amps, please contact True Comfort Customer Service toll-free ... Certain distances must be respected when installing the
Floor Warming and Heating Systems
Installation guide True Comfort heating cable
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TABLE OF CONTENTS INSTALL YOUR TRUE COMFORT SYSTEM IN 5 EASY STEPS. . . . . . . . 3 TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED TO INSTALL THE SYSTEM . . . . . 3 STEP 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.1 Determine the location of the thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.2 Make sure the installation surface is smooth and clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.3 Verify the measurements of the area to be covered . . . . 5 1.4 Test the cable’s integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1.5 Preliminary steps prior to installing the cable . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1.6 Important installation guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 STEP 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.1 Prepare the installation layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2.2 Install the gauges and cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 STEP 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.1 Install the floor sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.2 Fish the cold lead to the connection box . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.3 Test the cable’s integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.4 Take a photo of the installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.5 Covering the cable(s) with mortar or self-levelling underlayment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 STEP 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.1 Test the cable’s integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 4.2 Install your floor covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 STEP 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Connect the thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 SELECTION TABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 REPAIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
YOUR SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO US This guide contains instructions regarding safety as well as precautions to ensure a compliant and successful installation. Please pay special attention to this symbol and follow all instructions.
NOTE: It is forbidden to connect the cable to the thermostat before the installation is completed. It is also forbidden to cut or modify the cable in any way.
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INSTALL YOUR TRUE COMFORT SYSTEM IN 5 EASY STEPS NOTE: Before you begin, we strongly recommend that you view the Installation DVD in its entirety.
This product was designed to be installed with regular 7.6 cm (3 in) or 10 cm (4 in) spacing between cables and is for indoor use only. Consult the “Selection Table” at the end of the guide to determine whether the spacing you have chosen is suitable for your project. True Comfort systems can be used either as complementary heating or as a main source of heating (provided that heat loss does not exceed the energy capacity of the installation). The True Comfort cable was designed to generate 129W/m 2 (12W/ft 2) when installed with a regular spacing of 7.6 cm (3 in) and 97W/m2 (9W/ft2) with a regular spacing of 10 cm (4 in). No other spacing is allowed. The ambient and floor temperature achieved will depend on factors such as: insulation, window coverage, type of floor covering, etc. NOTE: To learn more about the performance potential of your own True Comfort system, consult a trade professional or a heating specialist. Certain rooms, such as solariums, could necessitate a supplementary heat source.
CSA CABLE SERIES T YPE G AND W CANADA, TYPE C USA This cable is an electrical appliance and must be installed in compliance with local and/or national electrical codes. Its installation should be entrusted to a duly qualified person where required by law.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED TO INSTALL THE SYSTEM • True Comfort cable including gauges and glue sticks • True Comfort thermostat and floor sensor, sold separately • Glue gun • Expanded electrical box • Protective plate for the base of the wall • Appropriate multimeter • Megohmmeter (optional) • Measuring tape • Calculator • Marker • Screwdriver • String (to raise the cables In the wall) • Shears • Electrical tape • Wood or concrete chisel • Stick or pipe, 2.5 cm (1 in) diameter x 30 cm (1 ft) long • Vacuum cleaner 3
• Broom • Pail of water and a sponge • Cardboard or other similar light material (to deposit tools) IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the National Electrical Code, the product identification label affixed at the end of the cable must not be removed. This label includes all relevant product specifications. Removing it would void the manufacturer’s warranty.
