Dr. heater Dr-9fh2120 User manual

Heat Cable System

Installation Manual

Floor heating system

 
2
Contents 
Important Safeguards and Warnings...........................................................3
General Information...................................................................................3
1 Use of the Manual..........................................................................................................3
2 Safety Guidelines ...........................................................................................................3
3 Remember to measure resistance.................................................................................3
4 25-year Limited Warranty..............................................................................................3
Heat Cable System.....................................................................................4
1 Specifications .................................................................................................................4
Floor Heating Design and Product Selection...........................................4
1 Design the Installation ...................................................................................................4
2 Cable Selection...............................................................................................................5
Installation..................................................................................................6
Resistance Test.........................................................................................9
1 Insulation Resistance Test..............................................................................................9
2 Heating Cable Resistance Test .......................................................................................9
3 Sensor Resistance Test...................................................................................................9
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................10 
 EXTENDED WARRANTY .......................................................................10

Important Safeguards and Warnings

WARNING: Shock and fire hazard

If the Heat Cable System is damaged or not installed properly, fire or shock could occur resulting in serious

personal injuries or damage to property. You must carefully follow the warnings and instructions contained

in this manual.

· A qualified thermostat must be used.

· It is important that this equipment is installed only by qualified electricians who are familiar with the proper

sizing, installation, construction and operation of floor warming system and the hazards involved. The

installation must comply with all national and local electrical codes. If you are unfamiliar with these

requirements, contact an electrician.

· The heating cable is designed for under floor heating purposes only. Be sure that the floor is not penetrated

by nails, screws, or similar devices that can cause damage on first installation or during subsequent floor

repairs in the future.

· If the Heat Cable System is damaged, it must be replaced. Do not attempt to splice or repair any part of the

system

1 General Information

1.1 Use of the Manual

This manual describes the Heat Cable floor heating system — how to design the room, select the product,

and install the system. It is important to thoroughly review this manual and the following document prior to

installation.

Dr. Heater Thermostat Installation and Operation Manual

1.2 Safety Guidelines

The safety and reliability of any floor heating system depends on proper design, installation, and testing.

Incorrect installation or mishandling of the product can cause damage to the heating cable, system

components and property, and can create a risk of fire or shock. The guidelines and instructions contained in

this guide are important. Follow them carefully to minimize these risks and to ensure that the Heat Cable

system performs reliably.

Pay special attention to the following:

·Instructions marked Important

·Safety warnings identified as WARNING

1.3 Remember to measure resistance

The resistance should be measured between the two conductors, white and black. Compare this resistance

reading to the resistance specified in the Product Selection “Table 1 or Table 2”. The value should be within

±10%.

Also, measure the resistance between the white, black and shielding/ground wire. Both should read infinity.

Please refer to “5 Commissioning” for instructions on how to measure the resistance.

Important: measure the resistance four times during the installation process

Remember to always measure, verify and record the actual resistance throughout the installation

process (out of the box, after installation, after thin set cement or self-leveler application and after

installation of floor tiles).

1.4 25-year Limited Warranty

For a period of twenty-five (25) years from the date of purchase Dr. Heater warrants that the heating cable

is free from defects in material, design and workmanship. The warranty is only valid if the warranty

certificate has been properly completed and mailed, and the installation is in accordance with the

installation instructions.

2 Heat Cable System

2.1 Specifications

Cable Construction:

Twin conductor

Rated Voltage:

120V,240V

Output:

3.7W/ft±10%

Bending radius:

Cable Diameter:

4.6mm

Conductor Insulation:

fluoropolymer

Outer Insulation:

PVC

Max. Ambient Temp.:

85℉(30℃)

Min. Installation Temp.:

40℉(5℃)

Cold lead

2-wire 16 AWG plus ground braid; 10ft (3m) length

Important

· Read the instructions carefully before installing Heat Cable system.

· Remember to measure the resistance four times.

· Do not install Heat Cable in walls or ceilings.

· The cable must be embedded in mortar, thinset, concrete or similar material.

