An underfloor heating system can be a great addition to your main heating system. The most popular underfloor heating is electric. It can be installed in apartments, but as for water systems, they are allowed to be used exclusively in private homes. The underfloor heating cable acts as the main element of the system.
Types of heating cables and their characteristics
Cable for underfloor heating can be self-regulating or resistive. In the latter case, the heating element is a core made of brass, copper or nichrome. It is covered with several layers of insulation made of PVC. It is able to withstand significant temperatures, provides protection from external damage. The internal insulation has a continuous foil shield, as an alternative solution sometimes a wire braid is used,serving as protection against electromagnetic radiation.
Resistive single core cable and its properties
Cable for underfloor heating, single-core resistive assumes a constant and uniform heat transfer along the entire length. This feature can cause overheating of certain areas of the floor, while other areas do not heat up to the desired temperature. Installation and connection of the cable to the mains should be done in such a way that both ends are at the same point.
Resistive two-core cable description
This cable for underfloor heating has two cores, one of which is necessary for conducting current, while the second is for generating heat. The advantage of such solutions is that there is no need to bring the two ends at one point during installation. Among other things, the two-core cable has additional insulation, as well as a returnable core.
Features of self-regulating heating cable
In order for the underfloor heating to be durable and efficient, it is recommended to use the above-mentioned types of cable. They have many advantages, especially when compared with single-core and twin-core elements. This cable for underfloor heating is able to regulate the heating power when the ambient temperature drops or rises. Due to the presence of outer and inner layers, as well as a metal braid, there is a guarantee of reliableelectrical, chemical and mechanical protection.
The design has such a feature that the floor will be protected from overheating. That is why you can count on a lower probability of all kinds of breakdowns. The need to repair such a cable is quite rare.
The described heating cable for underfloor heating has a more complex design compared to the resistive variety. A semiconductor matrix acts as a heating element, with regard to a number of varieties of underfloor heating. If we consider the characteristics of this cable, then it has two conductive cores, which are protected by internal insulation. Among other things, the composition can be found insulating shells, a semiconductor matrix and a shield.
Self-regulating cable reviews
This heating cable for underfloor heating has gained popularity among consumers due to the fact that it works in a special way. Customers note that they like the fact that the system automatically responds to changes in the environment. When the air temperature drops, the central part of the cable begins to shrink, which increases the current strength and the amount of heat. Whereas with an increase in temperature, a reverse reaction can be noticed, in which the current strength decreases, as well as a less impressive heat release. Ultimately, the amount of heat generated varies in each zone of the cable, which depends on the external temperature. Buyers prefer this solution also due to the fact that self-regulatingthe cable is safe, durable and reliable in operation.
Positive characteristics of heating and resistive cables
If you will be laying a cable for underfloor heating, a resistive or self-regulating element can be used. The latter option will cost more. As for resistive cables, they are flexible and have sufficient power. They can be laid in several parallel oriented lines. This provides heating of the surface, which can have any shape. The self-regulating electric floor heating cable has a high power, but is very economical. It can be cut into individual pieces of the desired length, and the heat dissipation will vary along the entire length of the cable. Among the positive features are durability and reliability.
Features of heating cable installation
If you decide to lay a heating cable for underfloor heating, then you have to complete several steps. Work should be carried out on a prepared concrete base, which is equipped, as a rule, at the stage of overhaul. Installation involves pouring a screed prepared from cement and sand, 3 cm thick. In order to lay a cold wire that will connect the thermostat to the underfloor heating system, it is necessary to make a channel with a diameter of 20 millimeters. Among other things, a socket for the thermostat is installed.
In the place where the cable is supposed to be laid, it is necessary to lay a heat-reflecting substrate, which will reduce the warm-up period of the system, and also minimize energy costs.
Work technology
Installation of the underfloor heating cable provides for a smooth, cleaned base. First, the heat-reflecting substrate is covered, then the mounting tape that comes with the kit. Reinforcing mesh can be used as the basis for fasteners, as for the case when it is not possible to strengthen the mounting tape on the floor. The cable should be serpentine on a surface that is free from fixed furniture and equipment. Fixation is made on the mounting tape.
Cable lines must not cross, as this may cause uneven heating, as well as cause overheating and cable failure. It is important to ensure the diameter of the bend, which should be at least 4 centimeters. If you change the pitch when laying the cable, you can put a different power per square meter, which will depend on the heat loss of the room and the desired effect.
Master's recommendations
A corrugated pipe with a maximum diameter of 16 cm should be installed in the prepared channel. A floor temperature sensor should be placed in it. The corrugation must be placed in the heated area on the open side of the loop. Technological cutouts should be made in the heat-reflecting substrate, which are located between the turns of the cable. This will ensure a better grip on the screed. Thermal insulation should be coveredapproximately 80% of the heated surface.
Final works
After the cable is installed, it should be filled with a homogeneous cement screed, the thickness of which can be equal to 40 millimeters. The thermal cable should be covered under the solution, and then measure the insulation resistance and ohmic resistance. After the screed is dry, you can start laying any floor covering. You can do this no earlier than 30 days later.
Cost of heating cable
Cable for underfloor heating, the price of which is from 130 rubles per meter, you can purchase and install yourself. For this, there is no need for special experience. However, you still need to get acquainted with the technology of work.
