suntouch D12 series User manual

D12 Series
There’s no easier way to heat a
floor than with SunTouch.
If you have any difficulties or
questions when installing our product,
just give us a call. We’re here to help!
888888--443322--88993322
wwwwww..ssuunnttoouucchh..nneett
SSppaacceeWWaarrmmiinnggMMaannuuaall
36" width
24" width
12" width
Roll out the mat, make
your turns, fasten it
down, and set the tile!

SunTouch floor-warming mats have several great features
that make make any installation fast and easy.
•The S-pattern of SunTouch’s blue heating wire means
you can make both right and left turns easier and faster.
•SunTouch’s blue heating elements are tough and
resistant to jobsite abuse.
•SunTouch is the only electric floor-warming product
manufactured in America that registers no measurable
electromagnetic field (EMF)*.
•SunTouch comes with an armored “power lead” that
makes for a tougher and safer connection to the controls.
•With a slight change in the mat output, SunTouch
is now more efficient than ever.
Orange woven mat Blue heating wire
2SunTouch Space Warming Manual
WWeellccoommeettooSSuunnTToouucchh!!
WWeellccoommeettooSSuunnTToouucchh!!
TThheeSSuunnTToouucchhMMaatt::The blue heating wire is woven
into a special orange fiber to make rectangular mats. These
mats are manufactured for 120 VAC and 240 VAC, in 12",
24", and 36" widths. Mats range from 10 sq.ft. to 160 sq.ft.,
depending on width, length and voltage. Mats of different
dimensions must be wired together in parallel (not series) to
fill larger areas. However, they must be the same voltage. For
example, to warm an 80 sq.ft. area, many combinations are
possible: two 12" x 40' mats; or even a combination of one
24" x 20' and one 12" x 40'. Never combine 120 VAC mats
with 240 VAC mats.
SunTouch is a safe and efficient electric floor-warming
product for interior applications. It cannot be used for exterior
snowmelting applications. It is generally intended for installa-
tion below tile, stone, and other masonry flooring materials in
residential and moderate commercial installations. SunTouch
can be used to heat a room, as well as warm the floor, provided
the heat loss of the room falls below the mat’s capabilities.
Please refer to specific design information provided for heat-
ing applications, especially when installing non-masonry
flooring materials. The designer must determine if the output
of the SunTouch is enough heat to match the heat loss of
the structure.
SunTouch is designed to deliver 12 W/sq.ft. The floor tem-
perature attainable is dependent on how well the floor is insu-
lated, the temperature of the floor before start up, and in the
case of uninsulated slab applications, the thermal drain of the
underlying materials. Please refer to your designer if you have
further questions regarding the surface temperature you can
expect from SunTouch in your particular construction.
NNOOTTEE::SunTouch has been tested to the American
Standard Test Method ASTM C627, a standard test method
for evaluating ceramic floor tile
installation systems using the
Robinson-Type Floor Tester.
This test was performed by
The Tile Council of America
for installation above a concrete
slab and above a framed floor.
This testing resulted in a rating
of “Moderate Commercial”
for normal (non-vehicular)
commercial and light institu-
tional use. This would include
all (non-vehicular) residential use as well.
Never install SunTouch directly below vinyl, carpet,
or wood flooring. SunTouch must be embedded in mortar,
per UL requirements. Do not use glues or adhesives.
Non-masonry flooring materials such as carpet, vinyl, or
hardwood can be installed over SunTouch if the mat is
installed in a cement-based or gypsum-based material.
If you have any questions, please view our Installation
Video, visit our Web site at www.suntouch.net, or call us at
888-432-8932.
*When measured at 1/2" above floor surface with a field EMF meter. SunTouch Internal Test Labs results (not verified by UL).
Braided
Ground Shield
Heating
Elements
DuPont® Tefzel®
Core
DuPont® Tefzel®
Insulation
Hylar Cover
Enlarged, cutaway view of the blue heating wire. AArrmmoorreedd
ppoowweerrlleeaadd

The primary components of the SunTouch system, depending
on the project requirements, are:
1. SunTouch mat*
2. Floor-sensing thermostat (programmable or
non-programmable)*†
3. GFCI breaker (if not part of the thermostat)
4. External contactor (if required)
Other items needed:
•SunTouch Installation Kit* (shown below)
•Pneumatic stapler and hot glue gun
•2-1/8" deep, 4" square electrical box for thermostat
•Single-gang “mud” (sheet rock) ring for 4" square box
•12-gauge electrical wiring
•LoudMouth monitor*
•Digital ohm meter (multi-meter)
•Tile installation products (mortar, backer board, tile, etc.)
