To date, the electric underfloor heating system is one of the most comfortable for humans. Heated air rises from the 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 already cooled air will be concentrated below. Electric underfloor heating due to this feature is cost-effective.
To control its work using a temperature controller. They come in various types. However, the temperature controller 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 scheme of which is identical in almost any model. If you do not use this device, but connect the heating wire directly, the system will reach the limit of its operating temperature. This adversely affects the screed, and in the case of a wooden floor will lead to its deformation.
It should also be noted that no manufacturer of electric underfloor heating gives a guarantee for their product if a heating control device is not installed. Therefore, the temperature regulator circuit should be studied before arranging floor heating.
And in this case, the usual timer or dimmer will not work. Only thermostats intended for this purpose may be used in the electrical circuit. They come with a temperature sensor.
Types of temperature regulators
There are various types of underfloor heating systems and thermostats themselves, which manufacturers allow to mount with their own hands in accordance with the instructions.
Underfloor heating can be cable, dull or infrared. The first two systems are single-core and two-core. Each of them has its own installation features. The infrared underfloor heating is similar in principle to the connection with a twin-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).
Thermostats also differ in the way they are controlled by mechanical, digital and programmed, and by the method of measuring heating - for devices with an air sensor, floor or combined. There are also certain installation conditions for these varieties.
What is important when choosing a device
Initially, when making a purchase of a heating control device, pay attention to its maximum load. Most often on sale are devices designed for 16 A. This is approximately 3.7 kW.
But there are devices designed for less load. The power of the electric underfloor heating should be correlated with the maximum load of the thermostat.
The most comfortable device is recognized, having in its composition at the same time a sensor for measuring the temperature of the floor and air. But more often than not, only one measuring point is provided in the product.
The connection diagram of the thermostat for underfloor heating with a coverage sensor and a double kit are identical. But if the device has a built-in meter for heating the air in the room, it will have two terminals less than the previous varieties.
Types of management
For each type of room, you should choose a specific type of heating controller. For the bathroom, it is better to purchase mechanical varieties.
The connection diagram of a thermostat for a warm floor most often involves the installation of this device near an outlet indoors. The bathroom is often damp, there are significant changes in temperature. Devices with digital displays in such conditions will work less.
Therefore, mechanical control is relevant here. In the kitchen, room or hallway, you can install a digital thermostat that will show the level of heating on the screen.
There are programmed devices for sale. They are given the temperature over time. Under this program, he works for a week, then the cycle repeats. The connection diagram of the thermostat does not differ in type of control.
Mounting type
There are devices that are installed overhead or mortise. In the first case, you do not have to ditch the channels for wires and for the mounting box in the wall. But the device will protrude above the wall, and the wires will pass under the box.
Flush mounting involves mortise installation. If repairs are in full swing, it is best to give preference to this method. The scheme of the floor thermostat will be identical in both cases, but the mortise models look more aesthetic.
The principle of connecting wires
Depending on the type of temperature controller, a certain type of connection will be made. It is clearly indicated in the instructions from the manufacturer. The temperature controller circuitry may 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 for floor heating wires. The brown conductor is connected to the L compartment (phase) for the heating system, and the blue conductor 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 sensor is included in the package. It is connected without regard to polarity in the connectors specified by the manufacturer.
The seventh terminal is for grounding (yellow-green wire). If the house has it, but the device does not have a corresponding connector, you should connect outside the case. And if there is no grounding in the house, the yellow-green wire of the floor is nullified.
Some recommendations
Do-it-yourself thermostat circuitry involves not only the correct connection of wires. The remote sensor (if included) is installed in the corrugated pipe. Its edge in the floor is isolated. So the sensor can be obtained if necessary.
The installation level must be at least 50 cm from the floor. If it has an air sensor, the mounting height should 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 does not set the thermostat on his own.
DIY installation
Overhead models are attached to the wall, you do not need to ditch the channels. Noteworthy is the mortise thermostat circuit. Usually, a place under the mounting box is drilled next to a power outlet or switch .
Further, the channel for the sensor and wires of the heating system is gated to the floor. Power is supplied from the conductors of the outlet or switch (they do not have to be pulled from the shield). The temperature regulator is installed in the socket box disassembled.
For mechanical models, it is necessary to carefully remove the adjustment wheel, unscrew the bolt and set the top panel aside.
If this is a device with a display, the top panel is removed (the technology is described in the instructions). Having connected all the wires in the circuit with the power off, the device is inserted into the socket. The channels are closing. Put on the top panel and test the operation of the device.
Having studied how the temperature regulator circuit looks for a warm floor, you can quickly and efficiently make the connection yourself.