MI Trace Snow Melting Cable Installation and Operating Instructions

Transcription

1 MI Trace Snow Melting Cable Installation and Operating Instructions GENERAL INFORMATION A good snow melting installation has three basic requirements: Surface Quality MI Trace snow melting cable is designed to last as long as the material in which it is embedded. Surfaces that crumble, settle or separate may break the heating element. Always insist on quality materials and allow for adequate reinforcing steel, expansion joints and proper curing. Electrical System The electrical system should provide an adequate watt density for the snowfall in your particular area. Also, it must provide for an adequate number of junction boxes and meet all N.E.C. and local code requirements. All exposed splice connections must be completely waterproof. Installation Craftsmanship The electrical and paving contractors, working together, must take extra precautions to prevent damage to the heating cables by sharp objects such as tools, buggies, wheelbarrows, and footwear. MI Trace cables are rugged, not indestructible. To assure a long lasting, dependable snow melting system, please adhere to the guidelines and procedures outlined on the following pages. SURFACING GUIDELINES General 1. Drainage must be adequate for run off of melted ice or snow. The drain or grate should also be heated. 2. The base for the pavement should be smooth and compact. 3. Paving materials must be of adequate quality and strength. 4. Local or Federal Codes may govern. If in doubt check with a consulting engineer. 1. thickness must be adequate to support a maximum load without crumbling, settling or excessive movement. 2. Expansion joints must be provided for larger areas and for changes in slab thickness at curbs, walls, columns, steps, hydrants, lighting standards, manholes, etc. Scribed or control joints should be treated as expansion joints. Do not use slabs larger than 20' x 20' (6.10m x 6.10m) without expansion joints. (See Fig. 1.) 3. Use of 2" x 4" (50.80mm x mm) lumber for placing concrete is recommended to avoid damaging cables. Also, extreme care must be used when using shovels. 4. Ensure proper procedures are followed regarding concrete thickness reinforcing and cure time. It is acceptable to place foam insulation beneath the concrete to help reduce heat loss into the ground if proper industry practices are used. 5. For additional guidance, consult Portland Cement Association or a professional engineer. Asphalt 1. In new construction, a minimum total thickness (after compaction) of 4 (101.60mm) is recommended for pedestrian walkways and 5 (127.00mm) for areas supporting motor vehicles. 2. When capping over an existing pavement, careful preparation of the base slab is necessary. Follow standard industry practice to ensure good adhesion between layers. A minimum capping of 3 (76.20mm) of asphalt (after compaction) is recommended for either sidewalk or driveway. Tile, brick terrazzo, marble or granite slab 1. Basic guidelines for concrete apply for base course. 2. After positioning cables, a good bonding agent such as Weld-Crete, should be applied to the base course. 3. Be careful not to damage cables when setting heavy slabs or brick into position. Pavers / Interlocking brick over a sand bed 1. Basic guidelines for concrete apply for base course. 2. Position cables on top of either the compacted or concrete base and cover with 1½ to 2 (38mm to 50mm) of sand. 3. Be careful not to damage cables when setting pavers into position Easy Heat Rev 1

2 2 MI Cable Application Specifications Do not bend within 3" (76.20mm) of fittings Junction Box Cold Leads Column 4" to 8" (101.60mm mm) 2" to 3" (50.80mm mm) Hand form cables or use conduit hickey Cable Spacers Splice fitting must be in pavement Steps Column Figure 1 Typical Snow Melting System ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GUIDELINES 1. The branch circuit wiring must meet all applicable provisions of the National Electric Code and local codes. 2. Provide switches, circuit breakers, or contactors to break both sides of the line on ungrounded circuits. 3. A pilot lamp on the load side, or a time switch and contactor is recommended to be sure heaters are turned off when not needed. 4. For automatic control use Easy Heat SMC-2, Automatic Snow Sensor/Controller; MSC-1 Controller with appropriate sensor; or SA-1, Small System Automatic Control. 5. Junction boxes. (Note: MI Trace heating units with cold leads of any length are available from the factory to reach preferred junction box location.) a. Preferred junction box location is indoors with three feet of cable accessible (See Fig. 1-C) b. Outdoor junction boxes should be at least 3' (.091m) above grade. Box must be weatherproof with gasketed cover and drain hole. (See Fig. 1-D) c. Avoid junction boxes at grade level. If unavoidable, see Fig. 1-E for special treatment. d. Avoid using PVC or PVC based conduit and fittings in installations that may experience elevated temperatures. High amperage cables and multiple cold sections installed in a single conduit run are common examples of these installations. 6. A maximum of 15 watts per linear foot of heater cable is recommended for asphalt installations. NOTICE Crossing expansion and control joints is NOT recommended. If joint must be crossed, see below. Sand Gravel Heating Cable Figure 1A Method of Crossing Expansion and Control Joints Gravel Provide Slack in 1" (25.40mm) Rigid Conduit Filled with Duct Seal Figure 1B Method of Crossing Expansion and Control Joints

