or contact us by calling 1-877-800-TRUE (8783). .... True Comfort Customer Service toll-free at 1-877-800-8783. Although
In-Floor Heating System
Installation Guide
CONTENTS TOOLS & MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . 3 STEP 1 Determine the location of the thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ensure the installation surface is smooth and clean . . . . . . . . 4 Compatible sub-floors and installation surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Verify the measurements of the surface to be covered . . . . . 5 Test the mat’s integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Preliminary steps prior to installing the mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Important installation guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 STEP 2 Prepare the installation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Install the mat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 STEP 3 Install the floor probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Fish the cold lead to the connection box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Test the mat’s integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Take a photo of the system’s installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Cover the mat with mortar or self-levelling underlayment . . . 10 STEP 4 Test the mat’s integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Install the floor covering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 STEP 5 Connect the thermostat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
YOUR SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO US! This guide contains instructions regarding safety as well as precautions to ensure a compliant and successful installation. Please pay special attention to this symbol and follow all instructions. NOTE: It is forbidden to connect the mat to the thermostat before the installation is completed. It is also forbidden to cut or modify the heating cable in the mat in any way.
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INSTALL YOUR TRUE COMFORT MAT IN 5 EASY STEPS NOTE: Before you begin, we strongly recommend that you view the Installation DVD in its entirety.
This product was designed to be installed under ceramic tile and natural stone. The True Comfort Mat is made of a self-adhesive mesh paired with an integrated heating cable (3w/linear ft) affixed at a regular spacing of 7.6 cm (3 in). This product is perfect for installation in square or rectangular shaped rooms. For rooms of irregular shape, we recommend that you use our True Comfort Cables for better results. For more information, visit us online at: www.truecomfortsystems.com or contact us by calling 1-877-800-TRUE (8783). True Comfort systems can be used as a main or secondary source of heating (provided that heat loss in the room does not exceed the energy capacity of the installation). The True Comfort Mat is designed to generate 129W/m² (12W/ft²). The generated heat obtained will depend on factors such as: insulation, window coverage,type of floor covering, etc. To learn more about the performance potential of your True Comfort system, consult a trade professional or a heating specialist. Certain rooms, such as solariums, could necessitate a supplementary heat source. CABLE SERIES TYPE G AND W CANADA, TYPE C USA This mat is an electrical appliance and must be installed in compliance with local and/or national electrical codes. Its installation should be entrusted to a qualified electrical professional where required by law.
TOOLS & MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION • True Comfort Mat Kit • True Comfort thermostat and floor probe, sold separately • Expanded electrical connection box • Protective plate for the base of the wall • Appropriate multimeter • Megohmmeter (optional) • Various tools: measuring tape, marker, calculator, screw driver, wood or concrete chisel to groove the sub-floor, fish cords (to fish the wiring to the connection box), shears (to cut the mesh substrate) and electrical tape • Vacuum cleaner, broom, a pail of water and a sponge • Cardboard or other light material (to deposit tools) IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the National Electrical Code, the product identification label affixed at the end of the cable must never be removed. This label details all relevant product specifications. Removing it voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
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STEPS TO FOLLOW STEP 1 Determine the location of the thermostat The expanded electrical box must be installed in an accessible area within the room where the system will be installed. The connection to the box will be done via the mat’s cold lead extremity. The cold lead is the part of the True Comfort Mat that will make the connection to the electrical box. The cold lead cable is a flat, black cable located at one of the extremities of the heating mat. The cold lead is connected to the heating cable by a mechanical joint. Part of this cable will run inside the wall to complete the connection to the thermostat. The other part, along with the mechanical joint, must be installed in a groove in the sub-floor in order to be at the same level as the mat.
Ensure the installation surface is smooth and clean The sub-floor surface must be flat, smooth and free of protruding nails, screws or other objects that could damage the cable integrated in the mesh substrate. The sub-floor must be compatible with the mortar or the self-levelling underlayment. Refer to the adhesive manufacturer’s technical specifications for additional information. To ensure maximum adhesion of the mat, use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate all dust residues and then wash the surface with a damp sponge. Compatible sub-floors and installation surfaces True Comfort floor heating systems can be installed on plywood, cement board, existing ceramic tile (surface must be carefully prepared before applying mortar or self-levelling underlayment), anti-fracture membranes, acoustic membranes and smooth concrete. Always check with the sub-floor material manufacturer to ensure compatibility with floor heating systems. If you plan on installing on another type of sub-floor, contact True Comfort customer service at 1-877-800-8783. NOTE: When installing on a concrete slab, the slab must be insulated to avoid heat loss towards the bottom. We recommend that all adjoining rooms supported by this slab also be equipped with a True Comfort floor heating system in order to avoid heat loss along the perimeter. If these conditions cannot be met, you will need to install an appropriate insulating barrier between the slab and the floor heating system to avoid heat loss.
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Other sub-floors or installation surfaces may include: wire mesh (must be embedded with a compatible adhesive prior to installing the mat) or mortar bed (if the surface is too rough and/or uneven, resurface with a compatible mortar). The True Comfort Mat and floor probe must be installed on the surface of any of the previously mentioned sub-floors. IMPORTANT NOTE: The heated portion of the mat cable and the mechanical joint must be completely covered using one of the methods described in STEP 3.
