Install Instructions

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This heating cable CANNOT be cut shorter to fit! Do not overlap or cross over heating cable
on itself. Do not space heating cable closer than 4 inches. Failure to do so may result in
damage to the product and dangerous overheating.
The following Steps 3.1 through 3.8 cover installation basics. Step 3.9 covers some specific
applications and their special requirements.
BASIC INSTALLATION
STEP 3.1
Determine a time to install the cable when equipment, heavy tools, and site traffic will be
minimal to keep from possibly damaging the product. Be prepared to apply the surfacing
courses over the cable the same day so it will be protected from damage.
If installing cable in the upper layer of a two-stage concrete slab, the cable should be completely
ready for the second stage. There is limited time between stages, as the slab should not be
allowed to fully cure. Therefore, when using SlabHeat Cable, you may want to lay it out and
tie it to rewire that can be quickly lifted into place after the first is laid.
• Inspect the area and remove any sharp objects.
• Install in temperatures at least 50°F (10°C).
STEP 3.2
Begin by test-fitting the cable in the area to be heated. Make sure it fits the area with no
excess cable.
•
Avoid crossing expansion joints in a slab, unless proper technique and protection steps are
followed (see Step 3.9 on page 14).
•
Avoid placing the heating cable any closer than 4 inches from other items such as underground
cable or piping and 6 inches from toilet rings to keep from overheating them.
Phase 3 - Cable Installation
The heating cable and factory splices of SlabHeat Cable must be completely embedded
in the concrete. Failure to do so may result in damage to the product and risk of fire. Never
try to use up excess heating cable in surrounding walls or other unprotected applications.
• Do not repeatedly bend the heating cable, and never bend factory splices.
•
Never install heating cables in direct contact with non-masonry materials such as insulation
board, vapor barriers, vinyl goods, etc. Damage may result.
•
For a new concrete slab, when a run of cable exceeds 20 feet, an additional downward
U-shaped loop with a 1 to 2 inch radius, should be added to help minimize possible damage
to the cable from thermal expansion.
STEP 3.3
Place the power leads of the cable next to the conduit entry. The electrician will pull this through
the conduit later. Make sure it is positioned so that no part of the splice connection or the
heating cable will be pulled into the conduit.
STEP 3.4
SlabHeat Cable: Begin securing the heating cable at the desired spacing to the reinforcement
mesh or rebar using plastic cable ties. These cable ties should be applied at the ends of each
run and at every 2 to 3 feet. Turn the cable tie ends downward, or trim them so they will not
poke up through the surface layers. Do not use metal ties as they may damage the cable.