3 MI Cable Application Specifications 3 To Power Source Cold Leads Weatherproof Juction Box with Gasketed Cover Drain Hole Cold Lead Galvanized Cast Iron Sidewalk Box with Gasketed Cover Threaded Fittings Do Not Bend within 3" (76.20mm) of Fittings 3' (91.44cm) To Power Source Drain Hole Cold Leads Conduit Drip Loop Form Leads Away From Drain Gravel French Drain Figure 1C Indoor Preferred Junction Box Location INSTALLATION PROCEDURES In General 1. Heating cable systems must be installed in conformity with the National Electric Code. 2. Check insulation resistance before installing. The conductor to sheath resistance should be 20 megohms when measured with a 500 Volt DC megger. See warranty. 3. Unroll the cables along a smooth flat surface to avoid kinking. 4. Do not bend cable to less than 2 (50.80mm) radius. 5. Do not bend the cable within 3 (76.20mm) of any splice or fitting. 6. Do not install heating cable where exposure to PVC or PVC based installation materials is possible. 7. Secure heaters to reinforcing or base. 8. Avoid crossing expansion joints or control joints with heating units. (If joints must be crossed, see Figs. 1-A and 1-B for recommended methods.) 9. Heater depth should be 2 (50.88mm) to 3 (76.20mm) below final surface. Too shallow may leave strips of ice. Too deep will require a longer heat up time. 10. Heater spacing shall agree with specifications and drawings. In general, spacing will be from 4 (10.16cm) to 8 (20.32cm) to provide 40 to 60 watts per square foot of pavement surface. This will depend on the rate of snow melting desired. In 1. Check each heater cable with a 500 Volt DC megger for insulation resistance to ground. Minimum resistance should be 20 megohms. 2. Locate junction boxes per plans or specs. Install any necessary conduit from panelboard to junction boxes for power cable. Power cable may be installed at this time or later. 3. Install reinforcing rods or mats at correct distance from final surface by use of concrete spacers, bricks, wire chairs or any suitable method to insure proper placement of reinforcing material. (See Fig. 2) Figure 1D Outdoor Above Grade Junction Box Mounting Figure 1E Sidewalk Junction Box Arrangement at Grade Level 4. Lay out cable on top of rods or mesh but do not fasten until layout has been checked. 5. When location of all runs and bends is correct, fasten the cable to the re-rods or to the mesh with plastic straps or wire ties. If wire ties are used, be sure they are not so tight that they nick or otherwise damage the cable. 6. Megger the cable one more time. 7. Pour the concrete carefully. Be sure that the chute is high enough and the speed of delivery is slow enough to drop the concrete in place without dislodging the cables. 8. During the pouring operation an electrician should be on hand to monitor the continuity of the cable with an ohmmeter or other test device and to stop the work if a cable is dislodged or damaged. 9. Do not energize the cable until concrete has cured (usually days). In Asphalt Lay a 1 (25.40mm) to 2 (50.80mm) base course of asphalt over a compact sub-base and roll smooth. See Fig. 3. After spacing and anchoring cables into position, a small amount of asphalt should be put over the cables by hand and tamped to protect them from damage by tools or paving equipment during the laying of the finish course. The cables should be monitored with an ohmmeter throughout the installation of paving material - moving from cable to cable as work progresses. Should a cable be damaged in installation, replace it immediately. Asphalt rollers will not harm cables when properly covered. NOTE: Asphalt capping over an existing concrete or asphalt base is not recommended unless such base is in very sound condition. Even then, be sure to position cables so as not to cross any existing expansion joints. Follow standard industry practice to ensure good adhesion between layers.

4 Tile, Brick, Terrazzo, Marble or Granite Slab Use basic procedures for concrete installation (See Fig. 4) Pavers / Interlocking Brick Over A Sand Bed Use basic procedures for concrete installation. After spacing and anchoring cables into position, cover cables with sand. Cables should have a minimum of 1½ (38.10mm) to 2 (50.80mm) sand cover for protection during paver installation. The cables should be monitored with an ohmmeter throughout the installation of pavers. Should a cable be damaged in installation, replace it immediately. In Steps While it is possible to make up forms for embedding heater cables in steps in a single pour, the added expense of the forms usually dictate that a two-pour construction be used. The first pour should be stopped about 2" (50.80mm) below the planned finished surface level. After the first pour, the cables are placed on the steps using two passes per step with the pass nearest the edge of the step being 1½ (38.10mm) to 2 (50.80mm) from the edge, and the next pass spaced about 6" (15.24cm) back from the first. The corners of the front edge of the base pour should be broken to permit a 2" (50.80mm) radius to be used in bending the cable between steps. No passes are required in the risers only in the treads. OPERATING GUIDELINES DO NOT operate cable in summer weather. Ensure that appropriate controls are energized and operational prior to winter season. (Avoid crossing expansion or control joint with heater units) 1 1 /2" Minimum (38.10mm) MI Cable Application Specifications 4 Gravel Base Figure 2 Typical Installation Hold heating cable in place with cable spacers or mounds of asphalt Asphalt Thin layer of or Grout Figure 3 Typical Asphalt Installation Reinforcing Fasten heating cable to reinforcing with #14 AWG or plastic ties Figure 4 Typical Tile* Installation *Also Brick, Terrazzo and Marble or Granite Slab 2" to 3" (50.80mm mm) below surface Reinforcing Steel 2" (50.80mm) Minimum Depth, Asphalt or Compact Gravel Base Decorative Tile Gravel Base Weld-Crete or equalivalent Second Pour First Pour Figure 5 Typical Step Installation