•3/8" x 1/4" or greater trowel and other tile tools
•Various electrical and construction tools: (wire stripper,
screwdriver, chisel, scissors, etc.)
•Insulation (if required per design)
*Items available from SunTouch. All other items are not included and can
be purchased locally.
† The FloorStat is approved for use in U.S. and Canada, separate from the
SunTouch Listed assembly.
NNEEVVEERRinstall SunTouch under carpet, wood, vinyl, or
other non-masonry flooring without thin-set, thick-set,
or self-leveling mortar.
NNEEVVEERRinstall SunTouch in any walls.
NNEEVVEERRbang a trowel on the mat or blue wire to remove
excess mortar from it.
NNEEVVEERRcut the blue heating wire.
NNEEVVEERRcut the mats to make them shorter.
NNEEVVEERRattempt to repair the blue heating wire if it is
damaged. Call the factory for further instruction.
NNEEVVEERRinstall one mat on top of another or overlap the
mat on itself. This will cause dangerous over-heating.
NNEEVVEERRinstall SunTouch in adhesives or glues intended
for vinyl tile or other laminate flooring. It must be
embedded in cement-based ceramic tile mortar.
NNEEVVEERRforget to install the floor sensor (if using the
SunTouch FloorStat Control).
NNEEVVEERRinstall mats under cabinets or other built-ins.
Excessive heat will build up under these items.
NNEEVVEERRremove the nameplate label at the end of the mat.
AALLWWAAYYSSenter mat resistance in the log before, during,
and after the installation process.
AALLWWAAYYSSpay close attention to voltage and amp
requirements of the breaker, the thermostat, and the
SunTouch mat. For instance, do not supply 240 VAC
to 120 VAC SunTouch mats/thermostats.
AALLWWAAYYSSmake sure all electrical work is done by
qualified persons in accordance with local building
and electrical codes, Section 62 of the Canadian
Electrical Code (CEC) Part I, and the National
Electrical Code (NEC), especially Article 424, Part IX
of the NEC, ANSI/NFPA 70.
AALLWWAAYYSSuse copper only as supply conductors.
AALLWWAAYYSSaffix the warning label (included with this
manual) to the control cover plate or other location
where it is easily noticed.
AALLWWAAYYSSseek our help if you have a problem. If you are
ever in doubt about the correct installation procedure to
follow, or if the product appears to be damaged, you
must call us before proceeding with the installation, or
proposed repair.
If you have any questions, please view our Installation
Video, visit our Web site at wwwwww..ssuunnttoouucchh..nneett, or call us
at 888888--443322--88993322.
CAUTIONS!
READ BEFORE INSTALLING SUNTOUCH
SunTouch Installation Kit
SunTouch Space Warming Manual 3
HHeerree’’ssWWhhaattYYoouu’’llllNNeeeedd::
IInnssttaallllaattiioonnVViiddeeoo
IInnssttaallllaattiioonnMMaannuuaall
DDoouubbllee--ssiiddeedd
TTaappee
3300CClliippss
1100
NNaaiillTTiitteess

Mat Serial Number
Mat Size
Mat Voltage
Factory Mat Resistance Range
OOUUTTOOFFTTHHEEBBOOXXBBEEFFOORREEIINNSSTTAALLLLAATTIIOONN((oohhmmss))
Mat black to white
Mat black to green
Mat white to green
AAFFTTEERRMMAATTIISSFFAASSTTEENNEEDDTTOOFFLLOOOORR((oohhmmss))
Mat black to white
Mat black to green
Mat white to green
AAFFTTEERRTTIILLEE//SSTTOONNEEIISSIINNSSTTAALLLLEEDDOOVVEERRTTHHEEMMAATT((oohhmmss))
Mat black to white
Mat black to green
Mat white to green
RReettaaiinntthhiissllooggffoorrwwaarrrraannttyy!!DDOONNOOTTDDIISSCCAARRDD!!
CChheecckkoouutttthhaattwwiirree!!
