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USA: 4500 East Progress Place, Springfield, MO 65803; www.suntouch.com
Canada: 5435 North Service Rd., Burlington, ONT. L7L 5H7; www.suntouch.com
F-ST-SlabHeat-Product-Information 1111 © 2011 Watts Radiant
I N T E R I O R S L A B H E A T I N G C A B L E
Is SlabHeat an efficient way to heat?
Generally speaking, radiant floor heating is a more efficient way to warm a space than forced air or baseboard. Radiant
systems broadcast energy at the speed of light from the floor to warm all the surfaces of the room. The air temperature stays
lower so there is less heat loss through windows and air infiltration, yet comfort is greater. All the electricity used by SlabHeat
is converted to useful heat. Gas appliances only convert a percentage to heat; the rest is lost up the stack. For many people,
gas or oil is more economical per BTU than electricity, even considering the conversion loss. A lot depends on the price for
these energy sources and how well the structure is insulated. Some power companies offer reduced rates or substantial
discounts on electricity consumed during “off-peak” times. Off-peak hours are the times of day or night when the power
companies usually have excess energy supply due to low demand. These “off-peak” rates can further enhance the efficiency
of the SlabHeat electric radiant heating system
What controls are required for SlabHeat?
SlabHeat cables utilize our standard SunStat dual voltage (120 VAC/240 VAC) controls. The SunStat Programmable and
Non-programmable use a floor sensor to provide direct floor-warming control for better comfort. SunStat controls can also
sense air temperature with a floor temperature limit. If an area requires more than 15 amps to be controlled by one SunStat,
SunStat Relay(s) are used to take the additional amp load. Always select controls that will meet the voltage and amperage
ratings of the system and are designed for resistance heating systems.
How deep should SlabHeat be embedded?
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. Make sure SlabHeat cable is
fully embedded, as well as 2" to 6" of the conduit(s) enclosing the power lead and slab sensor wiring.
When should I turn on the SlabHeat cable?
Allow concrete to fully cure as required by the concrete supplier, typically 28 days. Do not energize the SlabHeat Cable
except to briefly test it (NO MORE than 10 minutes), as this would improperly accelerate the curing and potentially cause
concrete damage.
What if I damage SlabHeat?
Repair kits are available for SlabHeat Cable. Never attempt to repair a damaged cable without a factory approved repair kit.
Contact the factory for assistance.
How long is the SlabHeat warranty?
SlabHeat has a 10 year warranty.
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Are there areas where SlabHeat should not be installed?
SlabHeat cable should be installed in all interior floor areas that are to be warmed. Keep in mind heat will radiate 3" to 4"
from the SlabHeat cable, therefore consistent coverage is important. SlabHeat should be installed within 2" of a counter or
vanity kick-space to ensure warmth in this area. Do not install SlabHeat under cabinets, fixtures or inside walls. Avoid running
SlabHeat in small closets or other confined areas where excessive heat will build up. Do not install SlabHeat closer than 6"
from toilet rings to avoid possible melting of wax rings. Never cross expansion joints in a slab unless proper technique and
protection steps are followed. See the SlabHeat Installation manual for detailed information on proper installation techniques.
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Frequently Asked
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