The popularity of underfloor heating systems is associated with their efficiency and ease of use. But if the first aspect is determined by the characteristics of the heating elements, then the second entirely depends on the controls of such devices. For this purpose, special sensors are designed that allow you to adjust the intensity of the system with the expectation of ensuring the 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 selected, installed, and operated a temperature sensor, that is, a thermostat.
What is a thermostat?
The temperature controller for the underfloor heating is presented on the market in different versions. Combine a wide range of models design parameters that are developed taking into account ergonomic requirements. In particular, most regulators have small housing sizes, which enclose the technical stuffing of the device. In this case, the sensor of the thermostat of the warm floor can be located both in the niche of the device itself and outside. In any case, manufacturers seek to maximize the means of informing the user about the performance of the system. For this, models are endowed with ergonomic interfaces, which are formed by displays, convenient 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 of its operation are not always favorable. For example, if you install a thermostat for a water heated floor, you must initially choose a model that has a water-repellent coating. At least this should apply to the sensor.
Varieties of temperature controllers
At the moment, users of underfloor heating are available three options for temperature controllers. The cheapest and least functional is a conventional electronic controller. He has the simplest set of options and, most importantly, involves a minimal degree of autonomy of his work. It is precisely by this criterion that two types of devices should be distinguished that allow programming modes in which heated floors work. The temperature controller in this case independently controls not just the temperature, but the modes in which the system will work. For example, the floor can be heated an hour before the owner arrives, taking into account the influence on the microclimate in the house from the work of other sources of heating. Such models can have either a simplified, but still programmable timer, or its more advanced “intelligent” counterpart.
Optimal sensor placement
Before proceeding with the installation of the thermostat, you should determine the point of its installation. Before this, it is worth noting that regulators can be classified by 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 the heating zone is taken into account. If thermostats for heating underfloor heating are installed with the convenience for user control, the sensor should be located directly in the area of thermal coverage. The installation technique is simple. It is enough to make a small hole in the wall by ditching, 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 appropriate wiring and gating. First of all, with the help of a puncher, a niche for a socket is performed. Then a strobe is formed for the supply wire. It will be a hidden vertical gasket. In general, using a hidden installation, you can significantly refine the warm floors. The temperature controller will interact with the system using invisible channels, which will undoubtedly be an advantage.
Ultimately, a cable should pass from the apartment shield to the outlet. Directly for the regulator, it is desirable to use 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 through a 2.5 mm 2 copper cable, for which protection from the circuit breaker will need to be provided.
Connection via a two-wire cable
First, a sensor is connected to the thermostat. Two terminals are provided for it, while polarity is not required. Voltage 220 V for power supply of the device is usually supplied to the extreme terminals. Accordingly, this can be phase L and zero N. This is general information for connecting the device, and differences in approaches to solving this problem are caused by the nuances of working with a single-core and two-core cable. Typically, a TVK cable system is used for a two-wire wire, with which a temperature controller for a warm floor is connected. Instructions 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 has a yellow-green color and is connected to the corresponding terminal.
- The screen of the heating cable vanishes.
Single cable connection
When working with a single-core heating cable, the wiring diagram can be adjusted. In particular, its white wires should be connected in an elementary circuit through the terminals that go immediately after the contacts intended for the sensor. In this case, the yellow-green wire of the cable with grounding also enters the corresponding terminal - as a rule, this is the extreme socket. If a thermostat is connected for a water floor heating, then grounding or grounding is especially important. It should be performed based on the characteristics of the wiring in the shield and the recommendations of the manufacturer of the thermostat.
Thermostat operation
A device for regulating the temperature conditions of underfloor heating should not cause difficulties. Usually, in the simplest interfaces, it is assumed that there is a switch, a toggle switch or a wheel for setting a specific temperature indicator, as well as LED bulbs that act as indicators of the operation of the device. 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, a timer and other setting tools are required. The user is only required to indicate the required system operation parameters and approve them in the thermostat.
Self-regulation of warm floor
The temperature regulator 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 remember when operating the thermostats. The fact is that both electrical systems and water systems suggest the effect of semoregulation. This means that underfloor heating, the thermostat of which sets a specific mode of operation, independently compensate for the thermal inertia in the heating process. In practice, this phenomenon can be felt after starting up the system and shutting it down. That is, in the first case, it will take time to reach the established operating parameters, and in the second, on the contrary, the system gradually finishes the work, bringing the temperature to a natural level.
Conclusion
Underfloor heating systems are appreciated by the consumer as a way to conveniently control the temperature in the room. But its further benefits depend on the quality of the installation. Most of the installation operations are carried out on the direct laying of cables or pipes, but also connecting a warm floor to a thermostat requires certain knowledge. At this stage of installation, physical effort is not so much required as 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 use of underfloor heating. Only in this case can one obtain both a productive and financially profitable heating system.