Throughout the installation process
it is very important to take resistance
readings of the mat to make sure it is
not damaged. Use a quality digital
ohmmeter or multimeter to make these
measurements. Analog meters (with
the moving needle) are not accurate
for this product.
The LoudMouth™monitor shown
at left will help constantly monitor
the mat for you during the entire
installation. Ask about purchasing this
invaluable tool.
EEsssseennttiiaallPPrroodduuccttaanndd
WWaarrrraannttyyIInnffoorrmmaattiioonn
There is a factory-applied nameplate
label at the end of the mat and also on
the cold leads as shown at lower left.
Do not remove these. Record the mat
serial number, mat size, voltage, and
panel resistance range on the table
below for each mat.
To retain the Limited Warranty as
stated at the back of this manual, these
items and the following measurements
must be recorded, as well as all steps
of this manual followed. Refer to the
Limited Warranty now for complete
requirements.
MMeeaassuurreemmeennttss
Make the following measurements
(as a minimum)
• before you begin installation
• after the mat is fastened to the floor
• after floor coverings are installed
Also, checking these measurements
often during tile installation is highly
recommended to avoid burying a
damaged wire.
CChheecckkiinnggffoorrbbrreeaakkss
Measure resistance between the
black and white leads (black and blue
leads for 240V mats) and record this
below. This measurement should be
within the Mat Resistance range shown
on the nameplate label, or if the label
gives only a single number it must be
within ±10%. A cut or break in the
wire is indicated by a resistance of
“infinite” ohms (no continuity).
CChheecckkiinnggffoorrsshhoorrtt--cciirrccuuiittss
Measure resistance between the
black and green leads and between the
white and green leads (blue and green
leads for 240V mats) and record these
below. This measurement should be
“infinite” ohms (no continuity). A cut
or pinch in the wire is indicated by a
resistance value between zero and the
mat resistance.
If the resistance is not correct, or if
you cut or damage the wire, quickly
clean up the damaged area and call the
factory for further instructions.
UUsseeOOuurrLLoouuddMMoouutthhMMoonniittoorr..
We created the LoudMouth to monitor the
mat during the installation process. If the mat is
cut or damaged during installation, this device
sounds an alarm. The LoudMouth will prevent
you from burying damaged wire below
hardened mortar and tile or stone.
Record the information from this nameplate
label in the Mat Resistance Log at right.
The electric radiant heating warning label
must be placed near, or on the face of the
mat control.
Radiant Floor Heating Mat
Warning-Risk of electric shock
Electric wiring and heating panels
contained below the floor.
Do not penetrate floor with nails, screws,
or similar devices.
Leave this nameplate on the power
leads for later inspection.
4SunTouch Space Warming Manual
CChheecckkhheeaattiinnggwwiirreerreessiissttaanncceebbeeffoorreeiinnssttaallllaattiioonn..
MMaattRReessiissttaanncceeLLoogg

SSTTEEPP11..11::IInnssttaallllGGFFCCIIBBrreeaakkeerr
((OOvveerrccuurrrreennttPPrrootteeccttiioonn))
The SunTouch mat must be pro-tect-
ed by a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI). This can be done either by the
internal GFCI in the SunTouch FloorStat
(as long as it directly controls the mat)
or an indicating-type GFCI
circuit breaker. This GFCI serves as a
local disconnect.
Note: Follow all local building and
electrical codes.
Note: It is possible to branch from
an existing circuit, but this is not
recommended. Please consult with a
qualified electrician to determine if
the circuit can handle the load and
if the circuit is GFCI-protected.
The size of the breaker is determined
by the total square footage of heating
mat. (Depending on local codes, you
may need multiple breakers for systems
larger than 20 amps.)
Typical Amperage Requirement:
120 VAC SunTouch mats:
0.1 amps per sq.ft., or
10 amps per 100 sq.ft. of mat.
240 VAC SunTouch Mats:
0.05 amps per sq.ft., or
5 amps per 100 sq.ft. of mat.
SSTTEEPP11..22::IInnssttaallllEExxtteerrnnaall
CCoonnttaaccttoorr((rreellaayy))
Depending on the amperage require-
ments of the mat(s), an external contac-
tor may be required. Consult with an
electrician to determine the type and size
of contactor. Do not load the FloorStat
control with more than 15 amps. Be sure
to protect this contactor circuit with a
GFCI breaker.
