Onix Tubing Installation Manual

page 46 Watts Radiant: Onix Installation Manual
and construction details may make one
method easier to install.
Walls and Built-Ins
In most thin slab applications, built-ins
such as cabinets, showers and walls
are already in place before the thin
slab is poured. This also means these
items are in place before the radiant
tubing is installed.
Walls and other structural members
can often create unique situations with
tubing layouts. Most structural code
requirements restrict the amount of
material that can be removed from a
wall member. Because of this, it is
advised to try to run the Onix tubing
through doorways when ever possible.
Step 5: Securing the Onix
Most thin slab applications will
require some form of fastener, depend-
ing on the construction details. When a
thin slab is being installed over a sub-
floor, standard staples are used. To
help reduce installation time, the staple
guns may be fitted with an extension
arm. Make sure the staple gun is set to
100 psi and does not flatten or deform
the Onix. Other applications may use a
foam installation board below the thin
slab. In these applications, FoamBoard
Staples or ScrewClips can be used. In
each case, secure the Onix to the floor
every 18".
Step 6:
Repeat With
The Next Circuit
Repeat steps 4 through 6, keeping the
next circuit spaced according to the
design. Most thin slabs use circuit
spacing of 6", 9" or 12" on center.
Don t space the tubing wider than 12"
on center as possible thermal striping
may occur. Likewise, spacings tighter
than 6" on center is not advised due to
possible structural conflicts with the
thin slab material. If tighter spacing is
required, contact
Watts Radiant for
further advice.
Make sure to use as
much of each circuit
as possible. If the
last circuit is too
long, which some-
times happens, try
not to cut it shorter. Shorter circuits
have a lower pressure drop and will
tend to cause an imbalance in the fluid
flow. Some tubing may be removed
from this last circuit as long as the
remaining length is within 10% of the
existing circuits. For example, if 200
ft. lengths were installed, the last cir-
cuit can be cut to a length of 180 ft.
and still maintain a balanced system. If
more than 10% is in excess, run the
remaining tubing along an exposed
wall or in other areas of the zone.
Step 7:
Visual Inspection
After all the circuits are installed, take
a few minutes to walk each circuit and
visually inspect the tubing for possible
damage caused during installation. If a
damaged area is found, repair it using
an approved Watts Radiant Repair Kit.
More information on the repair kits
can be found in the Appendix.
Step 8:
Final Assembly and
Pressure Test
With the zone fully installed and
inspected, finish the connections to the
manifold. Begin by identifying corre-
sponding ends to the same circuit. If
the tubing has not been marked, select
two circuit ends and blow through one,
with a thumb placed over the other
end. Air should be felt on the other
side, confirming a single circuit has
been selected.
Take one Onix Clamp and slide it over
one end of tubing. Slide the clamp
down about 2" from the end and push
Screw Clips
Foam board Staple
Return
rn
Manif
if
old
ld
Supply
ly
Manif
if
old
ld
Good Staple
Onix deformed
too much.
Onix
Thin Slabs
Supply Manifold
Return Manifold