· The minimum installation temperature is 40℉(5℃).

· The heating cable cannot be cut to length, crossed over itself, or installed too close.

· It is recommended to use copper wire only.

· Remember to check that the supply voltage matches the voltage of the Heat Cable.

· Remember to place the labels as written in this instruction.

· Only for indoor installation.

· Metal structures or materials used for the support of or on which the Heat Cable is installed must be

grounded in accordance with CSA Standard C22.1, section 10 and the NEC.

Please consult the factory for any other questions or advice.

3 Floor Heating Design and Product Selection

3.1 Design the Installation

Step 1: Measure the heated area

Determine the heated area of the floor where there are no permanent fixtures or furniture such as showers,

toilets, vanities, or cabinets. Measure the heated area of the floor.

For example, in Figure 3, the area of the bathroom is 96 ft2. When you subtract the area of the vanity, shower

and toilet, the total heated area is only 74 ft2.

Step 2: Determine the power supply voltage

The available supply voltages include 120 V, 208 V or 240 V.

Important

Operating the 240V cable at 208V reduces the power output to approximately 2.25W/ft. (25% reduction)

Step 3: Plan the design

Determine the optimum floor heating Cable layout for your heated area to ensure coverage. Select a spot for

the thermostat in the wall above the heated area where it can be reached by the 10-foot cold lead on the Heat

Cable, and the 10-foot floor temperature sensor. Please refer to Figure 4.

Important

The predetermined Heat Cable spacing must be maintained to ensure proper floor heating. Do not change the

heating cable spacing when you lay out the cable or the floor may have cold spots.

3.2 Cable Selection

Select an appropriate length of cable. The cable’s standard heating area (see table below) must be smaller

than the actual area to be heated. Example: if the area to be heated is 74 ft2, select the 70 ft2 Heat Cable

system.

Table 1: 120V Product Selection

Model No.

Length

Coverage area (sq. Ft.)

Power Output

Warmup/Schluter Membrane

PRODESO Membrane

Spacing

Alt.

2&3

slots

3.5''

Alt.

3&4

slots

4.6''

Alt.

2&3

slots

3.75''

Alt.

3&4

slots

5''

slots

DR-9FH110

120

DR-9FH120

240

DR-9FH140

132

480

DR-9FH150

165

600

DR-9FH1100

330

101

114

128

104

122

139

1200

DR-9FH1110

363

111

107

125

141

115

134

153

1320

10.9

Figure 3: Measure and design the heated area

Figure 4: Typical cold lead and floor temperature sensor

Table 2: 240V Product Selection

Model No.

Length

Coverage area (sq. Ft.)

Power Output

Warmup/Schluter Membrane

PRODESO Membrane

Spacing

Alt.

2&3

slots

3.5''

Alt.

3&4

slots

4.6''

Alt.

2&3

slots

3.75''

Alt.

3&4

slots

5''

slots

DR-9FH2120

396

121

117

137

153

104

125

146

167

1440

DR-9FH2140

462

141

114

136

159

179

122

146

170

194

1680

34.3

DR-9FH2240

792

241

195

233

273

307

208

250

292

333

2880

DR-9FH2300

990

302

243

292

342

383

260

313

365

417

3600

4 Installation

Important: Tools and materials required

You will require the following items to install and test the floor heating system:

·Scissors

·Utility knife

·Wire strippers

·Nail Plate

·Membrane or Metal strapping

·Tape measure

·Screwdriver

·Multimeter

You will also need the appropriate tools and materials to install your particular floor. These will likely include

products like self-leveling mortar, thin-set mortar, backer board, tile, a notched trowel, and any other tools

for your specific floor.

Follow these steps to ensure a successful Heat Cable installation.

Install with Membrane:

Use a membrane like Schluter DITRA Membrane, Prodeso Heat Membrane, Warmup DCM

membrane or other equivalent membranes.