SSTTEEPP11..33::IInnssttaallllEElleeccttrriiccaall
BBooxxeess
Thermostats are usually located near
the power leads. However, they can
be located almost anywhere, because
the power leads and the sensor wire can
be routed to electrical junction boxes
and extended to a location outside the
heated room (such as a utility room or
basement).
TThheerrmmoossttaatt::Install a 4"-square,
2-1/8" deep electrical box with a
1-gang mud ring. Electrical boxes
should be located on interior walls, typi-
cally 60" from the floor, according to
NEC or other local code requirements.
Note: The FloorStat sensor wire
can be extended up to a maximum of
50', if necessary.
SSTTEEPP11..44::BBoottttoommPPllaatteeWWoorrkk
Drill or saw holes at the bottom plate
as indicated at right. One hole is for
routing the power leads or conduit and
the other is for the thermostat sensor.
These holes should be directly below the
electrical box(es) (see photos at right).
SSTTEEPP11..55::IInnssttaallllPPoowweerrLLeeaadd
CCoonndduuiittaannddTThheerrmmoossttaattSSeennssoorr
PPoowweerrLLeeaaddCCoonndduuiitt::The armored
power lead can be installed with or with-
out electrical conduit depending on code
requirements. In either case, remove one
of the knock-outs in the 4" box to route
the lead. If electrical conduit is not
required by code, install a wire collar to
secure the leads where they enter the
box. If conduit is required by code,
install 1/2" (minimum) conduit from the
bottom plate up to the electrical box. For
multiple power leads (multiple mats)
install 3/4" conduit, which will accom-
modate multiple power leads.
TThheerrmmoossttaattSSeennssoorr::Afloor sensor
comes with our FloorStat control. It can
be installed in a conduit separate from
the electrical power lead although this is
not necessary. If a conduit is installed,
the tip of the conduit should be metallic
in order for the sensor to give a true
temperature reading. Open a second
knock-out in the bottom of the thermo-
stat box. Feed the sensor (and conduit)
through the knock-out, down through the
cut-out in the bottom plate, and out into
the floor where the heating mat will be
installed. If you have the thermostat and
sensor, install the sensor now, but wait
to install the thermostat until after the
mat is installed.
Note: The sensor is located in the
thermostat packaging.
SSTTEEPP11..66::RRoouugghh--iinnWWiirriinngg
Install appropriate electrical wire
(conductor) from the power source and
breaker protection to the thermostat fol-
lowing all codes. Leave 6"–8" extra wire
at the thermostat box. Refer to the
Typical Wiring Diagrams at the end of
this manual for help.
MMaattAAmmppeerraaggeeRReeqquuiirreemmeennttss
Mat Size Square Footage Amp Draw
112200VVAACC,,1122""--wwiiddeemmaatt
12" x 10' 10 sq. ft. 1.0
12" x 15' 15 sq. ft. 1.5
12" x 20' 20 sq. ft. 2.0
12" x 25' 25 sq. ft. 2.5
12" x 30' 30 sq. ft. 3.0
12" x 35' 35 sq. ft. 3.5
12" x 40' 40 sq. ft. 4.0
12" x 45' 45 sq. ft. 4.5
12" x 50' 50 sq. ft. 5.0
112200VVAACC,,2244""--wwiiddeemmaatt
24" x 5' 10 sq. ft. 1.0
24" x 10' 20 sq. ft. 2.0
24" x 15' 30 sq. ft. 3.0
24" x 20' 40 sq. ft. 4.0
24" x 25' 50 sq. ft. 5.0
24" x 30' 60 sq. ft. 6.0
24" x 35' 70 sq. ft. 7.0
24" x 40' 80 sq. ft. 8.0
112200VVAACC,,3366""--wwiiddeemmaatt
36" x 5' 15 sq. ft. 1.5
36" x 6'8" 20 sq. ft. 2.0
36" x 8'4" 25 sq. ft. 2.5
36" x 10' 30 sq. ft. 3.0
36" x 15' 45 sq. ft. 4.5
36" x 20' 60 sq. ft. 6.0
______________________________________________
224400VVAACC,,1122""--wwiiddeemmaatt
12" x 20' 20 sq. ft. 1.0
12" x 30' 30 sq. ft. 1.5
12" x 40' 40 sq. ft. 2.0
12" x 50' 50 sq. ft. 2.5
