Installation Guide

INSTALLATION 17
Installation
Before the heating cable is removed from
the spool, conduct the first set of required
tests and record values in the heating cable
tests log (page 26). If a break or damage is
detected during the tests, return the heating
cable to the original place of purchase.
1
Thread the heating cable cold lead and remote
sensors through a conduit from the base of
the wall to the thermostat electrical box. The
heating cable cold lead must not be cut.
2 3
Embed the heating cables between studs, at
a spacing of 3 studs (3-1/2" – 9 cm). Closer
spacing may result in overheating and damage
to building structures. A wider spacing may
not provide sufficient power to warm the floor.
4
Use care not to damage the cables during
installation, particularly before the cables are
embedded in the matting.
5
Install the thermostat sensors between two cable runs, at a distance of at least 24" (610 mm) from
the wall. Mark the sensor location on the DITRA-HEAT and cut the matting to house the sensor.
It is recommended to temporarily remove the heating cable from the area while cutting the matting.
It may be necessary to temporarily secure the sensor to the floor with thin-set mortar or adhesive
(e.g., KERDI-FIX or hot glue). Embed the sensor wire in the matting without overlapping or crossing
the heating cable.
6
Once the heating cable and floor temperature
sensor installation is complete, retest and
record values in the heating cable tests log
(page 26).
7
Mark where the cold/hot splice will be
placed, cut the DITRA-HEAT matting, and
insert the splice. It may be necessary to
temporarily secure the splice to the floor with
thin-set mortar or adhesive (e.g., KERDI-FIX
or hot glue).
Once the heating cable cold lead and remote
sensors are threaded to the thermostat
electrical box, install a metal protection plate
at the base of the wall. This will help prevent
any damage from fasteners (e.g., nails,
screws, etc.) in the future.
Notes:
• Make sure to leave space for inserting the floor temperature sensor(s).
• Heating cables may not touch, cross over, or overlap one another.
• The maximum allowable length of a single run is 10 ft (3 m); the cable must be turned or a u-shaped "jog" created at this point (see image above).
• Minimum spacing from:
• Walls or fixtures (e.g., cabinets) is 3" (75 mm)
• Other heat sources (baseboard heaters, fireplaces, forced air heating ducts, etc.) is 8" (200 mm)
• Plumbing drains is 6" (150 mm)
Cable must be turned or a u-shaped
"jog" created at 10 ft (3 m) run