4
SunTouch TapeMat Installation Manual
Phase 1: Designing the System
SunTouch TapeMat should be installed in all interior floor
areas intending to be warmed. It cannot be used for exterior
applications, snow melting, or in ceilings. In many applications
it can be used to heat the room but an accurate heat-loss
calculation must be made to determine if enough heat will be
provided to match the heat loss.
STEP 1.1
Make a sketch of the room and measure the overall room size.
Measurement should be made from wall-to-wall and include
size and location of cabinets, tub, toilets, etc. Determine
the total square footage of floor area to be warmed by
subtracting out the area associated with the built-ins. Keep in
mind the following:
• Heat will not radiate beyond about 1-1/2" on either
side of the heating wire, therefore consistent coverage
is important.
•
Do
install heating wire within about 1-1/2” to 2” from a
counter or vanity in the kick-space to ensure warmth in
this area.
•
Do not
install the heating wire underneath cabinets or
fixtures having no floor clearance or inside a wall. Excessive
heat will build up and cause damage.
•
Do not
run the heating wire into small closets or other
confined areas where excessive heat will build up.
•
Do not
install the heating wires closer than 6" from toilet
rings to avoid possible melting of wax rings.
•
Do not
directly cross expansion joints.
•
Do not
place the heating wire any closer than 4" from other
items such as forced air ducting or potable piping to avoid
overheating them.
• TapeMat must be laid in a manner to prevent surface
obstructions being placed directly over the mat location.
Failure to do so will result in capturing heat and may allow
potential damage from mounting brackets, bolts, or similar
penetrations associated with pedestals, support columns,
walls, or similar.
• Install the heating wires 4" to 6" away from the perimeter
walls of the room. It may be placed closer, but is
unnecessary since most people do not stand this close to
the wall. Make sure the heating wire will not be located
underneath finish trim.
• The heating wire and factory splices must be completely
embedded in the thin-set. Only the power lead may
exit the thin-set and enter the wall. Pull power leads
through UL Listed conduit to a UL Listed junction box or
the control box.
STEP 1.2
Multiply the heated area square footage calculated in Step 1.1
by 0.90 to allow 4" to 6" spacing around the edges of the floor
area. Use this resulting square footage to select the appropriate
mats from Table 2 on page 5.
Remember:
•
Do not
exceed 15 amps at 120 VAC (1800 watts) or
15 amps (3600 watts) at 240 VAC through a single SunStat or
SunStat Relay.
• Select either 120 VAC or 240 VAC depending on the power
available.
DO NOT
mix voltages on the same SunStat if more
than one mat is to be installed to cover an area.
• Load no more than 12 amps on a 15-amp circuit breaker, or
16 amps on a 20-amp circuit breaker.
• If the area requires more than 15 amps to be controlled by
one thermostat use SunStat Relays to take the additional amp
load.
• See the Wiring Diagrams in Appendix for further information.
If the exact size of product calculated is not found in the
selection Table 2 on page 5, it may be necessary to adjust the
warming area(s) or select the next smaller size.
Remember, the
heating wire must never be cut shorter to fit, and must be
completely embedded in thin-set, thick-set, or self-leveling
concrete. Failure to do so may result in damage to the
product. Do not select a product larger than necessary.
Small bath design
Gross Room Area: 8 x 5 = 40 sf
Built-in Areas
Sink and Toilet: 2 x 5 = 10 sf
Bath Tub: 2.5x 5 = 12.5 sf
Total Heated Area: 40 - (10 + 12.5) = 17.5 sf
TapeMat Coverage: 17.5 x 0.90 = 15.75 sf
Chosen TapeMat Size: 15 sf.
Sink
Toilet
Bath Tub
8 ft
5 ft
2-1/2 ft
5 ft
2 ft
