Installing SlabHeat

Installing SlabHeat^™.

The spacing of the SlabHeat cable will help determine how much heated area can be covered by a single SlabHeat coil. SlabHeat can be installed on either 4” (15 W/sf) or 6” (10 W/sf) centers, depending on the amount of heat required for the area. A heat loss calculation is required to know which spacing is right for the project. If the SlabHeat system is to be used for floor warming only, installing the cable at 6” on center is sufficient.

Another consideration to take into account when designing a SlabHeat system is to know the available amperage. A 120 VAC system will pull twice the amps as a 240 VAC system. If amp capacity is a factor, it may be better designing for 240 VAC. Make sure the voltage supplied matches the voltage requirement of the SlabHeat cable. Failure to do so may result in either an over-heating or under-heating condition.

SlabHeat can be installed in either a new slab pour or over an existing slab with a concrete cap. For new concrete pours, just zip-tie the cable to the rewire/rebar and elevate to the middle of the slab. If installing over an existing slab, it will be necessary to install CableStrap^™ to hold the SlabHeat cable in place.
When finished the only visible part to the system is the wall mounted SunStat thermostat.

A nice feature of the SlabHeat system is there is no annual maintenance required. Hydronic systems can require periodic cycling of the circulators to prevent the impellers from locking up during periods of non-use. Hydronic systems may also require fluid testing, treatment, and periodic system purges. SlabHeat systems are simple and easy.

Selecting the right product for the application is a breeze with SlabHeat. Since there are fewer parts needed to run a system, just thecable and control, ordering is easier than with a hydronic system. Just make sure to purchase the correct voltage, either 120 VAC or 240 VAC, and the correct number of thermostats or relays.

Controlling a SlabHeat system is also simple. Choose between two types of SunStat controls: programmable and non-programmable. Either one can be set up to respond to either a set floor or air temperature. SunStats are also dual voltage, meaning a single SunStat control can operate either a 120 VAC or 240 VAC system directly (one or the other, not both at the same time). This eliminates the need for cumbersome contactors, transformers, and complicated wiring as seen with other types of heating systems.

Whether heating a small sunroom or an entire warehouse, SlabHeat is the simple solution.

Christopher Campfield
Watts Radiant System Designer