Underfloor Heating Advice for Underfloor Heating HQ products
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A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is an efficient and modern way to keep your home warm. If you're planning to install an electric underfloor heating system, here’s everything you need to know—from choosing the right system to understanding the installation process and technical details.
What You’ll Need for Installation
Before starting, ensure you have the following essentials:
- Correctly sized underfloor heating system: Choose a system that fits the usable floor space (excluding areas covered by permanent furniture).
- Thermostat control: This regulates the temperature of your heating system.
- Residual Current Device (RCD): A safety feature that protects the electrical supply.
Sizing Your Underfloor Heating System
Why Size Matters
Getting the correct size of the heating system is crucial for efficiency and performance. Underfloor heating is only installed in open, usable spaces, avoiding areas under permanent furniture.
How to Measure
- Measure the total floor area and subtract the sections covered by furniture.
- Always leave a 10 cm border around the edges when making your calculations.
Example:
For a room measuring 2.1m x 3.2m (totaling 6.7m²), usable space after deducting furniture is 2.9m². In this case, select a slightly smaller system, such as a 2.5m² mat or a 450-watt Warmtoes cable system.
Installing the Heating System
Mats and Cables
Installing a loose cable or mat system is straightforward. Each kit includes detailed instructions to guide you through the process.
Preparing for the Electrical Work
- Install a deep (35mm) single back box in the wall to house the thermostat.
- Use a 25mm conduit to pull through the sensor and connection cables.
Understanding Electrical Load (Amps)
Warmtoes thermostats are rated for 16 amps. You can connect multiple mats or wires to a single thermostat, provided the total load doesn’t exceed 16 amps. For larger areas, use a relay or contactor—contact the supplier for specific advice.
Maximum Coverage Per Thermostat:
- Warmtoes cable: Up to 3600 watts.
- 160-watt mat: Up to 23m².
- 200-watt mat: Up to 18m².
How to Calculate Amps
To determine the amps:
Amps=voltage (240V)m² × watts per m²
Example: A 5m² area using a 200-watt mat:
5×200=1000 watts, then divide by 240=4.2 amps.
Running Costs
- 160-watt mats: ~2p per hour per m².
- 200-watt mats: ~2.5p per hour per m².
Key Technical Details
- Testing: Always test the system’s ohms and continuity at the start, during, and after installation.
- Thermostat Connection: Use a Part P-qualified electrician for all electrical work.
- Cold Leads and Junction Boxes: Cold leads should be connected to a junction box, which can be installed discreetly, such as inside a cupboard.
If your thermostat measures air temperature, it must be placed within the room. For floor-warming systems, only the floor sensor is necessary.
Why You Need an RCD
RCDs are essential for safety, as they disconnect the circuit in case of electrical faults. They detect small leakage currents (5–30 milliamperes) and act quickly to prevent harm. Most modern homes already have RCDs installed.
Why Choose Warmtoes Electric Underfloor Heating?
Warmtoes systems are not only 100% efficient but also environmentally friendly. Their mats are just 2mm thick, reducing the need for leveling compounds and adding minimal height to your floor. Unlike older, thicker systems, these modern heating solutions are designed for durability, lasting the lifetime of your floor.
With these features, Warmtoes systems are a cost-effective and eco-friendly investment for your home.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and successful underfloor heating installation. Always consult professionals where needed to guarantee safety and optimal performance.