Electric Radiant Heat Mesh Roll & Matt Installation Info
Pictures and Examples on how to install Mesh Rolls into thinset applications


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Step 1 - Dry Run

  1. Detach the UL label from the electric roll/mat and save it on the fuse/breaker box.
  2. Measure the resistance of the roll with an Ohm meter and note the Ohm resistance on the UL label and on the Installation floor plan.
  3. Mark the roll at the location planned for cuts-&-turns, and mark the subfloor with locator reference points.
  4. Do a dry-fit of the roll on the sub-floor according to the installation plan.
  5. Make any adjustment in the layout now, before cutting the roll.

2 - Measure

3 - Mark the Roll

Cuts and Turns





Step 2 - PRE-FITTING


  1. Verify that the cold lead wires at the end of each roll will reach the control device location. The cold lead wires can run along the heating panels in the thinset cement but they can not crossover a heating element or the sensor wire.
  2. Cut the fiberglass net as needed and lay the heating panels on the floor for a last pre-fitting review. Never cut the heat resistance wire.
  3. Chose a sensor location within 15 feet of the thermostat box. The sensing probe will lie below a netted heating panel, centered between the wires in the mat and it must project at least 6" into the heated area.
Cut the Fiberglass
2 - Cutting the Fiberglass
Insert the Sensor
3 - Insert the Sensor
 





Step 3 - Wet Run


  1. Lay a first layer of 1/8" of thinset cement over the netted heating panels. The thinset cement should be latex modified, flex mortar, self-leveling, mastic or a similar variety.
  2. The fiberglass net can be stapled to the sub-floor if desired.
  3. When reaching the location planned for the sensor, secure the sensor and wire in thinset cement.
  4. Run all cold lead wires and the sensor wire along the heating panels, up to the thermostat, and cover them with thinset cement. These wires should never cross each other and never cross a heater wire.
  5. Measure the Ohms resistance again and verify that it is close to the measurement obtained at the start of the installation.
  6. Check the cable continuity and make sure there is no short between the core conductor wire and the ground shield wire
Staple
2 - Staple the Fiberglass
(if Desired)
   





Step 4 - Tile Installation


  1. Apply the tiles in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the NTCA.
  2. Measure the Ohm resistance again and verify that it is close to the measurement obtained at the start of the installation. Check the cable continuity again.
Staple
2 - Staple the Fiberglass
(if Desired)
   





Step 5 - Electrical Connections


  1. The electrical wiring should follow the wiring instruction schematic provided.
  2. Most timers or ON-OFF switches are mounted in a single-gang box.
  3. Most thermostats are mounted in a double-gang box.
  4. The heating rolls must be connected to the electrical service via a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter). This GFCI feature can be incorporated in the thermostat or it needs to be provided by the electrician, either at the circuit breaker or at the line's end, near the controls.





Tricks, Tips and Traps


  • Tips
  • Install the heating elements "wires down" as much as possible so that the fiberglass webbing protects the heating element from nicks.
  • Start the installation of the heating element close to the location of the controls per your designed installation guide, with the yellow cold lead and end the installation with the white cold lead.

  • Tricks
  • Spray 3M glue, or apply spots of silicon glue on the fiberglass webbing in strategic places to keep the webbing secured to the subfloor before you trowel thinset cement over the fiberglass rolls.

  • Traps
  • Remember that the white and yellow cold lead must be grounded by removing the PVC covering and separating the silver threaded wire from the core.


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