Under Tile Spooled cable installation instructions

1. Under Tile Spooled cable installation instructions Included in each Kit: Under Tile Heating Spooled cable Continuity Tester (Alarm) Adhesive Tape Adhesive Spray Instructions Ceramics: Wooden Laminate: Terracotta: Stone: Marble: Slate: Cork; Vinyl. Your choice of Controller below is additional to the above. HWTH2 Manual HWTH1 Programmable GMT-4 24 Hr clock

2. Sizing & Spacing guide:

3. Prior to Starting please read the following installation instructions carefully • The Hotwire elements are set length continuous resistance wire with conducting cables (Cold Tails) connected to each end. • The heating cable must NOT be cut, shortened or lengthened. • Even spacing of the wire will ensure an even temperature over your tiles. • Each element has a half way marker to guide your installation position. • The heating element must only be installed as per the Hotwire instructions. • In accordance with the local electricity laws an authorised electrician must carry out all prescribed electrical work. • Your Hotwire element is classified as an electrical appliance. You are not required to be an electrician to install the element. But all electrical connections including the connection of the thermostat must be undertaken by a licensed electrician. • IMPORTANT: A certificate of Compliance (COC) must be issued by the electrician once the installation has been completed. Your electrician may need to check and test the installation prior to any floor covering being laid including the screed. • The design wattage for Hotwire elements is 150 watts per m2. • Subfloor: It is essential that the subfloor is sufficiently rigid to support the heating elements and not allow unnecessary movement. Insulation: • Insulation should also be considered both on timber floors and older concrete bases. • The Heating Company recommends “EasyMat” which comes in 3 and 5mm thicknesses and has R values of 0.8 & 1.5 respectively. This is applied direct to the subfloor with a peel and stick primer and the heating cables can be installed straight on top of this. A self levelling compound (Screed) is then applied straight after the cables are laid. This application then gives the floor both the rigidity required, along with insulation to deflect the maximum amount of heat up into the tiles.

4. Floor Preparation: • Floors must be entirely clean, dry and level. If necessary sand or grind the floor first. Clean working surfaces will provide good adhesion. • If a timber subfloor is being used, then we recommend tile and Slate underlay being installed prior to the elements to give the floor the rigidity required. This is especially important if the subfloor is tongue and groove flooring. • Water proofing membrane requirements are determined on installation methods and are subject to local council requirements/regulations. • Where there is no water proofing, the floor must be painted with primer and allowed to dry for 30-40 minutes. This will ensure good adhesion for taping down the element. Prior to the Installation of the element: • Before starting, use a multi-metre to check the resistance on the element ensuring there is a circuit. Note the correct ohms reading (-5 + 5%) which is labelled on each elements outer packaging. • Prior to starting your installation, a flush box needs to be prepared for your thermostat, and chisel 2 short channels in the subfloor at 50mm spacings at your start point to accommodate the black joins of both the first and second cold tail. This will minimise their height and create a flat surface for tiling. • Notes: The Thermostat that comes with the Kit is vertically mounted. The heating element must be protected by an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA. An electrician must either install a dedicated RCD or use an existing one.

5. The element spacing formula is as follows: • 1: Take the net floor area x by 1000, divide by the length of the element you are using. • 2: Eg. 2.4m2 x 1000 = 2400 divided by element length of a 400 watt (35mtrs) = 68.5mm spacing. • When measuring the net floor area, measure off the walls, benches and shower trays etc the distance you require. • Marking out the floor once you know the spacings, is recommended. • The minimum spacing is 50mm and the maximum is 80mm to achieve efficient heat distribution. • Do NOT lay elements in areas that may have floor fixtures installed after tiling. Eg. Toilets & doorstops. Typical Element Design Layout: • Every area and layout differs. Work out your required layout and coverage • X = Thermostat position and Start / Finish point. X X X X