STEPS TO FOLLOW STEP 1 1.1 Determine the location of the thermostat The expanded electrical box must be installed in an accessible area within the room where the system will be installed. The connection to the box will be done via the cable’s cold lead extremity. The cold lead cable is flat and black and is connected to the heated portion of the cable by a mechanical joint. Part of this cable will run inside the wall to complete the connection to the thermostat. The other part, along with the mechanical joint, must be installed in a groove in the sub-floor in order to be at the same level as the cable. 1.2 Make sure the installation surface is smooth and clean The surface must be flat, smooth and free of protruding nails, screws or other objects that could damage the cable. The sub-floor used must be compatible with the mortar or the selflevelling underlayment. Refer to the technical specifications of the product used or contact the adhesive manufacturer for additional information. To ensure maximum adhesion of the gauges, use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate all dust residue and then wash the surface with a damp sponge. Compatible supports and installation surfaces True Comfort floor heating systems can be installed on plywood and cement boards, existing ceramic tile (the surface must be carefully prepared before applying mortar or self-levelling underlayment), anti-fracture membranes, acoustic membranes and cement slabs. Always check with the sub-floor material manufacturer to ensure compatibility with floor heating systems. If you plan on installing on another type of sub-floor, contact True Comfort customer service at 1-877-800-8783. NOTE: When installing on a concrete slab, the slab must be insulated to avoid heat loss towards the bottom. We recommend that all adjoining rooms supported by this slab also be equipped with a True Comfort floor heating system in order to avoid heat loss along the perimeter. If these conditions cannot be met, you will need to install an appropriate insulating barrier between the slab and the floor heating system to avoid heat loss.
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Wire mesh must be embedded with a compatible adhesive prior to installing the cable. The True Comfort cable along with the floor sensor must be installed on the surface of a mortar bed. The surface must be smooth and even. If the surface is too rough to allow good adhesion of the hot glue, resurface it with a compatible mortar. IMPORTANT NOTE: The heated portion of the cable and the mechanical joint must be completely covered using one of the methods described in STEP 3.5.
1.3 Verify the measurements of the area to be covered Measure the surface area of the room where the cable will be installed. It is important to verify the label on the box of your True Comfort cable as it provides information on the surface covered by the cable. The surface that the cable can cover must always be equal or inferior to the total surface of the room that will be heated. The cable must not be cut or modified in any way. 1.4 Test the cable’s integrity Before removing the cable integrity seal, it is important to verify that the cable conforms to specifications. This test must be repeated in STEPS 3 and 4. This procedure entails: Verification of the resistance Using an appropriate multimeter, test the resistance between the black wires. The result should be within ± 10% of the reference value on the product label. The cable’s resistance was established in an environment at 20 °C (68 °F). If the difference is greater than that, please contact True Comfort Customer Service toll-free at 1-877-800-8783. Verification of the insulation Using a megohmmeter, connect one of the device’s cables to the ground cable (green cable) and the other cable to one of the black heating elements. Apply a voltage of 1,000 V. If the readout is greater than 500 MΩ, the cable is sound. If that is not the case, please contact True Comfort Customer Service toll-free at 1-877-800-8783. Although less precise, this test can also be performed with an appropriate multimeter. Adjust the multimeter to the resistance function (Ω) and verify that there is an infinite resistance between one of the black cables and the green cable. If you get a reading other than infinity (make sure your fingers do not touch the 5
exposed part of the cables or the sensors), it is possible the cable is damaged. Contact True Comfort customer service to register the results and request a repair. True Comfort strongly recommends that the insulation test be performed with a megohmmeter. The greater accuracy will allow you to detect certain damages that would not be detected with a multimeter. 1.5 Preliminary steps prior to installing the cable True Comfort floor heating systems must be connected to a circuit dedicated to heating. The required amperage of the circuit supplying the system is determined from the data on the product label. The maximum amperage supported by the True Comfort thermostat is 15 amps. For installations exceeding 15 amps, please contact True Comfort Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-877-8783. Drill a hole at the base of the wall directly below the connection box. This will enable you to pass the cold lead and the floor sensor wire from the floor to the connection box. Locate and mark the area where the mechanical joint will be anchored to the sub-floor. Using a wood or concrete chisel, make a groove of approximately 6 mm (1/4 In) in the sub-floor. Clean the groove thoroughly, then carefully glue in the cable’s mechanical joint. Never touch the cable with the tip of the hot glue gun. IMPORTANT NOTE: The thermostat must be installed no closer than 1 metre (39 in) from any wet zone (shower, sauna, indoor pool apron). A separate cable must be installed in a shower.
