STELPRO SECM SERIES HEATING CABLE MAT Installation Guide

INSTALLATION GUIDE
SECM SERIES
HEATING CABLE MAT

WARNING

Before installing and operating this product, the user and/or installer must read, understand and follow these instructions and keep them handy for future reference.
If these instructions are not followed, the warranty will be considered null and void, and the manufacturer deems no further responsibility for this product. The following instructions must be adhered to in order to avoid serious injury or property damage and potentially fatal electric shocks. This product must be installed by a qualified person in accordance with this installation guide. All electric connections must be made by a qualified electrician, according to the electrical (Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 or National Electrical Code) and building codes effective in your region. Cut off power supply at circuit breaker/fuse before installation or making repairs.
The maximum current rating of the circuit breaker or fuse of the branch circuit supplying this product must be limited to 20 amps. This heating cable mat has a usage marking W and X and is designed for indoor embedded floor heating applications in which the heating section of the cable, including the cable connection joint, is completely embedded in concrete. It is usable in a dry or wet environment. Never use this mat for any other purpose.
The mat must not exceed the size of the room or space where it will be used as a primary heating source. The heating section of the mat must not pass through or be installed in a wall.
A floor-warming thermostat along with its specified temperature sensor must be installed and connected with this product.
This heating cable mat must be grounded and connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). The GFCI must be Class A (5 mA) for a bathroom or a
shower.
A 6 in (150 mm) spacing must be maintained between the mat and any plumbing drain or non-heating duct and obstacles to avoid. The minimum temperature for heating cable mat installation is 0°C. The minimum radius of curvature of the mat is 13 mm (½ in).
NEVER CUT THE HEATING CABLES WITHIN THE MAT. This would change the cable resistance and could lead to a fire. The mat must be laid flat and must not be folded over itself. If the installer or user modifies the unit, they will be held responsible for any damage resulting from this modification and the warranty and CSA certification
will be void. Never energize the heating cable mat while it is rolled. This would lead to overheating which could damage the mat and may cause a fire. During manipulation of the mat, avoid folding the heating cable mat on itself with force – this could damage its sheath and the internal wires.

Note: When a part of the product specification must be changed to improve operability or other functions, priority is given to the product specification itself. In such instances, the instruction manual may not entirely match all the functions of the actual product. Therefore, the actual product and packaging, as well as the name and illustration, may differ from the manual. Make sure that the connections have been made safely and securely. Pull on each wire to ensure that it is firmly embedded in the connector or terminal block. Failing to follow these instructions may cause a fire hazard.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE °STELPRO FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM

This guide has been written to guide you during the installation of your floor heating system. It has been prepared according to North American construction standards. Because construction standards vary from one area to another, consult a certified electrician in your region before installing the floor heating system.
The floor heating system is designed to heat a room with a heating cable mat embedded in concrete with or without floor covering. It can heat floor covering materials such as marble, ceramic and porcelain tiles, slate, granite, as well as poured surfaces. Before using the floor heating system under any other floor covering, contact your floor covering
manufacturer. Do not cover the floor where a  heating cable has been installed with a mat.
The floor heating system will heat your house regardless of the size or shape of the room. If, however, the room has a much greater heat loss than normal, like a solarium, or has little free floor space, like a tightly furnished bathroom, you may need an additional heat source.

This product is designed for indoor use only, in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The SECM floor heating system is available in heating cable mat sets of 240 volts (see the SELECTION TABLES). The standard heating density is 12 W/square foot (129 W/m²).
The 240 volts models can be electrically supplied at 208 volts, but the heating density will be reduced to 9 W/square foot (97 W/m²). To complete the installation, °STELPRO provides a temperature sensor with the heating cable mat set. Installation instructions for the mat and temperature sensor are provided further in this guide. It is important to
connect the sensor to the heating cable thermostat. Please note that you must install the sensor before the concrete, even if you haven’t bought the thermostat yet.
It is also recommended that you install two sensors (the sensor provided with the thermostat and the sensor provided with the mat) in case one of them is damaged during installation. Only one sensor can be connected to the thermostat.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

CATALOG NUMBER DESCRIPTION
The SECM series heating cable mat part numbers inform you of the following parameters: surface, voltage and wattage.

