Installing Slab Sensor

Ed_16

I'm looking for the best way to install a slab sensor in a bathroom floor that will have an inch and a half overpour. I was thinking of putting the sensor in conduit and have a J-box that I can access from the ceiling below in case I need to replace the sensor. What would be the best material to use as the conduit? Any advice would be appreciated. -Ed

Alan(CaliforniaRadiant)Forbes

We used to use

electrical conduit (EMT) which worked fine. Now we use ½" PEX with a cap on the end. It works just as well, bends easier and you always have it on your truck.

We use the tekmar 511 thermostats and run the sensor wire right to the thermostat location.

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Waylon Lowery

Ditto.

We use Pex tubing also.

Justin Gavin

you might consider

Pex Aluminum Pex. Best of both worlds.

hr

One step further

I buy copper stub outs that are spun shut on the end. Get the straight version, however, with the swedged end for copper tube. These are a nice tight fit over PAP, provide a smooth transition inside, and conduct heat better than bare tube. Use a 2 hole copper strap to hole it onto the floor, or a scrap of heat transfer plate.

At the top end a 1/2" condiut connector will allow you to slide the pex into the J box. Use a deep box to allow plenty of room for the wiring. Some brands of t-stats need 5 or 6 wires, depending on the features you use. Outdoor temperature sensors require additional wires, also.

The PAP tube keeps it's form much better than regular pex for ease of installation.

hot rod

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rod robbins

You have a good mind hot rod.I enjoy seeing your creativity
Rod

Bob Bona_4

it's important

to have a "sensitive" sensing bulb for accuracy. I've found that a sleeve of 3/8 OD soft copper-typical oil line stuff-works well. The tekmar sensors fit well. I tape a length of music wire to the "limp" sensor cable to aid insertion and removal.

Ed_16

thanks

for al the good advice. Hotrod's plan looks good, I like the idea of the copper at the end of the PEX, that will serve as the cap and give me a more accurate reading. -Ed

hr

Yet another trick

Fasten the sensor to a fish tape to slide it in. Cut off the fish tape at the box to allow future removal.

I have seen fish tapes that look more like heavy speedometer cable (remember when cars had speedometer cables those seem more flexible, and you can buy just the cable insert instead of cutting a good tape!

Heat shrink tube also works good to fasten the sensor to the fish tape.

For really, really good transfer add some transfer grease into the well before you attach the PAP. Little messy when you remove the sensor, however.

hot rod

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Mad Dog

Hey good to see ya back

Yep pex and a copper sleeve that's what Mark Eatherton taught me. Mad Dog

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