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We’re about to pour a two thousand sq. ft. floor with PEX heat tubes in the concrete… Question: I like the idea of installing a tracer wire with the PEX, although I have never done it before. I’m thinking of getting a few rolls of single strand #14 insulated and attaching it to the PEX as we lay it. What would be the best way to utilize this wire when I want to locate the heat tubes? What kind of voltage source etc. and what would be a good and relatively inexpensive instrument to use to actually locate the tubes after the current is applied. Any suggestions appreciated!
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Search the archives for the discussion of finding un-traced PEX (stethoscopes, infared imagers, and evaporating water were discussed). To be totally DIY, figure on putting 120 volts on it and tracing it with one of those overgrown studfinders that look for wood, metal and voltage. The pen-sized voltage detector are pretty short-range and you'll need a 2-4" range in a slab, 1-2" in gypcrete with flooring over it. It could be smaller than 14 gauge, what ever is cheapest by the foot - it only need to be at a voltage, not to carry current. Alternately, you could lay the wire and if it ever needs to be traced, call a locating company. They'll put RF on it and locate to a fraction of an inch.
I just made a sketch of mine. It was on 6"x6" #10 WWF so it was an easy, regularly-spaced grid to document. And why locate it? One reason is so you know where you can drive nail and such. But to locate leaks, you'll need to listen for escaping air or water.
If leaks are a fear, you can lay alternate runs with two rolls. A few more connections to make at the manifold, but there will be less pressure drop and you'll have a back-up for every loop. -David
*b WBA At Your ServiceI assume you have already purchased the tubing, if not, I think Heatway makes pex with a wire tracer already attached to the pipe.
*Our Gas company uses a 6v battery on the uninsulated wire that is laid 6" to 1' above thier plastic that is 24 to 36" underground. the locator equipment they use is expensive, but I would think a $200-300 investment would be justified if you are going to do this work on a regular basis.
*Thanks guys, I did not know that anyone made PEX with a tracer attached to it. I did read the other posts about other ways to find heat tubes. This seems like a foolproof method. I really do think you should have some way to track heat tubes in a concrete floor. Seems like it should be just a part of the job to install something. Evidentally Heatway thinks so too.
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We're about to pour a two thousand sq. ft. floor with PEX heat tubes in the concrete... Question: I like the idea of installing a tracer wire with the PEX, although I have never done it before. I'm thinking of getting a few rolls of single strand #14 insulated and attaching it to the PEX as we lay it. What would be the best way to utilize this wire when I want to locate the heat tubes? What kind of voltage source etc. and what would be a good and relatively inexpensive instrument to use to actually locate the tubes after the current is applied. Any suggestions appreciated!