EXAMPLE: Catalog #: SECM2W0400S033
Voltage: SECM2: 240 V
W0400: Power: 400 watts
S033: 33 square feet

240 VOLTS

| DIMENSIONS (FT)| AREA| POWER| CURRENT
CATALOG NO.| LENGTH| WIDTH| SQ. FT| WATTS| AMPS
SECM2W0150S012| 2| 6.25| 12| 150| 0.63
SECM2W0300S025| 2| 12.5| 25| 300| 1.25
SECM2W0400S033| 2| 16.7| 33| 400| 1.67
SECM2W0500S042| 2| 20.8| 42| 500| 2.08
SECM2W0600S050| 2| 25| 50| 600| 2.50
SECM2W0750S063| 2| 31.3| 63| 750| 3.13
SECM2W0850S071| 2| 35.4| 71| 850| 3.54
SECM2W1000S083| 2| 41.7| 83| 1000| 4.17
SECM2W1100S092| 2| 45.8| 92| 1100| 4.58
SECM2W1250S104| 2| 52.1| 104| 1250| 5.21
SECM2W1375S115| 2| 57.3| 115| 1375| 5.73
SECM2W1500S125| 2| 62.5| 125| 1500| 6.25
SECM2W1750S146| 2| 72.9| 146| 1750| 7.29
SECM2W2000S167| 2| 83.3| 167| 2000| 8.33
SECM2W2250S188| 2| 93.8| 188| 2250| 9.38
SECM2W2400S200| 2| 100| 200| 2400| 10.00
SECM2W2500S208| 2| 104.2| 208| 2500| 10.42
SECM2W2625S219| 2| 109.4| 219| 2625| 10.94
SECM2W2750S229| 2| 114.6| 229| 2750| 11.46
SECM2W2875S240| 2| 119.8| 240| 2875| 11.98
SECM2W3000S250| 2| 125| 250| 3000| 12.50
SECM2W3250S271| 2| 135.4| 271| 3250| 13.54
SECM2W3500S292| 2| 145.8| 292| 3500| 14.58

REQUIRED TOOLS:

MATERIAL PROVIDED:

 – Warranty card

VALIDATING YOUR FLOOR HEATING CABLE MAT AND THERMOSTAT SELECTION

AREA TO HEAT
Before installing your new floor heating system, make sure you have selected the right heating cable mat. Re-measure the area that will accommodate the mat(s) in your room:
– Do not forget to exclude all areas that cannot be heated (cupboards, bathtub, etc.), as well as all areas that you do not want to heat.
The following clearances must be respected when choosing the mat for the room:
A 3 in. (75 mm) spacing between the heating cable mat and the surrounding walls and 6 in. (150 mm) from outer walls
A 8 in. (200 mm) spacing between the heating cable and all other heat sources and heating ducts
A 6 in. (150 mm) spacing from any drain or fixed obstacle to be bypassed
A 3 in. (75 mm) spacing between cables at all time.
A 1 ½ in. (40 mm) distance from the concrete surface
A ½ in. (13 mm) distance from any open combustible surface
– Compare the area to be heated with the total area covered by the selected mat(s). It is better to use a mat that is a bit smaller rather than a mat that is too big, which may cause problems. If more than one mat is used to fit the room, the total current must not exceed 20 amps per circuit.
– It is recommended to draw the mat layout on a sheet of paper before starting.
In Canada only: The heating cable mat can be installed under the floor covering of a shower floor fabricated on site with a mortar base. The mat can be installed under or over the waterproof membrane but must be embedded in mortar. Although the code allows installation of the mat either under or above the waterproof membrane, °STELPRO recommends installing the mat under the membrane to minimize water exposure.
In the United States: If the heating cable mat is being installed in a shower floor fabricated on site, it must be located under the waterproof membrane and embedded in the mortar base.

