to 2" below the top finished surface.

Greater depth than this will reduce the system performance. Install following manufacturer's recommendations. Tile should be

installed in accordance with Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines.

STEP 4.5

Wood, Laminate, and Carpet Coverings

CAUTION: Do not use floor coverings that require nailing into the floor,

or damage to the heating cable may result.

The combined R-values of all floor coverings over the SlabHeat Cable should not exceed R-3.

Tile over slab Wood/Laminate over slab