Floor heat question

[slash007]

Does anyone know how deep the floor heat loops are typically embedded under the concrete? I want to install a new vending machine that needs to be bolted down in an area where there is floor heat and was wondering how much leeway I had. If it was enough, then I wouldn't have to figure out where the loops were and have to be careful.

 

[MEP001]

Maybe you could use some sort of bracket to bolt it to the wall instead. The tubing is usually pretty shallow.

Harbor Freight has an infrared thermometer with laser targeting for $35 - it's probably a piece of junk, but it might be sensitive enough to let you map out the layout so you can miss the lines.

 

[soapy]

Most floor heating systems I have put in or seen put in have the loops tied to the rebar either on top or on the bottom of the rebar. The loops generally sit in the lower third of the concrete up north here where we actually have floor heat for our bays.

 

[slash007]

Maybe you could use some sort of bracket to bolt it to the wall instead. The tubing is usually pretty shallow.

Harbor Freight has an infrared thermometer with laser targeting for $35 - it's probably a piece of junk, but it might be sensitive enough to let you map out the layout so you can miss the lines.

I already have a decent infrared thermometer, but figured that if the loops were deep I could just avoid the search and drill. I'll try to map it out once I get my machine in. Attaching to the wall might work too, I'll have to check on that.

 

[JGinther]

It may be cheaper to replace the vending machine after it gets stolen than fixing the floor heat... I would do what mep said. Even just welding flat stock to angle iron bolted to the wall would work...

 

[Earl Weiss]

If I were concerned I would pour a 4 Inch concrete pad with anchor bolts set in it (Make a template of the machine bottom. Throw some metal lath that they use in concrete into the form for more stability, and then bolt the machine to the pad. Maybe even make the pad higher on the sides and back to come up around the base of the machine.

 

[slash007]

If I were concerned I would pour a 4 Inch concrete pad with anchor bolts set in it (Make a template of the machine bottom. Throw some metal lath that they use in concrete into the form for more stability, and then bolt the machine to the pad. Maybe even make the pad higher on the sides and back to come up around the base of the machine.

That's not a bad idea either. The floor is not level, so I could pour a level pad for the machine. I will look at the location and try to come up with a the best solution while I am looking at the actual space. I'll take a picture as well.

 

[Earl Weiss]

That's not a bad idea either. The floor is not level, so I could pour a level pad for the machine. I will look at the location and try to come up with a the best solution while I am looking at the actual space. I'll take a picture as well.

Depending on how out of level it is if you create a form with 2 x 6 the concrete would self level for a pad and you could keep a 4" minimum depth.

 

[Randy]

The vending machines we have are bolted to the wall at the top so the vending machine can't tip over and hurt the customer who is shaking and beating on the machine trying to get that free gift.

 

[mjwalsh]

The vending machines we have are bolted to the wall at the top so the vending machine can't tip over and hurt the customer who is shaking and beating on the machine trying to get that free gift.

Good idea. We even used a cable to prevent the local newspaper's vending machine from potentially getting tipped onto a small child.

 

[Jeff_L]

The vending machines we have are bolted to the wall at the top so the vending machine can't tip over and hurt the customer who is shaking and beating on the machine trying to get that free gift.

This is what I did as well, used the straps to bolt it to the wall on top and one side. Very secure this way. Your unit might have adjustable feet on it so you can level it.