Ouellet OWS - Manual (Page 22)

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5.4. Concrete stairs (two pours)
• Be sure to have the site cleared of any sharp objects that could damage cables during the installation process.
• Calculate the dimensions for the first pour so the top of the cable is located at a minimum distance of
2” (50 mm), and maximum distance of 3.5” (89 mm) from the finished surface of the stairs.
• Proceed with the first pour. Let the concrete set. Remove all forms to clear the surface of the riser.
• The concrete stairs should be adequately reinforced to ensure their integrity. Settling, cracking or crumbling
of the coating could damage the cable.
• Round off the step nosing where the cable will run.
• Indicate, with spray paint, the position of fixed elements to be bypassed.
Note: Also plan for future elements that could be added afterwards.
• Install the cold lead conduit at the planned location. The opening of the conduit should be embedded.
• Note: Cold lead and ground sensor conduits must be separated by a minimum of 6” (152 mm) where exiting
the heated surface.
• Insert the cold lead into the conduit.
Note: The cold lead can be shortened if needed. Be sure to leave the nameplate near the connection.
• Keep the end of the cold lead dry and protected, throughout the entire installation process.
• Place the mechanical joint between the cold lead and heating cable at a minimum of 6” (152 mm) inside the
surface to be heated. The mechanical joint should be entirely embedded. The conduit must protect the cold
lead all the way inside the surface to be heated. The exit point of the conduit must be completely embedded.
Never bend the mechanical joint. Never insert the mechanical joint or any part of the heating cable inside the
conduit.
• Unroll the mat as specified in the installation plan. Where the construction of the mat does not allow to
conform to the necessary clearances, (see Figure 14), detach the cable from the flexible strips.
• Attach the mat to the base layer using galvanized steel strapping (see Section 4.4). Be sure to firmly anchor
the mat to the base layer to prevent any movement when embedding.
Note: Conform to clearances during the entire installation process (see Section 4.3).
• Perform insulation and resistance tests after the concrete is poured and enter results in the measurement table.
• Proceed with the second pour. Use an appropriate method to prepare the surface before the second pour
is done and be sure adherence is adequate between the two layers. Delaminating of concrete layers could
damage the cable. Be sure not to move the cable during the pouring process.
• Perform insulation and resistance tests after the installation of the cable and before pouring the concrete. Enter
results in the measurement table.
• Be sure to conform to the curing period of the coating as specified by the manufacturer before powering up
the system.
Do not roll over uncovered cables with any equipment.
Special precautions should be taken while walking over the cable
and while handling sharp tools during the installation process.
CAUTION!
Work stages should be planned so the cable does not remain
uncovered between the installation and the coating stages.
Where the project encounters any delay between these stages,
special precautions should be taken to mechanically protect
the cable against any breakage.
CAUTION!