Onix Installation Manual.qxd - Affordable Home Inspections

Onix ClampManifoldManifoldOnixPressure Test Kitand will tend to cause an imbalance inthe fluid flow. Some tubing may beremoved from this last circuit as longas the remaining length is within 10%of the existing circuits. For example, if200 ft. lengths were installed, the lastcircuit can be cut to a length of 180 ft.and still maintain a balanced system. Ifmore than 10% is in excess, run theremaining tubing along an exposedwall or in other areas of the zone.Step 8:Visual InspectionAfter all the circuits are installed, takea few minutes to walk each circuit andvisually inspect the tubing for possibledamage caused during installation. IfOnix TubingOnix Barbdamage is found, repair it using anapproved Watts Radiant Repair Kit.More information on the repair kitscan be found in the Appendix.Step 9:Final Assembly andPressure TestWith the zone fully installed andinspected, finish the connections to themanifold. Begin by identifying correspondingends to the same circuit. Ifthe tubing has not been marked, selecttwo circuit ends and blow through one,with a thumb placed over the otherend. Air should be felt on the otherside, confirming both ends of a singlecircuit have been selected.Take one Onix Clamp and slide it overone end of tubing. Slide the clampdown about 2" from the end and pushthe Onix onto the first barb of the supplymanifold, making sure the tubingcovers the entire fitting. If the Onix isdifficult to push onto the barb, lubricatethe end of the Onix with somewater.Do not use soap, oil, WD-40 ® , orother petroleum or silicone basedlubricants as they may damage theinterior of the Onix tubing. Soap andlubricants may make connections andsplices leak, even at low pressures.Slide the Onix Clamp back over theOnix and barb connection. If usingInsulation BoardSandwichTorqueTite clamps, do not over-tightenthem. Tighten the clamp using a presetin.-lb. torque driver. More informationon how to install Onix Clamps can befound in the Appendix.Caution: DO NOT over tighten theclamps. Over tightening may causean improper fit.For detailed information on the propersteps to conducting a pressure test,refer to the Appendix.Insulation DetailsFoil-faced batt insulation is primarilyused when an air gap can be maintainedbetween the tubing and theinsulation. In the case of a Sandwichapplication, the air gap is on the sidesof the tubing, not below the tubing. Ifthe system is to be insulated in thejoist cavity, a standard Kraft facedinsulation can be used. Make sure toinstall the insulation tight against thesubfloor to minimize any convectivelosses that may be generated. (note:this is a change from previous manuals.)The actual R-value of the insulationshould be the same as a Staple Up application. The insulation should be aminimum of 3-1/2", or R-13, foilfacedfiberglass batt when the radiantfloor is installed over a heated space,such as a basement. 5-1/2", or R-19,foil-faced batts (or thicker, dependingon the climate) should be used whenthe area below the radiant floor isunheated or exposed to the elements.If insulating above the subfloor, theninsulation between the sleepers shouldbe a foil faced insulation board. WeThe same techniques are used when installing aSandwich application over a slab. The use of anextruded polystyrene (Dow ® Blue Board ® ) is recommendedfor this application.Watts Radiant: Onix Installation Manual page 29