6. Installation: Marking the floor for element installation • Calculate in m2 the actual area to be heated. Using the formula on the previous page establish the actual element spacings. • The start point should be positioned as close as possible to the power supply (Mark the start point.) • Mark all the outer corners of the heated area and then join the corners together to show the total marked perimeter. • Mark the spacing intervals using the established element spacing as above. (Spacings must be a minimum of 50mm apart and a maximum of 80mm to get a comfortable even heat across the floor) • At the start point chisel 2 short channels in the subfloor at 50mm spacings to accommodate the black joins of both the first and second power supply cords. (Cold Tails) This will minimise their height and create a flat surface for tiling. • Unroll the initial 3 metres of the cold tail until you reach the join to the heating element. • Tape the black join into the first channel of the subfloor at your start point and leave the power cord to one side while you lay the element. • Following the perimeter floor markings, lay the heating element to the further most corner of the room securing with adhesive tape at the corners. • You then work your way back to the start position, laying the element back and forth in parallel even lines, being guided by the space markings. • Secure the element with adhesive tape at even spacings. You may need to apply adhesive spray to the floor to assist tape adhesion. • Note the red half way mark on the element to guide your installation position. Check the coverage of the floor that has been completed to gauge the end result.

7. When you have laid approximately 80% of the designated area, roll out the remaining element and second cold tail. Then before continuing laying the remaining element secure the second cold tail join back at the start point and tape into the second channel. • Now lay the remaining element in reverse back to the point where you last stopped. • To maintain even heat distribution, you may need to adjust previously laid and taped element, by increasing or decreasing the element spacing. The key is to try and maintain an even spacing across the floor and if necessary you may need to redesign your layout. • You can hide extra element down the side of toilets etc provided: • The element spacing is never less than 50mm • The element is never crossed over or cut. • The heating element is never placed in the wall cavity. • Elements should never cross two or more rooms • Avoid placing elements where doorstops may be screwed into the floor. Floor Temperature sensor (Probe) for Thermostat: • If this type of controller is being used, you now need to position and tape fix the probe to the floor, directly below the thermostat position and exactly between 2 runs of the heating element. This is to ensure that it obtains the correct temperature readings. • You may need to recess the probe flat onto the floor and use hot glue to hold it in place. Ensure the probe lead can reach the thermostat. • The probe wire must NOT cross over the heating elements. Cold Tails and probe wire: • Attach the draw wire to the ends of the cold tails, as well as the floor probe wire. • Gently pull up inside the wall, so that the cold tails and probe wire can reach the flush box. • The flush box should be installed vertically to accept the Hotwire thermostat • Tape cold tails to supply cable (Power) to avoid them dropping back down inside the wall. • Test the continuity monitor is working (if supplied). Then attach to the 2 cold tails of the element as per the instructions. This will ensure that any subsequent work on the floor will be monitored for damage. Test the element to ensure correct Ohms reading after installation & prior to screed being laid.

8. Finishing: • Look over the total installation to ensure that the element is flat and stuck to the floor and where necessary use further tape or hot glue to secure down any lifting element. Note: If the element is no secure it will lift when the screed / tile adhesive is laid • Self Levelling Compound: (Screed) This is recommended to protect the element during tiling. If you apply a screed you will need to wait approx 24 hours for the screed to cure before tiling. ( This will vary due to temperature of the air and floor as well as humidity) Consult your tiler for their requirements. Tiler Information: • Use only tile and grout compatible with under floor heating. • The heating element incorporates ETFE extruded insulation with a PVC outer jacket and will withstand normal tiling practices. However we ask you to note and take care of the following: • With Care you can tile directly over the elements. • We recommend applying a thin bed of flexible tile adhesive with a standard double “Round ended” notch trowel (10-12inch) • A latex modified cement based grout must be used, with at least a 10 – 15% “by weight of solid based” latex cement. • Where possible move the tile adhesive in the same direction as the element run. • Where waterproofing is required and has not been applied prior to the heating installation please seek advice from your waterproofing supplier, on a suitable product to be applied over the elements. • Take extra care when cleaning between tiles prior to grouting. • Ensure that enough adhesive is used to eliminate hollows or voids under the tiles. • Wear soft soled type shoes while tiling. • Do not carry out other work on top of the elements such as tile cutting. • Avoid dropping tools, or placing ladders onto the elements. • Be extremely careful if the lifting of tiles is required. • Endeavour to limit the twisting of feet as this may cause irreversible damage to the heating. • Avoid excessive foot traffic & close off the area to other trades before the tiling has taken place.