1.6 Important installation guidelines Certain distances must be respected when installing the cable in the following situations: • No closer than 25 mm (1 in) from the base of fixed furniture, steps leading to a bath, baths or showers. • No closer than 5 cm (2 in) from a wall. • No closer than 15 cm (6 in) from a toilet or main drain. • No closer than 20 cm (8 in) from a heating appliance attached to or in contact with the floor. The cable must be spaced at least 13 mm (1/2 in) from any exposed combustible surface. The cable cannot be cut, crossed, shortened, or overlapped. Spacing between cables must be at regular intervals (either 3 or 4 inches). Spacing cannot vary during the installation. The True Comfort gauge is the only method that is approved for installation of the cable. Use of any other method automatically voids the product warranty (e.g. stapling or nailing).
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The entire heating section of the cable, as well as the mechanical joint and the floor probe, must be fixed to the sub-floor and covered with mortar or self-levelling underlayment. IMPORTANT NOTE: Under no circumstances should the cable’s heating section or its mechanical joint be installed inside walls. This could cause a fire.
The True Comfort floor heating system must not be installed in cabinets, closets, under fixed furniture, in walls or partitions, or anywhere else that air cannot circulate freely. The cable cannot be installed over a control or expansion joint. Installation should not be carried out at an ambient temperature lower than 0 °C (32 °F). The system is designed for indoor use only. STEP 2 2.1 Prepare the installation layout Plan the layout of your installation, then use a marker to trace the outlines of the fixed objects directly onto the floor. Plan to have a buffer zone which can accommodate any excess cable. (e.g. under a hanging fixture or behind a door). Room longer than 10 feet
1 Do a small detour to break up the cable run. 2 Ensure the chosen spacing is respected all around.
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3 Change direction if you need more flexibility to get closer to the wall.
Installation with two cables
1 End the installation of the first cable by the wall, so that the second cable nestles in easily.
Proper spacing to walls and fixed objects
1 Change directions so the cable can be installed to the closest spacing allowed from walls and fixed furniture.
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Bathroom example
1 Buffer zones. 2 Change direction because the cable is too close to the podium. 3 Gauges must always be perpendicular to the cable runs.
2.2 Install the gauges and cable Note: Keep ends of heating devices and kit components dry before and during installation.
Secure the gauges with hot glue (glue sticks are included in the box) as your installation progresses. Gauges can also be secured with screws or nails using the area on the gauge provided for this purpose. Go around irregular objects in such a way that the gauges outline their shape, always keeping the gauges perpendicular with the cable. To change direction cut a section from the gauge. At turns, make sure the radius of the cable curve is no less than 13 mm (1/2 in). Insert the cable between the gauge’s circular clips by pushing and sliding it, while pressing lightly. Maintain equal tension throughout. Complete the installation by gluing the end of the cable. Never touch the cable with the tip of the glue gun. Cable runs should not exceed 3 m (10 ft). If your room Is larger, divide it into sections. Cable runs should be stabilized at each meter (3 to 4 ft) by inserting gauges under the cables and using the hot glue to affix the gauges to the floor. 9
Wet environment installation The True Comfort cable can be installed in a wet environment such as a European style shower floor or sauna with a ceramic or natural stone floor.* However, additional precautions must be observed. • The thermostat must be located at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) away from the wet zone so that it cannot be reached by a person in that area. • The shower must have its own cable. • Drill the hole in the wall 15 cm (6 in) above the floor to avoid the waterproof membrane. • The installation must be performed in accordance with all other instructions listed on page 6, such as minimum distance from the drain, prohibition of installing the cable in walls, etc. * Applications must be validated with local and/or national electrical codes
