Today, the electric floor heating system is one of the most comfortable for a person. The heated air rises from the very base. Therefore, its highest temperatures are observed at a distance of up to 50 cm from the floor. Under the ceiling, they will be lower.
The principle of operation of any convector or radiator is to direct the flow of warm masses under the ceiling, while the already cooled air will be concentrated below. Electric underfloor heating is cost effective because of this feature.
The thermostat is used to control its operation. They are of various types. However, the thermostat circuit has a common principle for all models. To do the installation yourself, you need to consider this procedure in more detail.
General information
Not a single underfloor heating system can do without a thermostat, the connection diagram of which is identical in almost any model. If this device is not to be used, but connected to a heatingwire directly, the system will reach its operating temperature limit. This adversely affects the screed, and in the case of a wooden floor, it will lead to its deformation.
It should also be noted that no manufacturer of electric underfloor heating provides a guarantee for their product if a heating control device is not installed. Therefore, the thermostat circuit must be studied before underfloor heating is installed.
And in this case, the usual timer or dimmer will not work. Only thermostats designed for this purpose may be used in the electrical circuit. They come with a temperature sensor.
Types of thermostats
There are various types of underfloor heating systems and thermostats themselves, which manufacturers allow you to mount with your own hands in accordance with the instructions.
The warm floor can be cable, frosted or infrared. The first two systems are single-core and two-core. Each of them has its own installation features. Infrared underfloor heating is similar in principle to connecting with a two-core cable. Therefore, the connection diagram of the thermostat for these two different types is identical (which cannot be said about the installation of the system itself).
Temperature controllers differ in the way they are controlled for mechanical, digital and programmed, and in the way they measure heat - for devices with an air sensor, floor or combined. These varieties also havecertain installation conditions.
What is important when choosing a device
Initially, when making a purchase of a heating control device, you should pay attention to its maximum load. Most often, devices rated for 16 A are on sale. This is approximately 3.7 kW.
But there are devices designed for a smaller load. The power of the electric underfloor heating should be correlated with the maximum load of the thermostat.
The most comfortable device is recognized as having both a floor and air temperature sensor. But most often the product has only one measuring point.
The connection diagram of the underfloor heating thermostat with the cover sensor and the double set are identical. But if the device has a built-in indoor air temperature meter, it will have two fewer terminals than the previous varieties.
Control types
For each type of room, select a specific type of heating controller. For the bathroom, it is better to purchase mechanical varieties.
The scheme for connecting a floor heating thermostat most often involves installing this device near an outlet indoors. The bathroom is often damp, there are significant temperature fluctuations. Devices with digital displays in such conditions will work less.
Therefore, mechanical control is relevant here. In the kitchen, room or corridor, you can install a digital thermostat,which will show the heating level on the screen.
There are programmed devices on sale. They set the temperature on time. According to this program, he works for a week, then the cycle repeats. The connection diagram of the thermostat does not differ in the type of control.
Mount type
There are devices that are installed overhead or mortise. In the first case, you do not have to cut channels for wires and for the mounting box in the wall. But the appliance will protrude above the wall, and the wires will pass under the box.
Concealed installation involves installation in a mortise way. If the repair is in full swing, it is better to give preference to this method. The floor thermostat circuit will be identical in both cases, but mortise models look more aesthetically pleasing.
Wiring principle
Depending on the type of thermostat, a certain type of connection will be made. It is clearly indicated in the instructions from the manufacturer. The electrical circuit of the thermostat can have 4, 6 or 7 terminals.
In the first case, a device with an air sensor is connected. Two terminals (the number is indicated in the instructions) are intended for floor heating wires. The brown conductor is connected to the compartment L (phase) for the heating system, and the blue one is connected to N (zero). Communications from the network are also connected in accordance with the polarity.
If the device has 6 terminals, then the kit includes a sensor. It connects without regard to polarity in the connectors specified by the manufacturer.
Seventh terminaldesigned for grounding (yellow-green wire). If there is one in the house, but the device does not have a corresponding connector, the connection should be made outside the case. And if there is no grounding in the house, the yellow-green wire of the floor is zeroed.
Some recommendations
Do-it-yourself thermostat circuit involves not only the correct connection of wires. The remote sensor (if it is included in the kit) is installed in the corrugated pipe. Its edge in the floor is isolated. So the sensor can be removed if necessary.
The installation level must be at least 50 cm from the floor. If it has an air sensor, the installation height must be at least 1.5 m.
If the owners have small children, it is necessary to purchase models with special protection. This will guarantee that the child will not set the thermostat on their own.
DIY installation
Overhead models are attached to the wall, no need to ditch the channels. The circuit of the mortise thermostat deserves attention. Usually, a place is drilled next to the socket or switch for the mounting box.
Further to the floor, a channel for the sensor and wires of the heating system is chiselled. Power is supplied from the conductors of the socket or switch (they do not have to be pulled from the shield). The thermostat is installed disassembled into the socket.
For mechanical models, carefully remove the adjustment wheel, unscrew the bolt and set aside the top panel.
If this is a device with a display, the top panel is removed(technology is described in the manual). Having connected all the wires according to the scheme with the mains power off, the device is inserted into the socket. Channels are closed. The top panel is put on and the operation of the device is tested.
Having studied what the thermostat circuit looks like for a warm floor, you can quickly and efficiently connect yourself.