5 MI Cable Application Specifications 5 LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIABILITY Easy Heat warrants that if there are any defects in material or workmanship in any heating cable or accessory during the first year after the date of purchase, we will provide new products to replace any defective items, or we will refund the purchase price paid for the accessory or cable, not including any labor or other installation costs. As an alternate, we may elect to repair the cable or accessory at our factory with all shipping and other removal costs borne by the purchaser. We further warrant that, for a period of twelve (12) months after the date of performance, any services performed hereunder will be in a good and skillful manner, based on our understanding of pertinent technical data as of the date of performance of such services. Easy Heat s sole responsibility and liability in the event of any defect, error, omission, or failure in the services rendered hereunder shall be to provide corrected services of the type provided for herein, designed to correct such defect, error, omissions, or failure, and in no event shall Easy Heat s liability with respect to such warranty exceed the amount received by it from the Buyer on account of such services. Our obligation to provide corrected services, new products, refund the purchase price, or perform the repair described above is conditioned upon (a) the installation of the accessory or cable conforming to the specifications set forth in our installation instructions and (b) the accessory or cable not having been damaged by mechanical or electrical activities unrelated to the operation of the accessory or cable. A refund of your purchase price, provision of replacement products, repair of the accessory or cable or provision of corrected services as described above, shall be your sole and exclusive remedy for a breach of this warranty. THESE ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTIES GIVEN BY EASY HEAT WITH RESPECT TO THE GOODS AND SERVICES AND ARE IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDE ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHETHER OR NOT THE PURPOSE OR USE HAS BEEN DISCLOSED TO EASY HEAT IN SPECIFICATIONS, DRAWINGS OR OTHERWISE, AND WHETHER OR NOT EASY HEAT S PRODUCTS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED AND/OR MANUFACTURED BY EASY HEAT FOR YOUR USE OR PURPOSE. This warranty does not extend to any losses or damages due to misuse, accident, abuse, neglect, normal wear and tear, negligence, unauthorized modification or alteration, use beyond rate capacity, or improper installation, maintenance or application. To the extent that you or your agents have supplied specifications, information, representation of operating conditions or other data to Easy Heat in the selection or design of the Goods and the preparation of Easy Heat s quotation, and in the event that actual operating conditions or other conditions differ from those represented by you, any warranties or other provisions contained herein which are affected by such conditions shall be null and void. If within thirty (30) days after your discovery of any warranty defects within the warranty period, you notify Easy Heat thereof in writing, Easy Heat shall, at its option, repair, correct or replace F.O.B. point of manufacture, or refund the purchase price for, that portion of the Goods found by Easy Heat to be defective. Failure by you to give such written notice within the applicable time period shall be deemed an absolute and unconditional waiver of your claim for such defects. Goods repaired or replaced during the warranty period shall be covered by the foregoing warranty for the remainder of the original warranty period or ninety (90) days from the date of shipment of the repaired or replaced goods, whichever is longer. This limited warranty does not cover any costs relating to the repair or replacement of any accessory or cable at the installation site. Our accessories and cables are not easily accessible. A failed accessory or cable usually cannot be easily repaired. Replacement of a failed accessory or cable will require that the materials under which it is installed be removed to permit replacement of the accessory or cable. We will not reimburse any costs relating to the repair or replacement of any accessory or cable at the installation site. IN NO EVENT, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION (WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, INFRINGEMENT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, OTHER TORT OR OTHERWISE), SHALL EASY HEAT S LIABILITY TO YOU AND/OR YOUR CUSTOMERS EXCEED THE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR THE SPECIFIC GOODS PROVIDED BY EASY HEAT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION. YOU AGREE THAT WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU OR YOUR CUSTOMERS FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES. No agent, employee or representative of ours has authority to bind us to any affirmation, representation or warranty concerning the goods sold unless such affirmation, representation or warranty is specifically incorporated by written agreement. To obtain new products, arrange repair of existing product, or a refund under this warranty, please contact Easy Heat with a description of the defect and proof of purchase at the address noted herein. ATTN: WARRANTY DEPARTMENT: In US - EasyHeat Inc; 2 Connecticut South Drive, East Granby, CT In CANADA - EasyHeat Ltd; 99 Union Street, Elmira, ON N3B 3L7

6