Onix Tubing Installation Manual

Do not push the Onix on more than
the first barb at this point, just in case
the circuit needs to be removed. Take
both runs of Onix and begin laying
both sides of the circuit in the slab
area, maintaining a hand spacing
approximately the same distance apart
as the desired tube spacing. This
method will naturally create a double
serpentine layout. Continue this
process with the next circuit, begin-
ning where the first circuit ends.
Lay the first run of Onix along the
perimeter to the farthest point in the
zone, keeping the Onix 6"—8" from the
edge of the slab. Continue until the
middle of the circuit is reached.
This double serpentine layout places
the cooler return end of the circuit
next to the warmer supply end. This
layout helps bring the snowmelt sur-
face to an even temperature in the
shortest time possible.
Step 6:
Securing the Onix
Slab applications usually require some
form of tubing fastener, depending on
the construction details. In this appli-
cation, the Onix attaches directly to
the rewire/rebar using cable ties or
ClipTie clips. If the slab is poured
without the rewire/rebar, other fasten-
ers can secure Onix directly to foam
insulation, or to the ground beneath
the slab. For more information on the
available fasteners, consult the Watts
Radiant Product catalog or contact the
local Watts Radiant representative or
visit the Watts Radiant website.
After no more than three circuits have
been roughly laid out, tie down
enough of the bends in the circuits to
temporarily hold the Onix in place.
Lay out all of the remaining circuits in
the zone, again tying down only the
bends. This helps eliminate time and
wasted fasteners if circuits need to be
moved or adjusted. Repeat this process
until all of the circuits in the zone are
in position. Leave 2’—5’ slack on each
circuit in case the manifold position
needs to be adjusted from its tempo-
rary location.
After all circuits are in place and any
adjustments have been made, fasten
the Onix to the wire mesh or insula-
tion board every one to two feet. This
will keep the Onix from shifting or
floating during the concrete pour. If
cable ties are used, do not pull the ties
so tight that the Onix is flattened or
pinched shut. Also, make sure all
tails of the cable ties are either cut
off or turned downward to prevent any
unwanted surface protrusions.
Step 7:
Repeat With The Next
Circuit
Repeat steps 4 through 6, keeping each
circuit spaced according to the design.
Use as much of each circuit as possi-
ble. If the last circuit is too long,
which sometimes happens, try to avoid
making 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 remain-
ing length is within 10% of the exist-
ing circuits. For example, if 200 ft.
lengths were installed, the last circuit
can be cut to a length of 180 ft. and
still maintain a balanced system.
Step 8:
Visual Inspection
After all 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 repair kits can be
found in the Appendix.
Step 9:
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
the Onix onto the first barb of the sup-
ply manifold, making sure the tubing
covers the entire fitting. If the Onix is
difficult to push onto the barb, lubri-
cate the end of the Onix with some
water.
Do not use soap, oil, WD-40
®
, or
other petroleum or silicone based
lubricants as they may damage the
interior of the Onix tubing.
Soap or
lubricants may make the connects and
splices leak, even at low pressures.
Slide the Onix Clamp back over the
Onix and barb connection and tighten.
If using TorqueTite clamps, do not
over-tighten. Tighten the TorqueTite
Manifold
Onix Barb
Onix Clamp
Onix
Manifold
Pressure Test Kit
Snowmelt
Watts Radiant: Onix Installation Manual page 55