224400VVAACC,,2244""--wwiiddeemmaatt
24" x 10' 20 sq. ft. 1.0
24" x 15' 30 sq. ft. 1.5
24" x 20' 40 sq. ft. 2.0
24" x 25' 50 sq. ft. 2.5
24" x 30' 60 sq. ft. 3.0
24" x 35' 70 sq. ft. 3.5
24" x 40' 80 sq. ft. 4.0
24" x 45' 90 sq. ft. 4.5
24" x 50' 100 sq. ft. 5.0
24" x 60' 120 sq. ft. 6.0
24" x 70' 140 sq. ft. 7.0
24" x 80' 160 sq. ft. 8.0
224400VVAACC,,3366""--wwiiddeemmaatt
36" x 10' 30 sq. ft. 1.5
36" x 13'4" 40 sq. ft. 2.0
36" x 16'8" 50 sq. ft. 2.5
36" x 20' 60 sq. ft. 3.0
36" x 30' 90 sq. ft. 4.5
36" x 40' 120 sq. ft. 6.0
PPhhaassee11..EElleeccttrriiccaallRRoouugghh--iinn..RReeffeerrttooaallllddrraawwiinnggssoonnppaaggeess1111,,1166,,aanndd1177bbeeffoorreebbeeggiinnnniinnggeelleeccttrriiccaallwwoorrkk..
SunTouch Space Warming Manual 5
Power lead
conduit Power
lead
conduit
Floor sensor
conduit
Power lead
NailTite
Wire Clip
Sensor wire
Power lead
Sensor
wire

SSTTEEPP22..11
SSeelleeccttTTyyppeeooffCCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn
Choose the best thin-set, thick-set, or self-
leveling mortar installation detail for your
application. Consult with building profession-
als and/or SunTouch personnel for specific
details concerning proper installation.
SSTTEEPP22..22
FFlloooorrPPrreeppaarraattiioonn
The floor must be completely swept of
all debris including all nails, dirt, wood, and
other construction debris. Make absolutely
sure there are no objects on the floor that
might damage the SunTouch wire.
SSTTEEPP22..33
SSttuuddyytthheeFFaaccttoorryy--ssuupppplliieedd
IItteemmssaannddtthheeDDeessiiggnn
Make sure all of the correct materials have
been purchased. A general list of materials
is found at the beginning of this manual.
Study the design carefully before installa-
tion. Review the thermostat location and
where the mat begins and ends, as well as the
general layout pattern.
Do not cut the wire or shorten the
mat to make it fit the space. Doing so
will cause dangerous overheating and
will void the warranty!
SSTTEEPP22..44
MMoorrttaarraannddTThhiinn--SSllaabbAApppplliiccaattiioonnss
SunTouch can be installed in two types of
construction applications:
1. Thin-set or thick-set mortar beds (3/8"–1").
2. Self-leveling mortar beds (1/4"–1/2").
No matter the application, always install
SunTouch before installing mortar or cement.
Do not lay SunTouch in wet mortar.
We strongly recommend installing tile and
stone flooring according to manufacturer’s
recommendations, TCA guidelines, and ANSI
specifications.
If installing non-masonry floor coverings,
such as hardwood, vinyl, laminate or carpet,
follow industry and manufacturer’s recom-
mendations.
If installing non-masonry coverings, the
best method is cover the SunTouch in a self-
leveling mortar (illustrations #5 and #6).
MMOORRTTAARRAAPPPPLLIICCAATTIIOONNSS
Insulation (per International
Residential Code, Chapter 11)
Insulation (per International
Residential Code, Chapter 11)
Latex-Portland cement mortar
bond coat
11..TTHHIINN--SSEETTMMOORRTTAARROOVVEERRFFRRAAMMEEDDFFLLOOOORR
(Dry-set or latex cement mortar; TCA #F144-2K)
SunTouch
Backer board
Mortar bed
Plywood
Tile/stone
SunTouch
Slab
Latex-Portland cement mortar
bond coat
Tile/stone
22..TTHHIINN--SSEETTMMOORRTTAARROOVVEERRSSLLAABB
(Dry-set or latex cement on slab; TCA #113-2K)
33..TTHHIICCKK--SSEETTCCEEMMEENNTTMMOORRTTAARRMMEETTAALLLLAATTHH
(Cement mortar metal lath; TCA #145-2K)
Tile/stone or laminate flooring
Latex-Portland cement mortar bond coat
SunTouch
Mortar bed
Metal lath
Plywood
Insulation (per International
Residential Code, Chapter 11)
6SunTouch Space Warming Manual
PPhhaassee22..SSuunnTToouucchhIInnssttaallllaattiioonn..