9. Operation: • Wait 7 days for the tile adhesive to dry before you turn your heating on. • Once the heating is commissioned the initial heat up time will vary depending on the age of the floor, sub-floor type, season, insulation , thermal characteristics and ambient temperature. Performance will improve with increased usage. Do’s and Don’ts: Do’s: • Read the installation instructions prior to the installation. • Ensure the surface is clean and clear of obstructions • Plan the heat mat layout prior to installation. • Pre-plan post drilling Eg: doorstops vanities etc to eliminate damage to the element. • Maintain even elements spacing • Before starting and after laying use a multi-metre to check the resistance on the cable ensuring there is a circuit. • Ensure that all heating element is positioned on the floor and not up into the wall cavity. • Protect the element prior to tilling • Check the element again for resistance readings prior to tiling starting and when tiling be very carful not to damage the element. • Use tile adhesives and grouts that are suitable for use with underfloor heating. • Ensure that each tile is solidly bedded in adhesive with no air gaps. • If you are unsure of any aspect of the installation or the suitability of the subfloor to be heated, check with your supplier (place of purchase) or call 0800 HEATING for technical advise.

10. Don’ts: • Don’t cut or attempt to shorten the element • Don’t commence installation on concrete floors that are not fully cured • Don’t allow the heating element to cross over or touch – nor cross over into another room. • Don’t allow the element to be installed on irregular surfaces. • Don’t allow traffic over the heating elements until tiled • Don’t remove the heating element off the spool other than during installation • Don’t commence tiling before checking the continuity tester is working and that it is fitted to the elements cold tails. • Don’t turn on the heating until the adhesive has fully cured (7 days) Foot Notes: • The lowest ambient temperature that the heating element can be installed equals – 200Deg C. • The minimum radius for bending the heating elements equals 20mm • The thickness of covering materials should be at least 5mm • Contact the manufacturer for advice if materials other than those recommended are used. • The appliance is not intended for use by young children, or infirmed persons, without supervision. • Young children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance. Finished installation before screed is applied Finished installation with screed applied

11. Hotwire Warranty certificate: The warranty certificate must be properly completed after the installation is completed. Hotwire heating mats carry and 10 year product manufacturers guarantee (Thermostats carry a 2 year warranty) on the following conditions: • The installation instruction have been read and the installation has been carried out strictly to those instructions. Note that for your own protection photos taken during the installation can be of great value in the case of third party damage. • That the warranty certificate is completed correctly in ledgeable English. It must be produced to the Hotwire agent at the time of any defect inspection. The Hotwire warranty means that you will be covered as a consumer under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and will apply in all circumstances covered by the consumer guarantees act. The Heating Company International (THCI) reserves the right to either repair a fault, or supply an equivalent heating element/s free of charge to the customer, without incurring any secondary charges linked to repairing the element if the element is deemed to be faulty within the warranty periods. THCI or its representative reserves the right to charge for any fault finding, and / or repairs caused by installation damage which is not the fault of THCI. Hotwire warranty applies to: Name:…………………………………………………………………………..Phone:……………………………………………………….. Address:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Contractor/Installer:…………………………………………………………………………………………..Date of Install:…………………………………………………… Phone:………………………………………………………………… Electrical Contractor:………………………………………………………………………………………….Date of Install:…………………………………………………… Phone:………………………………………………………………… Wattage of element:………………………………………………………………………Net floor area m2:…………………………………………………………….. Subfloor type: Concrete Floor : Yes / No Floor Covering: Tiles : Yes / No Wooden Floor: Yes / No Other: (Specify)…………………………………………….. Suppliers Details and proof of purchase : Company Name:………………………………………………………………………….Date of Sale:………………………………………………………….. Sales Person:……………………………………………………………………………………………… To register and validate your warranty the above needs to be filled out and then Fax or post the warranty to: The Heating Company International, PO Box 195 Greenhithe Auckland Phone: 0800 HEATING (432-846) Email: thc@hotwire.co.nz