STEP 3 3.1 Install the floor sensor The thermostat’s floor sensor must be installed in a neutral location, meaning: • In between two heating cables at a distance of 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) inside the heated area; • without overlapping the sensor wire over heating cables; • away from any other source of heat or cold (e.g. a refrigerator, patio door or hot water pipe). Check the integrity of the sensor using an appropriate multimeter. Refer to the thermostat installation guide. 3.2 Fish the cold lead to the connection box Wrap the identification label around the cable and fasten it with electrical tape. Tie a string around the cold lead and the sensor wire and pull them through the hole in the wall to the connection box. In accordance with the national electrical code you must leave the identification label attached to the cable as proof of warranty. Removing the label will void the warranty. 3.3 Test the cable’s integrity Re-verify the cable’s integrity as in STEP 1.4. 3.4 Take a photograph of the system’s installation A photograph of the installation is impo r tant so that the cable can be located easily whenever future renovations a re under taken. The photog raph can also be used to confirm a proper installation. 10
3.5 Covering the cable(s) with a polymer-modified mortar or a polymer-modified self-levelling underlayment The cables, mechanical joint and floor probe must be completely covered using one of the following methods: Covering with a polymer-modified mortar Polymer-modified mortar is used with ceramic tile or natural stone floor covering. With a flat trowel (no teeth or grooves), spread a coat of mortar directly over the cable and gauges (in the same direction as the cable runs) covering it entirely. Let dry. Covering with polymer-modified self-levelling underlayment The self-levelling underlayment is applied with a smooth straight edge rake. Let dry. It is important to completely cover the cables and gauges. For all floor surfaces other than natural stone or ceramic tile, cover the cable with a minimum of 8 to 10 mm (1/4 in to 3/8 in) thickness and let dry. NOTE: Examine the base of the walls before pouring the polymermodified self-levelling underlayment. Fill any hole and make sure to seal the perimeter.
STEP 4 4.1 Test the cable’s integrity Re-verify the cable’s integrity as in STEP 1.4 4.2 Install your floor covering Before installing the floor covering it is important to respect the curing time (drying time) of the mortar or self-levelling underlayment used to cover the cables, as recommended by the manufacturer. Install the floor covering following manufacturer instructions. STEP 5 Connect the thermostat DANGER: SEVERE RISK OF ELECTROCUTION. Turn off the power of the designated electrical circuit prior to connecting the system controls.
Compatible thermostats Use True Comfort thermostats to operate the system. These thermostats are equipped with a class A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) that will protect the system in case of fault. To preserve the system’s warranty the use of a thermostat equipped with a class A GFCI (5 mA) is required. Secure the system’s ground cable (green wire) to the terminal located in the electrical box. Make connections following the instructions included in the True Comfort thermostat installation guide. Identify the appropriate circuit in the electrical distribution panel. 11
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before turning your system on, it is important to respect the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive curing time. Curing time may vary from 7 to 28 days. Consult the technical specifications of the products used or contact the adhesive manufacturer.
SELECTION TABLE
SMOOTH CONCRETE
VINYL
FLOATING FLOOR1
LINOLEUM
PARQUET
CARPET (without rubber backing or carpet padding)
3
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
4
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
CEMENT BOARD
3
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
CERAMIC
3
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
ACOUSTIC MEMBRANE
3
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
ANTI-FRACTURE MEMBRANE
3
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
MORTAR BED SCRATCH COAT 1
ENGINEERED WOOD
PLYWOOD
NATURAL STONE
INSTALLATION SURFACES
CERAMIC
FLOOR COVERINGS
3
4
3
3
4
3
If you choose floating floor, certain factors could influence heat transmission to the surface such as: the insulation factor of the membrane used or the air pockets created by an uneven subfloor.
Choose 7.6 cm (3 in) spacing for: • A floor surface of less than 100 ft2 • A bathroom • A solarium N/A – not applicable 7.6 cm (3 in) Spacing: 129 W/m2 (12 W/ft 2) 10 cm (4 in) Spacing: 97 W/m2 (9 W/ft 2) NOTE: Maintain the chosen spacing throughout the installation.
Should the cable be damaged during or after installation it can be repaired. Contact True Comfort customer service tollfree at 1-877-800-8783. Always turn off the power supply before attempting a repair.
True Comfort Floor Heating Inc. Tel. 450-677-TRUE (8783) 1-877-800-TRUE (8783) Fax. 450-677-1477 1-877-717-1477 www.truecomfortsystems.com
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57010009 - 102010 Printed in Canada
REPAIR