THERMOSTAT SELECTION
A floor warming thermostat along with its specified temperature sensor must be installed and connected with this product. Only a thermostat equipped with a floor sensor maximizes the floor heating system’s efficiency and, therefore, your comfort. All other control methods (ambient-air only thermostat or switch) are not to be used, since the floor could overheat and cause damage to the system. °STELPRO’s heating cable mats and thermostats are each supplied with a temperature sensor that needs to be embedded in concrete along with the mat. It is recommended that both sensors be installed in case one is damaged during the installation of the heating system. The heating cable mat must be connected to a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), either integrated in the thermostat or panel mounted. For a bathroom or shower, the GFCI circuit must be Class A (5 mA). Floor warming or heating cable thermostats supplied by °STELPRO have an integrated GFCI built in. The maximum thermostat current must correspond to the sum of mat currents wired to it. The maximum allowable current for a °STELPRO floor warming thermostat is 16 amps. Also, the voltage of the branch circuit must correspond to the voltage prescribed for the thermostat. All thermostats wired to the heating cable mat must be certified by a recognized certification agency and wired in accordance with electrical and building codes applicable in your region.

LOCATION OF THE INSTALLED THERMOSTAT AND TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Make sure the thermostat is installed in the same corner of the room as the mat power lead cables:
– The mats can be installed in any direction.
– The standard length of the power lead cables is 10 ft (3 m).
Plan the location of the thermal sensor(s) between two cable runs of the mat at a distance of at least 24 in. (60 cm) from the wall. The sensor(s) should be installed in an area where the temperature will reflect the overall temperature of the floor. Therefore, it should not be located in areas likely to alter the temperature measurement, like a doorway, an external heat source, or an area exposed to the sun. Make sure the sensor wire does not overlap the heating cable. (We recommend the installation of two sensors. Only one sensor can be connected to the thermostat.)

REQUIRED TESTS AND WARRANTY CARD
INTRODUCTION – IMPORTANCE OF THE REQUIRED TESTS

WARNING!

The warranty booklet must be FILLED OUT and RETURNED to °STELPRO for the warranty to be activated. Otherwise,

THE WARRANTY WILL NOT BE ACTIVATED OR VALID.
ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION AND UNDERTAKEN TESTS MUST BE RECORDED- ED IN THE BOOKLET. Please refer to the installation manual for a detailed description of the tests and the required material. Contact Customer Services as needed. You also can fill out the warranty card on our website: www.stelpro.com/warranty

Each mat is subject to factory quality control. However, several operations may compromise its integrity, starting from the moment you unpack the mat to the first start-up. In order to ensure that the mat is not damaged during its installation and/or manipulation and for warranty purposes, electrical tests must be conducted while the mat is still in its sealed bag and during two specific subsequent steps. Do not install a heating cable mat if the seal is broken.
Measurements must be recorded in the warranty card and be compared to initial measurements taken when the mat was in the sealed bag to enable you to detect any changes related to the electrical properties of the heating cables in the mat.
Since it could be very expensive to repair the mat once it is embedded in concrete, it is crucial to detect any breaks that may occur during the installation process as soon as possible. Therefore, it is important to conduct the required ohm readings when prescribed.
If the mat’s heating cables get damaged during installation, you must call a qualified repair technician suggested by °Stelpro. To do so, call Stelpro Customer Service or consult the website (www.stelpro.com). Any installation-related heating cable mat damages are not covered by the warranty.

CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF THE REQUIRED TESTS
FIRST SERIES OF TESTS (1, 2, and 3): While the mat is still in the bag
SECOND SERIES OF TESTS (1, 2, and 3): After the installation of the mat and before the concrete pouring
THIRD SERIES OF TESTS (1, 2, and 3): After the concrete has been poured and has cured completely

TESTS 1, 2 AND 3
TEST # 1: CONDUCTORS’ RESISTANCE TEST
This test requires the use of an ohmmeter or multimeter.
N.B. Since all measuring instruments are different, we recommend you consult the resistance measurement section of your instrument’s user guide.