MMoorrttaarrAApppplliiccaattiioonnss::There are two types of
thin-set and two types of thick-set mortar applications
illustrated on these pages.
aa..If backer board or plywood sheeting is used to
strengthen the floor, or if the mat will be placed
directly onto the slab, install SunTouch in the thin-set
mortar bond coat above these materials. See illustra-
tions #1 or #2.
bb..If a thicker mortar bed is used to strengthen
the floor, SunTouch can be installed in either the mor-
tar bed (dry-set) or in the mortar bond coat directly
below the tile or stone. See illustrations #3 or #4.
In this application, SunTouch is generally installed
above the self-leveling mortar in a thin-set bond coat.
If you use plastic lath instead of the typical metal
lath, the SunTouch can be installed in the
self-leveling mortar bed.
CAUTION: If metal lath is used in the mortar
bed, do not allow the SunTouch to come in
direct contact with the lath because this could
damage the wire.
SSeellff--lleevveelliinnggMMoorrttaarrAApppplliiccaattiioonnss::There are
only two approved methods of installing cement-
based, self-leveling mortar beds over SunTouch. One
for framed floor construction and one for slab con-
struction (see illustrations #5 and #6). These are
appropriate applications if installing engineered
wood, vinyl, laminate, or carpet floor coverings.
Attach the SunTouch to the subfloor or slab, then
pour self-leveling mortar 1/4" to 1/2" thick according
to manufacturer’s specifications. Install floor covering
after the mortar has cured.
SSppeecciiaallPPrreeccaauuttiioonnss
IIssoollaattiioonnMMeemmbbrraannee::Install the SunTouch
above the membrane, whenever possible, unless rec-
ommended otherwise by the membrane manufacturer.
IInnssuullaattiioonn::Do not install rigid insulation
directly above or below backer board or mortar.
If possible, install insulation as shown in diagrams.
Insulation dramatically enhances the performance
and efficiency of floor-warming systems.
MMoossaaiiccTTiillee::When installing mosaic tile, we
recommend a two-step process. First embed the
SunTouch in a thin mortar bed (1/4"–3/8"), then
thin-set the mosaic tile according to typical practice.
EExxppaannssiioonnJJooiinnttss::Do not install heating mats
through an expansion joint. Install mats right up to
the joint, if necessary, but not through the joint.
Illustrations #5 and #6 show the best method if
you are installing non-masonry floor coverings.
Insulation (per International
Residential Code, Chapter 11)
44..TTHHIICCKK--SSEETTMMOORRTTAARRBBEEDDOOVVEERRSSLLAABB
(Cement mortar bonded; TCA #F112-2K)
Tile/stone or
laminate flooring
SunTouch
Mortar bed
Slab
Mortar bond coat or
cleavage membrane
Latex-Portland cement
mortar bond coat
Insulation (per International
Residential Code, Chapter 11)
Concrete slab with
rewire or rebar
SunTouch
Self-leveling mortar bed
Insulation (per International
Residential Code, Chapter 11)
Plywood
SunTouch
Self-leveling mortar bed
66..SSEELLFF--LLEEVVEELLIINNGGMMOORRTTAARROOVVEERRSSLLAABBOONNGGRRAADDEE
55..SSEELLFF--LLEEVVEELLIINNGGMMOORRTTAARR
OOVVEERRFFRRAAMMEEFFLLOOOORR
SunTouch Space Warming Manual 7
PPhhaassee22..SSuunnTToouucchhIInnssttaallllaattiioonn..
SSEELLFF--LLEEVVEELLIINNGGAAPPPPLLIICCAATTIIOONNSS

SSeeccuurreemmaattttoofflloooorruussiinngg
ddoouubbllee--ssiiddeeddttaappee......
SStteepp22..55
SSuunnTToouucchhIInnssttaallllaattiioonn
Position the power leads near the thermo-
stat. If this is not possible, then route the
power lead through a wall and/or floor over to
the location of the thermostat (follow all elec-
trical/building codes using electrical conduit
and boxes).
