Flextherm XPRESS Guide D'installation page 6

Floor probe installation
If embedding the system in a concrete slab, install the probe conduit
(FLS1260T). This conduit protects the probe (including the capillary) and
makes its replacement easier, should it become necessary. The cable conduit
will need to go from the slab up to the connection box. Attach this cable
conduit to the one that already holds the cold lead. Place the cable conduit in
such a way that the probe capillary (the bottom part) is at a distance of 60 cm
(2 ft) minimum within the heated zone. Do not cross the probe cable conduit
over the heating cable.
Slide the probe capillary in using the appropriate lubricant, until it has
reached the tip of the cable conduit. The probe must be installed 5 cm (2 in)
deep from the floor surface. When embedding the system in a concrete
slab, secure the conduit to a brick placed between two cable runs in order
to raise the probe. Make sure the brick and conduit are well secured so they
do not move when the concrete is poured (figure 11). If installing the system
on plywood, OSB or concrete with a concrete topping, the probe can be
installed directly on the subfloor between cable runs (figure 12).
The probe should be placed in a neutral location, not near any other heating
or cooling sources.
Once the probe installation is completed, verify its integrity with an
appropriate multimeter (refer to the thermostat installation guide for more
details).
Mat verification
Once the mat installation is completed, verify once again the mat's integrity
as explained in the section "Mat verification". Record the results on the
warranty card. Should the mat have been damaged during installation, do
not proceed with the concrete pouring. Contact FLEXTHERM Customer
Service at 1 800 353-9843.
Safe practices during the concrete pour
Some precautions need to be taken in order to prevent cable damage when
pouring concrete over a mat:
• Always use a concrete pump to pour the concrete. The use of a
wheelbarrow is allowed if the mat is protected by a styrofoam panel
reinforced with plywood (plywood side up).
• Always lay the concrete pump pipe (especially the pipe gaskets) over a
styrofoam panel reinforced with a plywood (plywood side up) to prevent
damage to the mats (figure 13).
6
• Never lay the pipe directly on the mat.
• When a mesh is installed to arm the slab, install shims that will support
the metallic mesh; shims must always be placed between cable runs to
prevent damaging the cable.
• Always lift the pipe when moving it as to not damage the mat.
• When pouring the concrete, always lift the end of the pipe so that it does
not touch the mat (figure 14).
Figure 11
Mat verification
Once the concrete has been poured, verify the mat's integrity one more
Figure 12
time, as described in the "Mat verification" section at the beginning of this
guide. Record the results on the warranty card. If there was a breakage
during installation, do not install the floor covering and contact FLEXTHERM's
Customer Service at 1 800 353-9843.
Curing period
Do not turn your system on, nor proceed with floor covering installation,
immediately after the concrete is poured. The system can be operated only
after the concrete has completely cured. Refer to the instructions of your
construction professional or your local building code to verify the curing time:
this curing period is essential so that the concrete reaches its full hardness.
Connection to the thermostat
Use FLEXTHERM 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
control equipped with a class A GFCI (5 mA) is required.
ATTENTION
Always use smooth scrapers (toothless) to spread the
concrete, making sure not to touch the mat. If the scraper is
used often to spread concrete, the dried concrete on the tool
may become sharp and cutting. Take the necessary measures
to protect the mat.
DANGER: SEVERE RISK OF ELECTROCUTION.
Turn off the power of the designated electrical circuit prior to
connecting the system controls.
Concrete Mat Xpress Installation Guide
Figure 13
Figure 14