TIPS
Using a manual range multimeter:
The selected range must correspond to the multimeter’s lowest ohm range that encompasses the mat’s nominal ohm value.
In order to perform the resistance test, you must set your multimeter at the “Ohm” or “Ω” setting and take a resistance measurement between the two power leads (BLACK AND RED). If the ohm reading taken on the two power leads varies significantly, the lowest value from ±10 ohms or 10% of the nominal value printed on the mat’s tag either means the mat has been damaged or the measuring instrument is not set properly, or is simply out of calibration. The ohm measurement must be recorded on your warranty card. If measurements are different than the ones taken at the factory, do not install the cable and contact customer service.

TEST # 2: CONTINUITY TEST BETWEEN THE CONDUCTORS AND THE GROUND BRAID
This test requires the use of a multimeter.
N.B. Since all measuring instruments are different, we recommend you consult the resistance measurement section of your instrument’s user guide.
The mat’s heating cables are protected by a ground braid. An electrical insulator prevents any contact between the braid and the conductor. To verify that there is no continuity between the braid and the conductor, you must perform a resistance test. Select the highest resistance measurement setting on your multimeter to begin and diminish as required or select “Ohm” or “Ω” if your multimeter has auto ranging. Measure the resistance between the ground cable (GREEN) and one of the two power leads (BLACK OR RED). If there is no continuity or no contact between the two (if the test is successful), the multimeter will display either “OL” for “overload” or “I” for “Infinity,” depending on the instrument used. If the test fails, neither “OL” nor “I” will be displayed and you will have a number reading. The test result must be recorded on your warranty card.

TEST # 3: INSULATION RESISTANCE TEST (CAPACITY OF THE CABLE ELECTRICAL INSULATOR TO PREVENT CURRENT LEAKAGE)
CAUTION: HIGH VOLTAGE TESTING
This test requires the use of a 1000 V megohmmeter.

N.B. Since all megohmmeters are different, we recommend you consult your instrument’s user guide.
This test is meant to detect breaks throughout the conductor insulation of each mat’s heating cable. These breaks often remain undetected during the continuity test, since they are not necessarily short circuits between each conductor and the ground braid. These breaks are likely to cause a current leakage to the ground. Such leakage is usually detected by the mandatory ground fault circuit interrupter “GFCI” (thermostat with integrated GFCI or panel-mounted GFCI). When excessive current leakage is detected, the GFCI trips the circuit, disabling the floor heating system.
In order to perform the insulation resistance test using a megohmmeter (Mohm logo), you must take an insulation measurement between the ground cable (GREEN) and one of the two power leads (BLACK OR RED). Make sure the applied voltage of the megohmmeter is set at 1000 V. The insulation resistance measurement must be equal to or greater than 1 gigaohm (1 gigaohm = 1 G ohm = 1000 M ohms = 1000 megaohms). The insulation resistance measurement must be recorded on your warranty card.

INSTALLATION

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION
°STELPRO recommends installing the heating cable set on rigid thermal insulation 2 in. thick with an RSI coefficient of 7.5 to 10 R to minimize heat loss. The panels can be jointed using a tongue and groove method or with adhesive tape. Make sure that the joints are solid and that the panels cannot move.
The surface must be clean of any dust, debris, protruding nails, screws, or others that could damage the mat during installation. The heating cable mat for embedded concrete can also be installed under the steel mesh.
FIRST SERIES OF TESTS
With the mat still in the box, perform the first series of tests as described in the REQUIRED TESTS AND WARRANTY CARD, TESTS 1, 2, and 3 sections. Measured values must be recorded on your warranty card. If a break or damage is detected during the series of tests, the mat should be returned to the original place of purchase.

HEATING CABLE MAT INSTALLATION TIPS
– Avoid applying excessive pressure on the mat while rolling.
– Avoid dropping objects onto the mat.
– During installation, make sure your shoes are free of any hard debris that could damage the mat heating cables.
– Be very careful not to trip over the mat. Tripping may cause self-injury and could damage the mat heating cables.
– The mat installation must not be performed at a temperature below freezing point (0°C).