Verify the measurements of the surface to be covered Measure the surface area of the room where the mat will be installed. It is important to verify the label on the box of your True Comfort Mat as it provides information on the surface area the product can cover.
The surface that the mat can cover must always be equal or lesser than the total surface of the room that will be heated. The cable (integrated in the mesh substrate) must not be cut or modified in any way. Test the mat’s integrity The cellophane packaging around the mat guarantees its integrity. Before removing the cellophane packaging, it is important to verify that the mat conforms to the specifications. This test must be repeated in STEPS 3 and 4. Verification of the resistance Using an appropriate multimeter, test the resistance between the black wires. The result should be within ± 10% of the reference value on the product label. The cable’s resistance was established in an environment at 20 °C (68 °F). If the result is outside of the acceptable range, contact True Comfort Customer Service tollfree at 1-877-800-8783.
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Verification of the insulation Using a megohmmeter, connect one of the device’s leads to the ground cable (green cable) and the other lead to one of the black heating elements. Apply a voltage of 1,000 V. If the readout is greater than 500 MΩ, the cable is sound. If the result is not in accordance with the previously mentioned reading contact True Comfort Customer Service toll-free at 1-877-800-8783.
Although less precise, this test can also be performed with an appropriate multimeter. Adjust the multimeter to the resistance function (Ω) and verify that there is an infinite resistance between one of the black cables and the green cable. If you get a reading other than infinity (make sure your fingers do not touch the exposed part of the cables or the sensors), It is possible the cable is damaged. Contact True Comfort customer service to register the results and request a repair. True Comfort strongly recommends that the insulation test be performed with a megohmmeter. The greater accuracy will allow you to detect certain damages that would not be detected with a multimeter. Preliminary steps prior to installing the mat True Comfort floor heating systems must be connected to a circuit dedicated to heating. The required amperage of the circuit (used to supply the system) is determined from the data on the product label. The maximum amperage supported by the True Comfort thermostat is 15A. For installations exceeding 15A, contact True Comfort Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-877-8783. Drill a hole at the base of the wall directly below the connection box. This will enable you to pass the cold lead and the floor probe wire from the floor, through the wall, to the connection box.
Locate and mark the area where the mechanical joint will be anchored to the sub-floor. Using a wood or concrete chisel, make a groove of approximately 6 mm (1/4 in) in the sub-floor. Clean the groove thoroughly, then carefully glue the cable’s 6
mechanical joint. Never touch the cable (integrated in the mesh substrate) with the tip of the hot glue gun.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The thermostat must be installed no closer than 1 m (3 ft 3 in) from any wet zone (shower, sauna, indoor pool, other). A separate mat or heating cable must be installed in a shower.
Important installation guidelines When installing the mat, certain distance limits must be respected: • No closer than 25 mm (1 in) from the base of fixed furniture, steps leading to a bath, baths or showers. • No closer than 5 cm (2 in) from a wall • No closer than 15 cm (6 in) from a toilet or drain • No closer than 20 cm (8 in) from a heating appliance attached to or in contact with the floor The mat must be spaced at least 13 mm (1/2 in) from any exposed combustible surface. The cable integrated in the mesh substrate cannot be cut, crossed, shortened, or overlapped. The entire surface of the mat, as well as the mechanical joint and the floor probe, must be fixed to the sub-floor and covered with mortar or self-levelling underlayment. IMPORTANT NOTE: Under no circumstances should the mat or its mechanical joint be installed inside walls. This could cause a fire.
The True Comfort floor heating system must not be installed in cabinets, closets, under fixed furniture, in walls or partitions, or anywhere else that air cannot circulate freely. The mat must not be installed over a control or expansion joint. Installation should not be carried out at a room temperature lower than 0 °C (32 °F). The system is designed for indoor use only. STEP 2 Prepare the installation plan Above all, plan your installation while taking into account the above mentioned guidelines. It is recommended to make an installation plan in order to foresee directional changes. 7
Using a marker, draw the obstacles to be bypassed directly onto the sub-floor. Plan to have a buffer zone which can accommodate any excess mat (e.g. under a hanging fixture or behind a door). Plan the installation to fit the entire mat in the room. The heating mat cannot extend beyond the room or area in which it originates. If multiple mats are required for the installation, each run of the mat should be carefully planned to ensure that the installation guidelines are always met. Square or rectangular room
1. Plan your installation taking into account that the mat is 20 in wide.
Starting the installation and skirting around an obstacle
Object
1. Free the required length of cable from the mesh, taking great care not to damage it. 2. Install the free portion of the cable on the floor using the cut pieces of mesh or hot glue (Do not touch the cable with the tip of the glue gun). 3. Always maintain the same 7.6 cm (3 in) spacing as the cable integrated to the mesh.
Turning 180°
1. Cut the mesh, taking great care not to cut or damage the cable. 2. Turn the roll 180° and unroll in the opposite direction.
