Ouellet OWS - Manual (Page 16)

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Installation guidelines per type of coating
Guidelines specified in this section are specially formulated for each type of coating. Be sure to conform to mini-
mum and maximum embedding and coating thickness specifications to ensure optimum system performance.
Review all guidelines before you begin. Be sure to adhere to all construction codes and regulations applicable
in your area.
5.1. Concrete slab (one pour)
• Be sure to have the site cleared of any sharp objects that could damage cables during the installation process.
• Install the welded wire mesh or reinforcing bars so the upper part of the cable is at a minimum distance of
2” (50 mm), and maximum distance of 3.5” (89 mm) from the finished surface of the coating.
The concrete slab should be adequately reinforced to ensure its integrity. Settling, cracking or crumbling of the
coating could damage the cable.
The concrete slab should have a minimum thickness of 6” (152 mm) when used for vehicles or 4” (101 mm)
when there are no vehicles being used on it.
• Use enough levelling pads to maintain a uniform depth for embedding the heating cable. Be sure not to apply
any excessive pressure by walking on the cable.
• Indicate, with spray paint, the position of fixed elements, expansion and control joints to be bypassed.
Note: Also plan for future elements that could be added afterwards.
• Install the cold lead conduit at the planned location. The opening of the conduit should be embedded.
Note: Cold lead and ground sensor conduits must be separated by a minimum of 6” (152 mm) where exiting
the heated surface.
• Insert the cold lead in the conduit.
Note: The cold lead can be shortened if needed. Be sure to leave the nameplate near the connection.
• Keep the end of the cold lead dry and protected throughout the entire installation process.
• Place the mechanical joint between the cold lead and heating cable at a minimum of 6” (152 mm) inside the
surface to be heated. The mechanical joint should be entirely embedded. The conduit must protect the cold
lead all the way inside the surface to be heated. The exit point of the conduit must be completely embedded.
Never bend the mechanical joint. Never insert the mechanical joint or any part of the heating cable inside the
conduit.
• Unroll the mat as specified in the installation plan.
• Attach the cable to the framework using plastic tie-wraps. Do not use metal tie-wraps. Be sure to firmly anchor
the mat to the framework to prevent any movement when pouring the concrete.
Note: Conform to clearances during the entire installation process (see section 4.3).
• Install the heating cable at a minimum distance of 3” (76 mm) and maximum distance of 6” (152 mm) from
the expansion joint. The heating cable should not cross an expansion joint.
Note: Where it is not possible to avoid crossing an expansion joint, bypass the joint by routing the heating cable
under the slab (see figure 10).
• Where the construction of the surface to be heated requires a sawn joint, protect the cable where it crosses the
control joints (see figure 11). Limit the number of locations where the cable crosses the control joint.
The control joint should not exceed a maximum depth of 1” (25 mm).
• Perform insulation and resistance tests after the installation of the cable and before pouring the concrete. Enter
results in the measurement table.
• Proceed with the pour. Be sure not to move the cable while the concrete is being poured.
• Perform the insulation and resistance tests after the concrete is poured and enter results in the measurement
table.
• Be sure to conform to the curing period of the coating as specified by the manufacturer, before powering up
the system.
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