Onix Tubing Installation Manual

page 56 Watts Radiant: Onix Installation Manual
clamp using an in.-lb. torque driver.
More information on how to make the
Onix Clamp connection can be found
in the Appendix.
Caution: DO NOT over tighten the
clamps. Over tightening may cause
an improper fit.
For detailed information on the proper
steps to conducting a pressure test,
refer to the Appendix.
Step 10:
The Concrete Pour
To help detect possible damaged
caused during the concrete pour, keep
the system under pressure. If damage
is done, locate the area in question and
remove the damaged section from the
concrete. Clean off the damaged area
and install a Watts Radiant splice fit-
ting. Wrap the fitting with electrical
tape to protect it from the concrete.
Bring the circuit back up to pressure to
ensure a proper fit on the splice.
Some minor pressure changes will
occur due to the increased internal
temperatures of the concrete as it
begins the curing process. Fluctuations
in air temperature may also cause a
slight change in the test pressure. In
most cases, a 10—15-lb. drop in pres-
sure over a 24-hour period is not
uncommon. For more information on
pressure testing, see the Appendix.
Miscellaneous
Although a snowmelt installation is
very similar to a standard slab installa-
tion, there are a few additional areas
that need to be discussed. These being
steps and glycol.
Steps
Steps are generally viewed as difficult
areas for a radiant installation. There
are two important areas to keep in
mind when installing steps in a
snowmelt application.
1. Tread Area
2. Riser Area
These two areas are where ice and
snow will have the greatest build up.
The edge of the tread is where the
least amount of melting will take place
since it will be the farthest from the
tubing. It is also the area that will
cause the most hazards. When select-
ing an installation technique, keep
these factors in mind.
The finished covering may also influ-
ence which installation method is
used; for example a standard slab ver-
sus a stone cap over the slab. In addi-
tion, the riser height will be a factor in
determining how much tubing can be
installed.
Onix can be installed either parallel or
perpendicular to the step treads. Each
method offers advantages and disad-
vantages.
Onix installed parallel to the treads
will tend to limit the amount of heat
delivered to the riser. This application
may be used if the riser height is shal-
low. If there is room, a run of tubing
can be ran along the face of the riser
to help melt snow and ice that may
build up at the outer edge of the step.
Onix installed running parallel with the steps. An additional run of Onix may be installed in the riser of
the step to help increase melting along the outer edge.
Onix installed running perpendicular to the step. When running perpendicular to the step, make sure
there is enough room to make proper bends between the riser and tread and still maintain the minimum
coverage requirement.
Snowmelt