Schluter DITRA Membrane

Prodeso Membrane

Warmup Membrane

Step 1: PLAN LAYOUT

Make a sketch layout or a floor plan of the room; include all permanent furnishings such as toilets, bathtubs,

appliances, cabinetry, etc. Indicate all dimensions

required to determine the available floor area and the

position of the Dr. Heater thermostat.

Important

Dr. Heater recommends that the installation is

documented with photos to note the location of

connections and the sensor.

Step 2: TRANSFER LAYOUT TO FLOOR

Draw an outline of the layout on the room floor including

a foot print of all furnishings that are not yet installed.

Step 3: PREPARE SUBFLOOR SURFACE

Clean and vacuum the floor thoroughly and remove dust

and debris from the floor that may damage the heating

cable. Ensure that the subfloor is secure and stable.

Carefully fill in all cracks to prevent any potential damage

to the new tiles resulting from shifts in the subfloor.

Step 4: LAYER THE MEMBRANE

Apply a compatible adhesive to the substrate using a

suitable trowel. Cut the membrane for suitable size and

uncoupling it. Lay the membrane on the adhesive. Press

the membrane evenly with a roller or a plastic flat trowel.

Check coverage of membrane, in case of partial coverage

increase the amount of adhesive or its fluidity. Then lay

the next sheet of membrane, making sure to align it with

the previous one without overlapping. Align the square

reliefs to facilitate the installation of the heating cables.

Warning:

If heavy mechanical loads are foreseen (frequent passages), it is recommended to protect the laid membrane

with wooden planks to ensure proper bonding.

Step 5: MEASURE THE RESISTANCE (THE FIRST TIME)

Use a digital ohm meter to measure the resistance of the Heat Cable and compare it to “Table1 or Table 2”.

Record the measured resistance on the warranty card. Documenting the resistance at each stage of installation

is required for warranty purposes. Also, measure the resistance between the white, black and shielding/ground

wire. Both should read infinity.

Please refer to “5 Commissioning” for instructions on how to measure the resistance.

Step 6: Start LAYING THE HEAT CABLE

DO NOT RUN THE HEATING CABLES UNDER WALLS, CABINETS, FURNITURE AND

APPLIANCES!

Place the cable so that the connection point and the

temperature sensor are in their intended positions

and bring the power lead cable to the thermostat or

connection box.

Begin laying the Heat Cable heating cable on

membrane according to the layout developed in Step

DO NOT CUT OR SHORTEN THE HEATING

CABLE!

Do not expose it to any mechanical stress. Avoid

walking on the heating cable. Wear only shoes with

soft soles.

Be careful not to damage the cables, particularly

during installation.

It is highly recommended to take photographs of the installed Heat Cable before installing the flooring.

NEVER exceed 15 watts per square foot.

NEVER cross heating cables.

Step 7: LAYING THE SENSOR

Install the floor temperature sensors exactly in the

center between two cables and at a distance of at

least 2 ft (60cm) from the wall.

Do not cross sensor cables with heating cables.

It is recommended to install a second temperature

sensor as a backup in case the primary fails

throughout the life of the installation.

Record the exact position of the sensors.

Step 8: MEASURE THE RESISTANCE (THE

SECOND TIME)

Please refer to Step 5.

Step 9: Embed the floor heating cable in mortar

For tiling applications, proceed with the installation

of the tiles by covering the heating cables with a layer

of thinnest cement as directed by the tile

manufacturer. Ensure that the thinnest mortar covers

the entire heating cable as the tiles are installed.

For engineered wood or laminate floor coverings, it

is recommended to consult the flooring manufacturer

for maximum temperature allowance (use a

thermostat with a floor temperature limiter).

Ensure that all moisture in the self-leveling cement

has been fully eliminated in accordance with the

drying times recommended by the cement

manufacturer (consult the manufacturer for exact drying time).

If using Heat Cable in wet places, waterproofing is necessary.

Important

The system must not be turned on until the thinnest cement has fully dried. A minimum of two weeks is

recommended.

Step 10: MEASURE THE RESISTANCE (THE THIRD TIME)

Please refer to Step 5.

