Onix Tubing Installation Manual

Watts Radiant: Onix Installation Manual page 19
1. This tool may discharge when air
pressure is connected or discon-
nected. Make sure the tool is
unloaded or pointed in a safe direc-
tion before connecting/disconnect-
ing a pressure hose.
2. Remember, any pneumatic staple
gun is exactly that, a gun. Each sta-
ple gun has the ability to shoot sta-
ples at a velocity sufficient to kill
or permanently injure anyone
within range. Never point this tool
at anything except a piece of Onix
intending to be permanently fas-
tened. Never squeeze the trigger
when your finger, hand or any
body part is in front of or close to
the firing head.
3. Always wear safety glasses with
side shields before operating this
tool. Other workmen or visitors to
the jobsite must wear adequate eye
protection if they are within range
of the tool. There is always a possi-
bility that a staple could ricochet
off a nail or knot in the subfloor
and injure a bystander.
DO NOT
attempt to staple into knots, even if
the staple spacing needs to be
extended. Never attempt to staple
into concrete, metal, or any non-
wooden surface.
4. Use the correct staple gun and
quality Watts Radiant staples to
prevent tool jamming and Onix
punctures. Watts Radiant staples
are designed to a higher standard
than conventional staples.
Occasionally a staple will misfire
and puncture the Onix when the
staple clip is down to the last 5 to
10 staples. Always check to see if
the clip is getting low and insert a
new clip to avoid this potential
problem.
Using the Onix Staple Gun
The Onix staple gun is specially modi-
fied both internally and externally by
Watts Radiant. The Onix staple gun is
fitted with a stainless steel guide plate
(order 81005498) that is bolted to the
underside of the gun. If stapling 3/8"
Onix, make sure the smaller 3/8"
opening is at the front of the gun. You
should see 3/8" Onix stamped on the
guide plate at the front of the gun. If
stapling 1/2" Onix, unbolt the guide
plate and turn it around so the larger
1/2" opening is at the front of the
staple gun. You should see 1/2"
Onix stamped on the guide plate at
the front of the gun.
To staple Onix, position the guide
plate over the Onix. Make sure the
guide plate, at both front and back, is
placed firmly against the surface.
Before pulling the trigger, make sure
that the tail end of the guide plate is
also centered over the Onix. If the tail
of the guide plate is not centered over
the tubing, some of the staples may
puncture the Onix. When the guide
plate has completely contacted the
plywood and is centered over the
Onix tubing, pull the trigger and fire
the staple.
To maintain good operation of the
gun, 3 to 4 drops of pneumatic oil
(5-weight, non-detergent machine oil)
should be installed once daily during
use into the air inlet of the staple gun.
More oil drops may be used if the gun
sees continuous heavy service, i.e.,
more than 3
–4 hours at a time.
Onix Cautions
1. Examine each Onix circuit after it
has been stapled in place. If the
Onix has been over-compressed by
a staple, remove the staple and
apply a new one. The staple can
acceptably deform the Onix slight-
ly, 1/16" or less, without causing
any difficulties.
2. Do not install Onix, or any other
radiant system under floors con-
taining an asphalt paper
slip joint
between the subfloor and finished
floor, as an unpleasant smell may
result.
Installation Steps
Installation procedures will change
from job to job and are affected by
how the structure is built. Joist spac-
ing, bracing and zoning details are just
a few items that can affect how a
Staple-Up
™
is installed. The following
guidelines and examples cover the
most common installation conditions.
If unexpected circumstances arise,
please contact Watts Radiant or a
Watts Radiant Representative for assis-
tance.
The most common installation pattern
used in a Staple-Up
™
application is a
single serpentine layout. Other layout
methods, such as counter flow, can be
used, depending on the project require-
ments.
Step 1:
Install Manifolds
With the use of Watts Radiant s mani-
fold brackets or manifold mounting
enclosure, secure the manifolds to the
joist or wall enclosure. If the mani-
folds are located in the wall above the
radiant floor, drill holes to transfer
Onix through the subfloor and into the
joist cavity below. If the manifolds are
located in the joist bay, simply attach
the manifolds to the side of a joist or
install a manifold enclosure horizon-
tally to the joist. Follow local code
guidelines when penetrating any fram-
ing members.
Good Staple
Onix deformed
too much.
Onix
Staple-Up
Onix Staple Plate