STEP 2 — INSTALLING THE HEATING ELEMENT

ZMesh Heating Element

   
ZMESH
Note: Always inspect the ZMesh for hairy edges or loose strands, cuts or other damage prior to and after installation; repair as required. Always conduct a continuity test between ZMesh and any metal in the area of the ZMesh and the Cold Leads. Complete the form “Heatizon Systems After Installation Element Test” immediately following the installation of the ZMesh, and immediately following any work that has been performed on the project which may affect the heating element. See the “Heatizon Systems After Installation Element Test” section of this Design and Installation Manual.
Note: Properly installed insulation is always recommended by Heatizon to enhance the efficiency and improve the performance of all Heatizon Systems products.
Note: Preparing a detailed layout of the element installation results in a superior installation. Preparing this layout on paper will save time and provide for a permanent record of the layout.
Note: To minimize the size of the flux lines or lines of force of any magnetic field given off by the ZMesh heating element, always run an even number of lengths of heating element and begin and end the heating element at approximately the same place.
3.1 General ZMesh Installation Instructions:
   
 
The function of the Transition Plate is to connect the bronze ZMesh heating element to the Cold Leads. Transition Plates may be terminated in the floor, in the wall, on the roof, on a deck surface, or in a joist space. Placement of the Transition Plates are done as follows:
   
Maintain 2" of space or more between Transition Plates. The location of the Transition Plates should be determined at the time the Cold Lead is installed. The spacing between Transition Plate’s butt splices is dictated by the spacing between the ZMesh and the direction that the ZMesh runs from each Transi tion Plate.
   
Install the Transition Plate(s) at the time the ZMesh element is installed. If it is necessary to install the Transition Plates at the same time as the Cold Lead, make certain that they are pro tected so that they will not get damaged, dirty, or painted.
   
     
Note: Non repaired cuts and loose strands of ZMesh will get red hot if energized, and will result in fire danger. Eliminate all loose strands of ZMesh prior to energizing your Heatizon product and repair all cuts. If ZMesh is cut, it must be repaired by using Heatizon Systems ZMesh Cut Out Kit (part # CUTOUTKIT) which must be properly installed.
   
Remember: “After Installation Element Test” #1 should be conducted after the heating element has been installed, and “After Installation Element Test” #2 should be conducted following the covering of the heating element and immediately prior to installing the Control Unit.
   
       
2-24

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH ZMESH

ZMESH ROLL

ZMESH

   
Splice Plate. On rare occasion, it may be necessary to splice the ZMesh element. Use a splice plate (Heatizon Part # E220). Follow the instructions in Section 7, “Making the Connection.”
ZMESH SPLICE PLATE
     
Jumper Plate. When two adjacent areas are being jumpered together, or connected in series, a Wall Plate or Jumper Plate (Heatizon Part # E219) is used to extend the ZMesh through a 2” x 4” wood studded wall, by installing the jumper over a wood 2” x 4” footer stud. Follow the instructions in Section 7, “Making the Connection.”
E19 ZMesh Jumper
     
End Plate. Wherever a need exists to avoid having turns in the ZMesh, Heatizon 26" Splice Plate or End Plate (Heatizon Part # P1402) may be used. Follow the splicing instructions in Section 7, “Making the Connection.”
26 inch ZMesh Splice Plate
     
ZMesh Cut Repair. Always use a ZMesh Cut Out Kit whenever the ZMesh has been cut or damaged, or whenever a portion of the ZMesh must be cut away to avoid an object. Never cut away more than 4" of 12" ZMesh nor more than 3" of 9" ZMesh. Use Heatizon Systems ZMesh Cut Out Kit (Heatizon Part # CUTOUTKIT).
ZMesh Cut Out Kit
     
 
2-25
 

Planning the Layout —
Three Sample Configurations
of ZMesh Element

 
ZMESH
1. ZMesh and Cold Lead for two separate zones, connected to two separate Control Units. One pair of Cold Leads has already been installed prior to ZMesh element installation. Each full sized heated area is connected to one standard CBX6 or SLC500 series Control Unit.
 

E219 Jumper for ZMesh

2. ZMesh and Cold Lead for two separate areas, which are con nected in series by “jumpering” the areas together with Cold Lead (right) or with a wall plate (above). One pair of Cold Leads must have already been installed prior to ZMesh element installation. The two smaller areas are jumpered together and connected to one standard CBX6, or SLC500 series Control Unit.
 
