Underfloor heating can be a great addition to basic heating. The most popular flooring with heating is considered electric. It is possible to install it in apartments, but as for water systems, they are allowed to be used exclusively in private houses. The heating cable of the warm floor acts as the main element of the system.
Varieties of heating cables and their characteristics
The cable for the 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 undergo exposure to significant temperatures, provides protection against external damage. The internal insulation has a continuous foil shield, as an alternative solution, a wire braid is sometimes used, which serves as protection against electromagnetic radiation.
Resistive single core cable and its properties
A cable for a heat-insulated floor single-core resistive assumes a constant and identical heat transfer throughout the entire length. This feature can cause overheating of individual sections of the floor, while other zones do not heat up to the desired temperature. Installation and connection of the cable to the mains should be done so that both ends are at the same point.
Description of resistive two-wire cable
Such a cable for a warm floor has two cores, one of which is necessary for conducting current, while the second for generating heat. The advantage of such solutions is that there is no need to reduce the two ends at the same point during installation. Among other things, the two-core cable has additional insulation, as well as a returnable core.
Features of a heating self-regulating cable
In order for the warm floor to be durable and effective, it is recommended to use the above types of cable. They have many advantages, especially when compared with single-core and two-core elements. This cable for underfloor heating is able to regulate the heating power when the ambient temperature decreases or rises. Due to the presence of the outer and inner layers, as well as the metal braid, there is a guarantee of reliable electrical, 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 for repair of such a cable is quite rare.
The described heating cable for underfloor heating has a more complex structure compared to the resistive version. A semiconductor matrix acts as a heating element, as for a number of varieties of underfloor heating. If we consider the characteristics of this cable, then it has two conductive wires that are protected by internal insulation. Among other things, in the composition you can find insulating shells, a semiconductor matrix and a screen.
Self-adjusting cable reviews
Such a heating cable for underfloor heating has gained popularity among consumers due to the fact that it works in a special way. Buyers note that they like the moment that the system automatically responds to environmental changes. When the air temperature drops, the central part of the cable begins to compress, which increases the current strength and the amount of heat. Whereas with an increase in temperature, one can notice a reverse reaction, at which a decrease in the current strength occurs, as well as a less impressive heat release. Ultimately, the amount of heat generated varies in each area of the cable, which depends on the external temperature. Buyers prefer this solution also because the self-regulating cable is safe, durable and reliable.
Positive characteristics of heating and resistance cables
If you will be laying a cable for a warm floor, a resistive or self-regulating element can be used. The latter option will cost more. As for resistive cables, they are plastic and have sufficient power. They can be laid in several parallel oriented lines. This provides heating to the surface, which can be of any shape. The self-regulating electric underfloor heating cable has high power, but is very economical. It can be cut into separate parts of the desired length, and heat will change along the entire length of the cable. Among the positive features can be identified durability and reliability.
Features of mounting a heating cable
If you decide to lay the heating cable for the underfloor heating, then you have to perform several steps. Work should be carried out on a prepared concrete base, which is usually equipped at the stage of overhaul. Installation involves pouring a screed prepared from cement and sand with a thickness of 3 cm. In order to lay a cold wire that will connect the thermostat to the underfloor heating system, there is a need to make a channel with a diameter of 20 millimeters. Among other things, a socket for a thermostat is installed.
In the place where the cable is supposed to be laid, it is necessary to cover the heat-reflecting substrate, which will reduce the period of heating the system, and also minimizes the cost of electricity.
Technology of work
Installation of a cable of a heat - insulated floor provides ensuring the equal cleared basis. First, the heat-reflecting substrate is covered, then the mounting tape, which comes with the kit. As a basis for fasteners, you can use reinforcing mesh, as for the case when it is not possible to fix the mounting tape on the floor. The cable should be placed on a surface that is free from stationary furniture and equipment. Fixing is done on the mounting tape.
The cable lines should not intersect, as this can 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 step when laying the cable, you can lay different power per square meter, which will depend on the heat loss of the room and the desired effect.
Wizard Recommendations
A corrugated pipe should be installed in the prepared channel, the diameter of which can be maximum 16 cm. The floor temperature sensor should be placed in it. The corrugation must be placed in the heated area from 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 provide better grip. Thermal insulation should cover approximately 80% of the heated surface.
Final work
After the cable is installed, it should be poured with a uniform 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 has dried, you can start laying any floor covering. This can be done no earlier than after 30 days.
Heating cable cost
Cable for the underfloor heating, the price of which leaves 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 the work.