The popularity of underfloor heating systems is due to their efficiency and ease of use. But if the first aspect is determined by the characteristics of the heating elements, then the second depends entirely on the means of controlling such devices. For this purpose, special sensors are designed that allow you to adjust the intensity of the system with the expectation of providing an optimal microclimate. As practice shows, underfloor heating, the thermostat of which is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, can significantly save heating costs. That is, the rational use of resources for heating, which in this case can be water or electricity, primarily depends on how correctly the temperature sensor, that is, the thermostat, is selected, installed and operated.
What is a thermostat?
Temperature controller for underfloor heating is available on the market in different versions. They combine a wide range of models with design parameters that are developed taking into account the requirements of ergonomics. In particular, most regulators have small body sizes,which contains the technical stuffing of the device. At the same time, the sensor of the underfloor heating thermostat can be located both in the niche of the device itself and outside. In any case, manufacturers strive to make it as easy as possible to inform the user about the performance of the system. To do this, the models are endowed with ergonomic interfaces, which are formed by displays, comfortable handles and buttons.
It is also worth noting the stability of the regulator in relation to the working environment. There are different approaches to installing the device, so the conditions for its operation are not always favorable. For example, if a thermostat is installed for a water-heated floor, then it is necessary to initially choose a model that has a water-repellent coating. At least this should apply to the sensor.
Varieties of thermostats
At the moment, three options for thermostats are available to users of underfloor heating. The cheapest and least functional is a conventional electronic regulator. It has the simplest set of options and, most importantly, it assumes a minimum degree of autonomy of its work. It is by this criterion that two types of devices should be distinguished that allow you to program the modes in which underfloor heating works. The thermostat in this case independently controls not just the temperature, but the modes in which the system will operate. For example, the floor can be heated an hour before the arrival of the owner, taking into account the impact on the microclimate in the house from the work of other sources.heating. Such models can have either a simplified, but still programmable timer, or its more advanced "smart" counterpart.
Optimal sensor placement
Before proceeding with the installation of the thermostat, you should decide on the point of its installation. Before that, it is worth noting that regulators can also be classified according to the type of placement. For example, there are overhead, built-in, wall and floor models. Usually, when searching for the location of the sensor, the area of \u200b\u200bthe zone for heating is taken into account. If floor heating temperature controllers are installed with convenience for user control, then the sensor should be located directly in the zone of thermal coverage. The installation technique is simple. It is enough to make a small hole in the wall by chasing, insert a piece of pipe into it, and then the device itself. Next, the site is sealed.
Wiring
Unfortunately, the installation of any thermostat requires the preparation of the appropriate wiring and gating. First of all, with the help of a perforator, a niche for the socket is made. Then a strobe is formed for the supply wire. This will be a hidden vertical gasket. In general, using a hidden installation, you can significantly ennoble underfloor heating. The thermostat will interact with the system using invisible channels, which will undoubtedly be an advantage.
Ultimately, a cable must pass from the housing panel to the outlet. Directly forregulator, it is desirable to use a similar wiring, which will increase the reliability of the device. If you plan to use a separate line, it is best to connect the underfloor heating to the thermostat via a 2.5 mm copper cable2, for which you will need to provide protection from the circuit breaker.
Connection via two-wire cable
First, the sensor is connected to the thermostat. Two terminals are provided for it, while polarity is not required. The 220 V voltage for the power supply of the device is usually supplied to the outer terminals. Accordingly, it can be phase L and zero N. This is general information for connecting the device, and differences in approaches to solving this problem are due to the nuances of working with a single-core and two-core cable. Usually, a TVK cable system is used for a two-core wire, with which a thermostat for underfloor heating is connected. The instruction for making connections can be represented as follows:
- The brown wire goes to phase L, connecting to its terminal.
- The neutral wire (blue) goes to the terminal to which the green wire from the two-wire cable will be connected.
- The ground wire is green/yellow and is connected to the appropriate terminal.
- The heating cable screen is reset.
Connection via single core cable
When working with a single-core heating cable, the connection diagram maybe corrected. In particular, its white wires should be connected in an elementary way through the terminals immediately after the contacts intended for the sensor. In this case, the yellow-green wire of the cable with ground also goes to the corresponding terminal - as a rule, this is the last socket. If a thermostat for a water-heated floor is connected, then grounding or grounding is especially important. It should be performed based on the characteristics of the wiring in the panel and the recommendations of the thermostat manufacturer.
Temperature controller operation
The device for regulating the temperature regimes of floor heating should not cause any difficulties. Usually, the simplest interfaces assume the presence of a switch, a toggle switch or a wheel for setting a specific temperature indicator, as well as LED lights that act as indicators of the device's operation. It is also possible to equip with additional controls - for example, a thermostat for underfloor heating, programmable on the outside, may have means for setting modes, be sure to have a timer and other setting tools. The user is only required to indicate the required parameters of the system and approve them in the thermostat.
Self-regulation of underfloor heating
The thermostat is a common attribute not only of the underfloor heating system, but also of other types of heating equipment. However, underfloor heating has one feature that is important to keep in mind when operating thermostats. Casein that both electrical and water systems suggest a semoregulatory effect. This means that warm floors, the thermostat of which sets a certain mode of operation, independently compensate for thermal inertia during the heating process. In practice, this phenomenon can be felt after the system is put into operation and turned off. That is, in the first case, it will take time to achieve the set operating parameters, and in the second, on the contrary, the system gradually shuts down, bringing the temperature to a natural level.
Conclusion
Floor heating systems are appreciated by the consumer as a way to conveniently control the temperature in the room. But the further benefit of it depends on the quality of the installation. Most of the installation operations account for the direct laying of cables or pipes, but connecting a warm floor to a thermostat requires certain knowledge. At this stage of installation, not so much physical effort is required, but the correct location of the wiring elements, as well as their connection to the sensor and the regulator itself. At the same time, do not forget about the recommendations of manufacturers regarding the rational operation of a warm floor. Only in this case it is possible to obtain both a productive and financially profitable heating system.
