Introducing a PRO Exclusive: Electric Floor Heating Ruler Cable

Well, thank you so much for joining me. Can you hear me, Scott? Are we good? I can, sure. Awesome. All right. Well, thank you, everybody, for joining us today. My name is Lynn. I'm a customer service rep here at WarmlyYours, and today I am joined by Scott. Hello, everybody. Awesome. Scott's one of our technical support team members here at WarmlyYours, and today we're going to be talking about our new Pro exclusive product, our electric floor heating Ruler Cable. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. You can put them in the Q&A or in the chat, and if we don't see them right away, we'll get to them by the end of the presentation today.

As I mentioned, we'll be discussing our Ruler Cable specifically, going over some of the product features and what makes this a newer upgraded product. We're also going to be talking about the installation options when using Ruler Cable, as well as comparing it to our original TempZone cable product. The TempZone floor heating Ruler Cable has been a while in the making, and I know you were quite involved, Scott. Can you tell us what we're looking at here, why we're offering the Ruler Cable, and what it does?

The Ruler Cable is a great new product that resembles a ruler, helping you know exactly where you are as you work through the cable length on the spool. This feature allows you to visualize how much cable you've used and how much you have left. It's crucial for ensuring correct installation, as using too much or too little cable can lead to problems. Our goal is to simplify the installation process and provide a visually appealing way to track your progress on the spool. The hash marks are easy to read, and this product is designed for use in nearly every type of floor heating situation. While there are a few exceptions where we use other products, the Ruler Cable is an easy-to-use and install solution.

As you mentioned, the Ruler Cable features ruler marks for different increments of space, with hash marks at every half inch, inch, and foot. This, combined with our SmartPlan that we'll discuss shortly, ensures that you're using the proper amount of cable for your installation. If you forget your tape measure, the Ruler Cable effectively serves as one, as one inch is one inch. We've put a lot of effort into ensuring that the printed markings accurately reflect the cable length, making the installation process much easier.

One of the significant improvements in the Ruler Cable is its durability and flexibility. Can you explain the materials used in the Ruler Cable, Scott? Each Ruler Cable contains two wires that carry power and generate heat. Because these wires are positioned closely together, they effectively cancel out the electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by each individual run, resulting in practically zero EMF. We’ve also made design changes to enhance flexibility, making it easier to bend the cable during installation in membranes or on cable fixing strips.

The wires inside the Ruler Cable are insulated with ETFE, a high-strength, low-weight fluoropolymer. In the past, longer cables were thinner, while shorter cables were thicker, which created challenges for installation. However, with our current design, we use PVC on the outside, which is easier to mold than ETFE. This allows cables of any length to fit into the same notches, ensuring a consistent diameter throughout. Along with grounding and shielding, these design elements contribute to an easier installation process.

Another new product accompanying the Ruler Cable is the Grip Strip. This replaces our original cable fixing strip, which was burgundy in color. The Grip Strip has been designed to hold the cable securely in place, preventing it from loosening as you loop it around the notches. Unlike the older strips, which could allow the wire to slip, the Grip Strip features gripping elements that keep the wire firmly in place during installation. Additionally, we recommend using plastic strips instead of metal, as metal can potentially damage the cable.

When installing, it's crucial to avoid using staples or metal straps, as these can pierce the wire insulation and cause shorts. We've seen instances where improper installation led to significant issues, such as someone stapling over the wire, which caused their floor heating system to fail. Our Grip Strip design aims to eliminate these problems by securely holding the cable while ensuring that all materials used are safe for the installation.

The SmartPlan for the Ruler Cable will also look different. The highlighted numbers correspond to the cable markings, ensuring you use the correct amount of cable during installation. For example, if you see a marking of 229 feet and one inch, that should match the cable length at that point in your drawing. This system helps prevent common mistakes, such as cutting the cable, which is not permissible and can lead to system failure. Always verify your field dimensions before ordering or installing to avoid complications.

Another installation option for the Ruler Cable is using an uncoupling membrane, which offers several benefits, including faster installation. The Ruler Cable fits easily between the nodules in the membrane, providing crack isolation and waterproofing options when paired with the right accessories. However, when using natural stone, it’s essential to follow the installation manual and use at least two layers of underlayment to prevent cracking.

The SmartPlan for the uncoupling membrane will also indicate the height difference added to the floor. It's important to ensure that the membrane is installed throughout the entire room, even in areas where heating is not required. Additionally, the installation plan should reflect the correct placement of the thermostat, as any changes may require us to adjust the drawing at no charge.

It's crucial to adhere to local codes regarding heating installations, particularly in closets or pool decks, as these can vary significantly. Always check with your local authority to ensure compliance with regulations. When using grip strips, they should be fully embedded with a modified thin-set product, such as latex or polymer-modified thin-set.

For installation, there are two methods: a single pass for experienced installers and a two-pass method for those less familiar with tile installation. The two-pass method involves laying out the cable, covering it with thin-set, allowing it to firm up, and then back buttering the tiles before placing them on top. This approach helps prevent lippage, ensuring a smooth and even surface.

When working with Perdesso, the installation process differs slightly. You should only apply thin-set where the tiles will be placed, rather than covering the entire area at once. This method ensures proper adhesion without risking damage to the heating cables. If using self-leveling cement, it's critical to secure the cables to the floor with masking tape to prevent them from floating to the surface during the leveling process.

In summary, the Ruler Cable represents a significant advancement over our original TempZone cable system. The printed hash marks and upgraded materials simplify the installation process, making it faster and more efficient. This product is exclusive to our trade professionals, providing a competitive edge and minimizing the likelihood of callbacks due to installation errors.

As a special offer, we are currently providing a 20% discount on our Ruler Cable. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of installations while ensuring that customers enjoy heated floors for years to come.

Thank you for joining us today. Are there any questions? I'm not seeing any just yet. Olivia, can you check Facebook for us? Awesome. All right. Our next webinar is scheduled for Thursday, August 8th, at 1 o'clock, where we will discuss keeping roofs, driveways, and pipes safe during winter using our snow melting and de-icing products. If you're interested, please join us here on Zoom.

We also offer daily training sessions on Zoom, typically around 4 o'clock PM Central Time. These sessions are short and informative, lasting about 10 to 15 minutes, and provide an opportunity to learn more about our products and ask any questions you may have.

Once this webinar concludes, we will email you a quick survey to gather your feedback. We appreciate your comments and suggestions, especially regarding topics for future webinars. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out via phone, email, or our website.

If that works for you, Scott, I think we can wrap up here. Until next time, stay warm and be radiant. Thank you for joining us.