HeatTech Electric Radiant Floor Heating Cable System

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your HeatTech Electric Radiant Floor Heating Cable System. Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning installation or use to ensure proper function and safety.

The HeatTech Electric Radiant Floor Heating Cable System is designed for in-floor heating applications, suitable for various floor coverings such as tile, stone, granite, and marble. It can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, showers, saunas, and other areas in both new construction and retrofit projects.

Figure 1: Compatible Floor Coverings. The HeatTech system is suitable for various floor types including tile, stone, marble, wood, vinyl, and laminate.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Electrical installation should only be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with local and national electrical codes.

• The HeatTech floor heating cable is UL listed for USA, ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards.
• Always disconnect power at the circuit breaker before installing or servicing the heating system.
• Do not cut the heating cable. The cable length is fixed and designed for specific area coverage.
• Ensure the heating cable is not crossed or touching itself during installation, as this can cause overheating.
• Protect the heating cable from damage during and after installation. Avoid sharp objects, heavy tools, or excessive bending.
• A dedicated circuit breaker is required for the heating system.
• Install a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for protection, as required by electrical codes.
• The system operates at 120V. Verify your power supply matches the system voltage.
• The heating cable has zero electromagnetic field (EMF).

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present and undamaged before beginning installation:

• Electric radiant heating cable on a spool (320 ft long)
• Cable guides (1 x 25ft roll is required for every 200ft of cable)
• Programmable Thermostat (Honeywell/Aube TH115-AF-120S) with floor sensor
• Alarm (Continuity Monitor)
• Detailed installation manual (this document)

4. Setup and Installation

Careful planning and installation are crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your heating system. The heating cable is approximately 1/8 inch thick and will not significantly raise the finished floor level.

4.1. Planning and Sizing

Select a HeatTech cable with an area coverage that corresponds to the size of your heated area. This system is designed for 80 sq ft at a 3-inch spacing, which is the recommended spacing for optimal heat output. Other spacing options include 55 sq ft at 2-inch spacing and 105 sq ft at 4-inch spacing.

The 120V system allows for the installation of up to 600 ft of heating cable (150 sq ft at 3-inch spacing) on a single thermostat. You can connect up to 3 separate cable runs to a single thermostat to match the size of the heated area.

The heating cable length is 320 ft, plus a 10 ft armored cold lead wire for connection to the thermostat. No extra wiring or drilling is required for the cold lead connection.

4.2. Installation Steps

1. Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Install insulation beneath the slab or subfloor as recommended by local building codes to minimize heat loss downwards.
2. Layout the Cable: Use the provided cable guides to secure the heating cable to the subfloor. Maintain the recommended 3-inch spacing for optimal heat distribution. Avoid crossing or overlapping the cable. Do not cut the cable.
3. Install Floor Sensor: Position the floor sensor midway between two heating cable runs, ensuring it is fully embedded in the mortar or leveling compound. This allows the thermostat to accurately measure floor temperature.
4. Connect Cold Lead: Route the 10 ft armored cold lead wire to the thermostat location. Ensure the cold lead is protected and properly connected to the thermostat terminals by a qualified electrician.
5. Perform Continuity Test: Before covering the cable, use the included alarm (continuity monitor) to verify the integrity of the heating cable. This test should be performed before, during, and after covering the cable with mortar or leveling compound.
6. Apply Mortar/Leveling Compound: Cover the heating cable and floor sensor with a suitable thin-set mortar or self-leveling compound. Ensure the cable is fully encapsulated and protected.
7. Install Floor Covering: Once the mortar or leveling compound has cured according to the manufacturer's instructions, install your chosen floor covering (tile, stone, etc.).

Figure 2: Framed Floor Construction and Applications. This diagram illustrates various methods for installing the heating cable over a framed floor, including thin-set mortar, thick-set mortar, and cement mortar with lath. Key layers shown are tile/stone, latex-Portland cement mortar bond coat, heating cable, backer board, plywood subfloor, insulation, and joist.

Figure 3: Slab Construction and Applications. This diagram illustrates various methods for installing the heating cable over a concrete slab, including thin-set mortar, thick-set mortar, and self-leveling mortar. Key layers shown are tile/stone/laminate flooring, latex-Portland cement mortar bond coat, heating cable, mortar bed, anti-fracture membrane or cork underlayment, insulation, and slab.

5. Operating Instructions

The HeatTech system is controlled by the included Honeywell/Aube TH115-AF-120S programmable thermostat. Refer to the separate manual provided with the thermostat for detailed programming and operation instructions.

General Operation:

• The thermostat allows you to set desired floor temperatures and program heating schedules.
• The floor sensor provides accurate temperature readings to the thermostat, ensuring consistent and comfortable floor warmth.
• Allow sufficient time for the floor to heat up, especially during initial use or after prolonged periods of being off. Radiant heating warms the mass of the floor, which then radiates heat into the room.
• The system is energy-efficient when used with proper insulation and programming.

6. Maintenance

The HeatTech Electric Radiant Floor Heating Cable System is designed for maintenance-free operation once properly installed. No routine maintenance of the heating cable itself is required.

• Thermostat: Refer to the thermostat's specific manual for any maintenance or cleaning instructions.
• Floor Covering: Maintain your floor covering as recommended by its manufacturer.
• Electrical System: Periodically check your electrical panel for any tripped circuit breakers. If the GFCI trips frequently, consult a qualified electrician.

7. Troubleshooting

If your HeatTech Electric Radiant Floor Heating System is not functioning as expected, consider the following common issues and solutions:

For issues not covered here, or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, please contact HeatTech customer support or a qualified electrician.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty Information

The HeatTech Electric Radiant Floor Heating Cable System comes with a 25-year Manufacturer Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

For full details regarding warranty terms, conditions, and claim procedures, please refer to the warranty documentation included with your product or contact HeatTech customer support.

10. Customer Support

If you have any questions regarding the installation, operation, or maintenance of your HeatTech Electric Radiant Floor Heating Cable System, please contact HeatTech customer support.

For technical assistance or warranty claims, please visit the official HeatTech website or refer to the contact information provided in your product packaging.

Manufacturer: HeatTech

Website: Visit the HeatTech Store on Amazon (for general product information)