STEP-BY-STEP MAT INSTALLATION
ROUTING THE POWER LEADS TO THE THERMOSTAT ELECTRICAL BOX
Make sure the supply branch circuit is not energized. The maximum current rating of the branch circuit must be limited to 15 amps. Determine the ideal location for the thermostat in accordance with the electrical codes effective in your area and install the conduit for the cold lead.
Remove all material from the box (mat, floor clips, temperature sensor). The thermostat sensor must be placed in the conduit to protect it. If power relays are used or slave thermostats, put the sensor cable in a different conduit than the cold lead. Unroll the mat on the thermal insulation and fit it to the room, placing the power leads at the area where the thermostat needs to be. Make sure that you respect all clearance distances. Place the cold lead in the conduit and keep the mechanical joint outside. No part of the heating cable can be in the conduit or in the wall. Secure the joint to the subfloor using clips or tape.

FIXING THE MAT TO THE SUBFLOOR
Use the floor clips to secure the cable on the thermal insulation. It is recommended to use clips at every two feet of cable. Secure the ends of the mat with more clips, if necessary. You can use adhesive tape to secure the cable o the subfloor. To fit the mat to the room or to avoid an obstacle, the mesh can be cut and the cable mat reoriented. Use scissors to carefully cut the mesh to avoid damaging the cable.

SECOND SERIES OF TESTS
As described in the REQUIRED TESTS AND WARRANTY CARD, TESTS 1, 2, and 3 sections conduct the second series of tests when the mat has been secured to the floor, before covering it with concrete. Measured values must be recorded on your warranty card.
If a break or damage is detected, the installation should be stopped and the mat should be repaired before continuing the installation.

ROUTING THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR CABLE TO THE ELECTRICAL BOX
Once the mat has been fixed to the subfloor and the second series of tests have been completed with positive results attained, route the mat power leads and the temperature sensor cable to the electrical box through the conduits. The temperature sensor must be placed as close as possible to the surface of the concrete floor. The sensor must be completely covered by concrete. Place the cable sensor between two runs of cables and make sure not to cross the heating cable. The sensor should not be placed where sunlight will shine on the floor.

POURING THE CONCRETE
– Always be careful when walking on the mat to avoid damaging the cable.
– Always put protection (ex. plywood) over the heating cable in order to avoid contact with the concrete pipe or pipe junctions.
– Make sure that the nozzle of the concrete pipe never touches the cable.
– Use adequate pressure to ensure the cable stays secured and is not damaged.
– Never use concrete with fiberglass or metal parts.
– If pouring concrete by wheelbarrow, never roll over the heating cable.
– Protect the cable by putting plywood on the path of the wheelbarrow.
– Always protect the cable from the wheelbarrow tip when pouring.
– The cable and temperature sensor must be completely covered by concrete.
– The thickness of the concrete slab must be 4 to 6 in. (10 to 15 cm).
– The thickness of the concrete floor must be 1.5 to 4 in. (4 to 10 cm).
– Level the concrete using conventional means while making sure not to touch the cables, temperature sensor or mesh.
– NEVER USE A RAKE WITH FORKS POINTING DOWN.

THIRD SERIES OF TESTS Once the mortar embedding the mat has completely cured, perform the third series of tests as described in the REQUIRED TESTS AND WARRANTY CARD, TESTS 1, 2, and 3 sections. Measured values must be recorded on your warranty card. During the series of tests, if a break or damage is detected, you must call a qualified repair technician suggested by °STELPRO to complete the repair. To do so, call °STELPRO’s Customer Service or visit our website (www.°STELPRO.com). Any installation- related mat damages are not covered by the warranty.

ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY AND THERMOSTAT CONNECTIONS
The initial start-up of the floor heating system must be delayed until the end of the curing period (typically 28 days) of the concrete. Refer to the concrete manufacturer’s specifications for the required curing times.