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Turning 90°
1. Free one run of the cable from the mat, taking great care not to damage it. 2. Install the free portion of the cable on the floor using the cut pieces of mesh or hot glue (do not touch the cable with the tip of the glue gun). 3. Make sure the 7.6 cm (3 in) spacing between cables is observed in all directions and that the spacing to the wall is consistant. 4. A small cold spot will result from this operation. Make sure it is by the wall in a low traffic area.
Install the mat NOTE: Keep ends of heating devices and kit components dry before and during installation.
Your True Comfort Mat is manufactured with a self-adhesive mesh substrate which will facilitate the installation. Based on your installation plan, run the in-floor heating mat in the lengths required, cutting the mesh (careful not to cut/damage the heating cable) in the appropriate locations to change direction. Once you have laid out the mat according to the plan, using slight pressure, adhere the mat to the floor. If required, stabilise your installation with staples or hot glue. At no time should you ever staple the heating cable. This will jeopardise the functionality of your system. Only the mesh substrate should be stapled or glued. Wet environment installation The True Comfort Mat can be installed in a wet environment such as European style shower floor or sauna with a ceramic or natural stone floor.* However, additional precautions must be observed. • The thermostat must be located at least 1 m (3 ft 3 in) away from the wet zone so that it cannot be reached by a person in that area. • The shower must have a dedicated mat (one mat for the bathroom and a separate mat for the shower). • Drill the hole in the wall 15 cm (6 in) above the floor to avoid the waterproof membrane. • The installation must be performed in accordance with all other previously mentioned instructions, such as minimum distance from the drain, prohibition of installing the mat in walls, etc. * Applications must be validated with local and/or national electrical codes
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STEP 3 Install the floor probe The thermostat’s floor probe must be installed in a neutral location: • In between two heating cables at a distance of 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) inside the heated area • Without overlapping the probe over the rows of heating cables • Away from any other source of heating or cooling (ex. a refrigerator, patio door or hot water pipe) Check the integrity of the floor probe using an appropriate multimeter. Refer to the thermostat installation guide. Fish the cold lead to the connection box Wrap the identification label around the cold lead and secure it with electrical tape. Tie a string around the cold lead and the probe wire and pull them through the hole in the base of the wall to the connection box. In accordance with the national electrical code you must leave the identification label attached to the cold lead as proof of warranty. Removing the label will void the warranty. Test the mat’s integrity Re-verify the mat’s integrity as in STEP 1. Take a photo of the system’s installation Take a photo of your installation before it is covered. These photos will help: • Ensure the conformity of your installation with industry standards • Validate the warranty • Locate the placement of the mat and runs of cables in the event of future renovations Cover the mat with mortar or self-levelling underlayment The mat(s), mechanical joint and floor probe must be entirely covered using one of the following methods: Cover with polymer-modified mortar Polymer-modified mortar is used with ceramic tile or natural stone. With a flat trowel (no teeth or grooves), spread a coat of mortar directly over the mat (in the same direction as the runs of cable) covering it entirely. Let dry. Cover with a polymer-modified self-levelling underlayment The self-levelling underlayment is applied with a smooth straight edge rake. Let dry.
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It is important to completely cover the mat. For all floor surfaces other than natural stone or ceramic tile, cover the mat with a minimum of 8 to 10 mm (1/4 in to 3/8 in) thickness and let dry. NOTE: Examine the base of the walls before pouring the polymermodified self-levelling underlayment. Fill any hole and make sure to seal the perimeter.
STEP 4 Test the mat’s integrity Re-verify the mat’s integrity as in STEP 1. Install the floor covering Before installing the floor covering, it is important to respect the curing time (drying time) recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Instal l the floo r cover ing fol low ing the manufactu rer’s instructions. NOTE: True Comfort Mat should only be used for ceramic and natural stone floor coverings.
STEP 5 Connect the thermostat DANGER: SEVERE RISK OF ELECTROCUTION. Turn off the power of the designated electrical circuit prior to connecting the thermostat.
Compatible thermostats Use True Comfort thermostats to operate the system. These thermostats are equipped with a class A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) that will protect the system in case of fault. To preserve the system’s warranty the use of a thermostat equipped with a class A GFCI (5 mA) is required. Secure the system’s ground cable (green wire) to the terminal located in the electrical box; Make connections following the instructions included in the True Comfort thermostat installation guide. Identify the appropriate circuit in the electrical distribution panel. IMPORTANT NOTE: Before turning your system on, it is important to respect the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive curing time. Curing time may vary from 7 to 28 days. Consult the technical specifications of the products used or contact the adhesive manufacturer.
REPAIR Should the cable be damaged during or after installation it can be repaired. Contact True Comfort customer service tollfree at 1-877-800-8783. Always turn off the power supply before attempting a repair. 11
True Comfort Floor Heating Inc. 2400 de la Province Street, Longueuil Quebec J4G 1G1 Canada 450-677-TRUE (8783), 1-877-800-TRUE (8783) 450-677-1477, 1-877-717-1477 www.truecomfortsystems.com
57010008 - 102010 • Printed in Canada
In-Floor Heating System