Step 11: Install the tile

To install the tile, apply a layer of acrylic or latex modified thin-set using the ridged side of your trowel. Tile

and grout the floor using best industry practices and in accordance with instructions provided by the

manufacturer of the tile.

Step 12: CONNECT POWER SUPPLY AND THERMOSTAT

The connection of the power supply and the JH thermostat must be done by a qualified electrician in

accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). The electrician

should connect the floor sensor to the thermostat, take the final resistance reading and record it on the

warranty card, see Step 13.

Note: You need to mark the appropriate circuit breaker reference label indicating which branch circuit

supplies the circuits to those electric space heating cables.

Step 13: MEASURE THE RESISTANCE (THE FOURTH TIME)

Please refer to Step 5.

Step 14: RECORD INFORMATION AND AFFIX LABELS

It is important for the homeowner to mail in the certificate immediately after installing the system

(cable and thermostat). Failure to do so could void the manufacturer's warranty. The warranty is

subject to the guarantee conditions listed on the warranty certificate.

Keep a copy of the warranty card for your reference.

Step 15: ENJOY THE COMFORT OF Dr. Heater Heat Cable

The Heat Cable heating system is now ready to use. Increase the floor temperature gradually and adjust it

until it reaches a comfortable level depending on the type of room and your personal preferences.

5. Resistance Test

Important

For the extended 25-year limited warranty to apply, you must perform these tests, record the results

on the warranty card, and retain a copy of the record.

You must perform the Insulation Resistance Test, the Heating Cable Resistance Test, and the Sensor

Resistance Test four times (Please refer to 4 installation) during the installation process.

5.1 Insulation Resistance Test

This test ensures that the insulating jackets of the

cable are not damaged. A low value indicates the

cable has been damaged and must be replaced.

1. Connect the ground wire to the black lead and

both power wires to the red lead of the

multimeter.

2. Make sure the meter reads “Open” or “OL.”

If you get a different reading, contact Dr.

Heater at 1-800-317-1688.

3. Record these readings on the warranty card.

5.2 Heating Cable Resistance Test

This test measures the resistance of the Heat

Cable and is used to determine circuit integrity.

1. Set your multimeter to the 200 or 2000 ohm range.

2. Connect the multimeter leads to the black and

white cold lead wires.

3. Compare this resistance reading to the

resistance specified in the Product

Selection “Table 1 or Table 2”. The value

should be within ±10%. If you get a

different reading, contact Dr. Heater at 1-800-317-1688.

4. Record these readings on the warranty card.

5.3 Sensor Resistance Test

This test measures the resistance of the floor sensor and is used to verify the sensor integrity.

1. Set your multimeter to the 200K ohm range.

2. Connect the multimeter leads to the red and

green lead wires.

3. Make sure the meter reads between 9-25K

ohms. If you get a different reading,

contact Dr. Heater at 1-800-317-1688.

4. Record these readings on the warranty card.

6 Troubleshooting

EXTENDED WARRANTY

For a period of twenty-five (25) years from the date of purchase Dr. Heater warrants that the Heat Cable

heating cable is free from defects in material, design and workmanship. The extended warranty is only valid

if the warranty certificate has been properly completed and mailed, and the installation is in accordance with

the installation instructions.

The defective heating cable has to be inspected by or submitted to Dr. Heater or an authorized Heat Cable

dealer. Failure to comply with all of the foregoing will void this extended warranty. Dr. Heater will, when the

customer has documented that a defect in the Heat Cable was present at the date of delivery, repair or supply

Symptom

Probable Causes

Corrective Action

Floor doesn’t heat

No voltage.

Circuit breaker tripped.

Ground-fault tripped in

the thermostat.

Thermostat not turned

on.

Cable not connected to

JH thermostat.

Floor temperature

sensor not connected.

Faulty sensor.

Check circuit breaker.

Ensure that there are not too many cables or other

appliances connected on the same circuit. The Heat

Cable may require a dedicated circuit. See the Product

Selection “Table 1 or Table 2” of this manual.