PREPARATION BEFORE CONNECTION
– Ensure the circuit is not energized.
– The CSA identification tag of the heating cable mat must be in the junction box. Do not remove it from the cable.
– The wiring of the mat to the thermostat or relay must be done according to the thermostat/relay manufacturer’s instructions.
– Connect the ground wire (GREEN) to the junction box.
– The floor heating system must be connected to a ground-fault circuit interrupter “GFCI”, either integrated in the thermostat or panel mounted.
If the floor heating system is located in a bathroom or shower, the GFCI must be Class A (5 mA rating). Place the warning label on the electric panel board to mark the branch circuit supplying the floor heating cable.

LIMITED WARRANTY

This limited warranty is offered by °STELPRO Design Inc. (“°STELPRO”) and applies to the following product made by °STELPRO: SECM series. Please read this limited warranty carefully. Subject to the terms of this warranty, °STELPRO warrants its products and their components against defects in workmanship and/or materials for the following periods from the date of purchase: 20 years (heating cable). This warranty applies only to the original purchaser; it is non-transferable and cannot be extended.
CLAIM PROCEDURE
If at any time during the warranty period the unit becomes defective, you must cut off the power supply at the main electrical panel and contact 1) your installer or distributor, 2) your service center or 3) °STELPRO’s customer service department. In all cases, you must have a copy of the invoice and provide the information written on the product nameplate. °STELPRO reserves the right to examine or to ask one of its representatives to examine the product itself or any part of it before honoring the warranty. °STELPRO reserves the right to replace the entire unit, refund its purchase price or repair a defective part. Please note that repairs made within the warranty period must be authorized in advance in writing by °STELPRO and carried out by persons authorized by °STELPRO.
Before returning a product to °STELPRO, you must have a °STELPRO authorization number (RMA). To obtain it, call the customer service department at 1 800 363-3414 (electricians and distributors – French), 1 800 343-1022 (electricians and distributors – English), or 1 866 766-6020 (consumers). The authorization number must be clearly written on the parcel or it will be refused.

CONDITIONS, EXCLUSIONS, AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other representations and warranties (except of title), expressed or implied, and °STELPRO expressly disclaims and excludes any implied warranty of merchantability or implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. °STELPRO’s liability with respect to products is limited as provided above. °STELPRO shall not be subject to any other obligations or liabilities whatsoever, whether based on contract, tort, or other theories of law, with respect to goods or services furnished by it, or any undertakings, acts, or omissions relating thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, °STELPRO expressly disclaims any liability for property or personal injury damages, penalties, special or punitive damages, damages for lost profits, loss of use of equipment, cost of capital, cost of substitute products, facilities or services, shutdowns, slowdowns, or for other types of economic loss or for claims of a dealer’s customers or any third party for such damages. °STELPRO specifically disclaims all consequential, incidental, and contingent damages whatsoever.
This warranty does not cover any damages or failures resulting from 1) a faulty installation or improper storage; 2) an abusive or abnormal use, lack of maintenance, improper maintenance (other than that prescribed by °STELPRO), or use other than that for which the unit was designed; 3) a natural disaster or an event out of °STELPRO’s control, including, but not limited to, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, wars, overvoltage, flooding, water damage, etc. This warranty does not cover any accidental or intentional losses or damages, nor does it cover damages caused by negligence on the part of the product user or owner. Moreover, it does not cover the cost of disconnection, transport, and installation.
The warranty is limited to the repair or the replacement of the unit or the refund of its purchase price, at the discretion of °STELPRO. Any parts replaced or repaired within the warranty period with the written authorization of °STELPRO will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. This warranty will be considered null and void and °STELPRO will have the right to refuse any claims if products have been altered without the written authorization of °STELPRO and if the nameplate numbers have been removed or modified. This warranty does not cover scratches, dents, corrosion, or discoloration caused by excessive heat, chemical cleaning products, and abrasive agents. It does not cover any damage that occurred during shipping.
Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, and some of them do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so these exclusions or limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state or from province to province.

This product complies with
CSA and UL
standards
INSSECM0622
For further information or to consult this guide online,
please visit our website at www.°STELPRO.com

References

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