In all applications, double-sided tape can
be used to affix SunTouch to the substrate.
However, if installing SunTouch over backer
board or plywood, pneumatic stapling can
be faster.
Begin the installation by rolling out the mat
according to the plan. At each turn or bend,
stop and stretch the mat tightly to pull out the
slack. Then affix the mat to the floor using
double-sided tape or staples.
When using double-sided tape, apply it to
the floor on 2' centers, or more, as necessary,
depending on jobsite conditions. The tighter
the mat, the simpler the thin-setting will be.
The floor must be clear of debris for the tape
to stick. Firmly rub the white, paper side of the
tape before pulling off the paper. This will
ensure a strong bond between the tape and the
floor. Cover approximately 10 sq.ft. at a time.
Use short pieces as necessary at the corners.
When using pneumatic staples, we recom-
mend 3/8" x 1/4" chisel point staples. Initially
attach the SunTouch mat every 2' to 3' on
either side of the mat in the “valleys” between
the blue heating wires as shown at left. By
doing so it will be easier to pull up the mat and
reposition, if necessary. When satisfied with
the layout, go back and staple on 1' centers at
either side in the “valleys” between the wires.
Proceed slowly and be very careful not to
staple the blue heating wire.
Cut or remove the orange weave as neces-
sary to make turns. Do not tack or staple the
blue heating wire. Install the SunTouch
approximately 4"–6" away from walls, show-
ers, tubs, toilets, drains, etc., as shown in this
section and the Appendix. Install in-line with
vanity and counter areas. This is because you
want to make sure to get heat right up to the
face of the cabinet so that toes are kept warm.
Install roughly 18"–20" from back wall in
toilet area. See page 9 for details.
Do not leave gaps between the mats. The
heat will conduct only 1"–2" from the heating
wire. SunTouch should be installed continu-
ously across the floor as shown in the dia-
grams in this manual. Never install mats in a
fashion causing the blue heating wires to be
any closer than 2" from each other.
SSTTEEPP22..66
SShhoowweerrIInnssttaallllaattiioonn
SunTouch can be installed in shower areas,
but there are several precautions that must be
observed (see pg. 13 for more details).
1. Never install SunTouch in shower walls
(or any other wall).
2. Never make a field splice to mats
installed in shower. Do not attempt to repair
or modify the mat in any way; serious hazard
could result.
3. Embed mats in mortar and install only
under tile, stone, brick, or other masonry sur-
face, per this instruction manual.
4. Never begin the mat in the shower. The
connection between the power lead and the
blue heating wire must be fully embedded in
mortar and located at least 1' away from
shower openings and other areas normally
exposed to water.
5. Mat controls must be located at least 4'
away from shower openings such that they
cannot be exposed to water or touched by a
person in the shower area.
SSTTEEPP22..77
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CCoonnnneeccttiioonnIInnssttaallllaattiioonn
PPoowweerrLLeeaaddIInnssttaallllaattiioonn::The power lead
is thicker than the SunTouch mat. If thin-
setting over backer board or slab, chisel or saw
a groove to recess the power lead to the level
of the SunTouch. Use hot glue to secure the
power lead in the groove. Or end the power
lead at the floor and run just the heating wire
to the beginning of the mat. Do not damage
the power lead — electrical shock could
result when the mat is energized.
FFaaccttoorryyCCoonnnneeccttiioonnIInnssttaallllaattiioonn::
Depending on the thickness of the mortar bed,
you may need to chisel under the factory
connection in order to recess the connection.
Be extremely careful not to damage the blue
heating wire or connection. Adab of hot glue
will hold the connection in place.
SSTTEEPP22..88
TThheerrmmoossttaattSSeennssoorrIInnssttaallllaattiioonn
Asensor should be installed in the floor
and routed up the wall as described in Step
1.4. Simply tuck it under the mat or weave it
in between two heating wires. The sensor
should extend approximately 6"–12" into the
mat as shown on page 10. Be careful not to
locate the sensor near other heating sources
such as a heating duct below the floor.
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8SunTouch Space Warming Manual
PPhhaassee22..SSuunnTToouucchhIInnssttaallllaattiioonn..

SSTTEEPP22..99
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This page contains some of the common turns and tech-
niques used to layout around corners, angles, and built-ins.