3. ZMesh and Cold Lead for two separate areas, which are con nected to a 2X2 or 2X3 system. Two pairs of Cold Leads have already been installed prior to ZMesh element installa tion. The two full sized heated areas are connected to one CBX23 or CBX22 (double sided transformer) Control Unit as two separate, closed loop systems.
 
2-26

 
ZMESH
   
2-27

3.2 ZMesh Interior Installation

 
ZMESH
 
 
A. Beginning at the point where the Cold Lead penetrates the floor, wall, or roof, plan the element run for each zone. Proper element spacing is based upon the results of the heat loss calculations or heat density requirements that were performed to size the heating system. Maintain a minimum of 2" distance between adjacent runs of ZMesh element, and do not allow ZMesh to cross itself.
 
 
B. Once the location of runs of ZMesh has been determined, connect one end of the ZMesh to one Transition Plate, by following the instructions in Section 7, “Making the Connection.”
 
If installation of ZMesh is on concrete use a flooring adhesive to hold the ZMesh in place. With a 3" wide putty knife place 3" wide swaths of adhesive perpendicular to the length of the ZMesh approximately every 18". Duct tape may be used to temporarily hold the ZMesh in place until adhesive dries. Follow directions of flooring adhesive manufacturer for application of floor adhesive. Once the adhesive is dry, remove and dispose of all duct tape.
If installation is over a wood sub-floor or sub roof, begin stapling the ZMesh to the sub-floor or sub-roof, pushing loose ZMesh ahead of you while pulling ZMesh tight and stapling it every approximately 18" on opposite sides and center. The first staple should be 12" away from the Transition Plate connector, to allow for making the connection between the Transition Plate connector and the ZMesh comfortably. “Bubbling up” of the ZMesh must be avoided. Staple folded
areas around the outside edge of the fold.
If installation of ZMesh is over a concrete slab that has elevated sleepers for hardwood flooring, the folds of the ZMesh element must occur over the concrete
areas, not over the sleepers.
2-28

 
ZMESH
C. Begin to roll out the ZMesh starting at one of the Transition Plates. Fold the ZMesh element with two 90º folds to make parallel return runs and lesser degree turns to make non-parallel runs.
D. Once all of the required Z Mesh has been rolled out and the layout is finalized, crease each fold firmly (a scrap of 2” x 4” lumber can be used to create a crisp fold).
E. Connect the second end of the ZMesh to the second Transition Plate, by following the instructions in Section 7, “Making the Connection.”
F. Once the ZMesh element has been installed, the covering (acceptable coverings and applications are noted in table at the beginning of this Design and Installation Manual section) must be installed immediately to prevent damage to the element and to prevent shorting of adjacent runs of element.
IMPORTANT!
Record the number of
feet of ZMesh
Element that you
have installed for
each zone here:

   
2-29
 

3.3 ZMESH ELEMENT ON DECK INSTALLATION

 
ZMESH
ZMesh may be installed on wood or concrete decks in the same manner it is installed on wood subfloor and wood sub-roofs.
Note that elevated decks must always have either heated liv ing space or insulation below the surface where the ZMesh heating element is installed.
ZMesh must always be protected from moisture by a water proof membrane when used on exterior decks.
 
 

IMPORTANT!
Record the number of
feet of ZMesh
Element that you
have installed for
each zone here:

  2-30  

3.4 ZMESH RETROFIT/STAPLE-UP INSTALLATION
ZMESH
ZMesh element can be retrofit by stapling the ZMesh element beneath the sub-floor in the joist space by using a Heatizon Systems Joist Screen Kit (JSTSCRKIT). The ZMesh element is then stapled to the Joist Screen Kit spacers, which main tains approximately 3/4-inch space between the sub-floor and the ZMesh. Insulation is then installed below the ZMesh heat ing element leaving a minimum of 2-inches of dead air space.
 
Review the directions for ZMesh Interior Installation and use similar procedures.
 
 

IMPORTANT!
Record the number of
feet of ZMesh
Element that you
have installed for
each zone here:

  2-31  

ZMESH
3.5 ZMESH ELEMENT ROOF DEICING INSTALLATION
       
ZMesh Heating Element can be used for de-icing in valleys and on eaves as well as other trouble areas on roofs. The ZMesh must be covered with Ice and Water Shield (Part Number NI114) or EPDM (Part Number NI133). These prod ucts may also be used under the ZMesh element if desired. Great care must be taken to make sure that the element is shielded from moisture. Al-
ways install KwikWrap Drip Edge Protector (Heatizon Part # NI144) prior to installing the ZMesh on top of the drip edge.
Fasteners (screws, nails, etc.) must never penetrate simultaneously through the ZMesh element and any metal. Valley metal, metal drip edge, metal flashings or other electrically conductive or metal roofing material or their attachments must never be allowed to come into contact with ZMesh. Unlike Tuff Cable in a Heatsink Kit, ZMesh is not recommended for use under metal roofs, valley metal, metal drip edge, or metal flashing etc.
Review the directions for ZMesh Interior Installation and use similar proce dures. Begin stapling the ZMesh to the sub-roof, pushing loose ZMesh ahead of you while pulling ZMesh tight and stapling it every approximately 18" on opposite sides and center. The first staple should be 12" away from the Transition Plate connector. “Bubbling up” of the ZMesh must be avoided. Staple folded areas around the outside edge of the fold.
2-32

   
ZMESH
 
 
CAUTION: Risk of fire will occur if ZMesh is cut and not repaired, or shorted to anything metal or electrically conductive. In order to reduce the risk, always use an Element Alarm (Part Number NI113) or amp meter with an alarm to check for continuity between the ZMesh and all metal or electrically conductive material, and never cut anything in areas whedre ZMesh is located. Read Customer In formation regarding additional information and warnings for Heatizon Roof Deicing Sys tems. See Roof Warning Information Sheet in this Design and Installation Manual.

 

  2-33  

ROOF INFORMATION: for roofing contractor and other trades
ZMESH
Please communicate this information directly to anyone who will come into contact with the ZMesh or Tuff Cable heat ing element after it has been installed. Prior to beginning the installation of any Heatizon Systems product, read the ap plicable sections of the installation manual in their entirety. In order for Heatizon Systems installation instructions to be followed completely, Heatizon Systems requires that a copy of this page be given to the Roofing Contractor, and additional copies be stapled on top of the ZMesh and near the Tuff Cable immediately after its installation. The copies and staples should be removed prior to installing the roof covering.

A Heatizon roof deicing system has been installed on this project. Here are the steps you need to take to insure that the system is installed correctly and is not damaged:

Ice and Water Shield. Heatizon ZMesh or Tuff Cable Heating Elements are to be installed on top of the sub-roof and must have Ice and Water Shield installed over them. As an installer option, they may also have Ice and Water Shield installed under them as well. Do not apply roofing material directly on top of either heating element.
Electrically Conductive Materials. Heatizon ZMesh and Tuff Cable Heating Elements must not come in direct con tact with any other electrically conductive materials on the roof structure or elsewhere. The roofing contractor is re sponsible for insuring the element is not cut, or damaged in any way and does not come into contact with any conduc tive material.

 

  • Drip edge, flashing or any other conductive material on the roof structure must not connect to or come in contact with ZMesh or Tuff Cable Heating Element.
  • Screws, nails, attachments or any other connectors securing the conductive shingles, drip edge, flashing, valley metal, skylights, etc or any other conductive material must not penetrate, connect to, or come in contact with ZMesh or Tuff Cable Heating Element.
  • Do not cut, fold, twist, or alter the ZMesh of Tuff Cable Heating Element.
  • All metal used over, uder and/or on the roof must be kept away from ZMesh, or must be completely insulated from it..
Continuity Check. ZMesh and Tuff Cable Heating Elements should have a continuous continuity check performed during the installation of all conductive roofing materials. A Roof Alarm is available for rental or purchase from Heatizon Systems to assist the roofing contractor in performing this continuity check. The circuit must always be open. See Roof Alarm instructions for more detail.
After the Installation. Immediately following installation, the ZMesh or Tuff Cable Heating Element is to be visually inspected and electronically tested for continuity and the correct readings recorded in the Design and Installation Man ual. The Roofing Contractor is responsible for any penetration, cutting, or other damage done to the ZMesh or Tuff Ca ble Heating Element.
Electrical Codes. The Cold Leads of the Heatizon Roof Deicing System is considered part of a listed snow melt/ deicing system. However, local electrical codes may require Cold Leads to be run in conduit between the Control Unit and the heated section. Consult with a local electrical inspector or other relevant authority prior to installation.
Warnings. Heed all warnings in the Heatizon Systems Installation Manual, the product packaging, and attached to or affixed to the product.
2-34