IInnssttaalllliinnggiinnffrroonnttooffccaabbiinneettssaannddttooiilleettss::
CAUTION!
PROTECT THE MAT FROM TRAFFIC
If the floor covering is not immediately installed, protect the SunTouch mat by covering it
with corrugated box material or plywood. Keep traffic to a minimum on the installed mat.
Note: Install mat right up to the face of
the cabinet as shown above. Note: Mat can be installed under tile to
within 4"–6" from the front of the wax
ring, and can slightly underlay the foot
of the toilet if need be (approximately 20"
from wall).
SunTouch Space Warming Manual 9
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We recommend working with profes-
sional flooring installers to make sure
proper materials are used and proper
installation techniques are followed.
Please note, the SunTouch Installation
Video is not a flooring installation
video — it only covers the installation of
SunTouch floor-warming mats.
You must use a digital ohm meter to
check the resistance of the mats before,
during and after the installation of any
floor coverings. Record the readings in
the table provided on page 4, continuing
to check for short circuits caused by
nicks or pinches. If possible, take photo-
graphs of the mat installation before
installing the flooring.
WWaarrnniinngg::Never bang a trowel on
the mat or the heating wire to remove
excess mortar from the trowel. This
could sever the heating wire.
When installing tile or stone over
SunTouch, we highly recommend Tile
Council of America (TCA) guidelines
or ANSI specifications as a minimum
standards of installation. We recommend
latex-modified or epoxy-modified mortar
and grout, instead of water-based multi-
purpose materials.
Select the proper size trowel for the
installation of tile or stone. We recom-
mend a minimum 3/8" x 1/4" trowel.
This trowel works best for most 1/4" tile.
NNoottee::Mortar beds thicker than 3/8"
work fine with the performance of the
system; they just take a little longer to
heat up.
If you need more information on
tile installation, please contact TCA at
864-646-8483 or visit their Web site at
www.tileusa.com.
When installing floor coverings
other than tile or stone, follow industry
and/or manufacturer’s recommendations.
Also, make sure nails, screws, or other
fasteners do not penetrate the floor in the
area of SunTouch. The wire can easily be
damaged by fasteners penetrating
the floor.
All floor coverings must be in direct
contact with the cement-based material
that encase the SunTouch. Do not
elevate the floor above the concrete or
mortar mass below. For instance, do not
install 2" x 4" wooden nailers (sleepers)
on top of a slab for the purpose of
attaching hardwood. This 1.5" air gap
will drastically reduce the output of the
heated slab. For this reason, “floating”
wood/laminate floors work much better
than strip hardwood flooring.
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SSTTEEPP44..11
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Install the floor-sensing thermostat in
the 4" square electrical box, according to
the installation sheets provided with the
thermostat. Connect the mat power leads,
floor sensor, and power supply wiring as
shown in this manual (pages 16 and 17)
or in the thermostat installation sheets.
If using multiple mats, route all
power leads up through the electrical
conduit and into the 4" square thermostat
box or separate junction box. Wire the
leads in parallel (not series) — black-
black, white-white, and green-green,
or for 240V systems; black-black, blue-
blue, green-green. Then wire a short
“pig-tail” (of correctly sized wire for the
load) over to the thermostat.
Use the 1-gang mud (sheet rock)
ring to mount the thermostat to the
electrical box.
SSTTEEPP44..22
SSyysstteemmSSttaarrtt--uupp
After all controls are installed, do not
energize the system, except to briefly
test operation of all components (no
longer than 10 minutes). Do not put
the system into full operation until the
tile or concrete installer verifies these
cement materials are fully cured
(typically four weeks). See thin-set
manufacturer’s instructions for recom-
mended curing time.
Refer to the installation sheets pro-
vided with the controls for proper setting.
The system should now operate as
designed. Please leave the instruction
sheets for the thermostat in a safe place
for future reference.
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ssttaattccoonnttrroollccoovveerrppllaatteeoonntthheeccoonnttrrooll..
10 SunTouch Space Warming Manual
PPhhaassee33..FFiinnaallFFlloooorrIInnssttaallllaattiioonn..
PPhhaassee44..FFiinnaallWWiirriinngg..
Radiant Floor Heating Mat
Warning-Risk of electric shock
Electric wiring and heating panels
contained below the floor.
Do not penetrate floor with nails, screws,
or similar devices.