Thermostat for the floor is a device without which the correct functioning of autonomous heating systems is impossible. The device controls the operation of underfloor heating and regulates the level of heating of the surface and air in the room. It is installed in each room, but in some cases it can be common: one for several rooms. How to connect a floor thermostat to systems with different thermal carriers, what types of devices these are, we will consider in our article.
Types of regulatory devices
The main task of the thermostat is to regulate the power and the heating time interval. Depending on the type and technical complexity of the device, the process of heating the room can be fully automated or partially.
By functional features, all thermostats are divided into two groups:
The first option is presented in the form of a conventional valve that regulates the pressure in water heating systems. Temperature correction in this case is possible only manually.
Thermostatic varieties also require human involvement, but, unlike previous devices, they can independently maintain the required temperature in the room. Their work is carried out according to a predetermined program.
The programmable thermostat for the floor can control both one or several circuits simultaneously. Such devices can independently adjust the level of heating of the coolant depending on the time of day and season.
Existing options for floor heating controllers
In systems with a water circuit, sophisticated controllers are rarely used, but electric heating needs constant monitoring, since the likelihood of surface overheating and excessive energy consumption is high in this case.
For cable and infrared floors, you can install the following varieties:
- Mechanical. The heating temperature is regulated by a rotary switch.
- Digital Allows you to set the temperature with an accuracy of 1 degree. Presented in the form of overhead and built-in devices with push-button and touch controls.
- Programmable. The most expensive and complex devices that can significantly reduce energy costs by setting the schedule of the system for a time period.
For the arrangement of underfloor heating in small rooms (for example, in the bathroom), it is not necessary to purchase expensive models. In small areas, mechanical and electronic options do an excellent job.
When purchasing a particular model, one should take into account the power and size of the system itself. Household temperature controllers are designed for a capacity of not more than 3 kilowatts. To control multiple circuits, industrial thermostats are selected.
Temperature sensor mounting
It is difficult to imagine the operation of the thermostat for the floor without a sensor that reads the temperature from the surface and sends the corresponding signals to the system control panel.
The installation location of such devices should be chosen very carefully, since the presence of drafts, electrical appliances or protective structures can distort its indication and heating will not work properly.
The simplest varieties are laid under the flooring or poured into the screed. The thermistor is fixed between the turns of the heating element, at a distance of 0.5-1 m from the wall (on which the regulator is located). In cases where the room does not have additional heating and is heated only on the floor side, it is advisable to use an additional air temperature meter or install a temperature controller with a floor sensor. In water systems, the water temperature indicator is installed directly in the circuit.
Preparing to connect a thermistor
Before installing the thermostat, you should read the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer. Usually on the back of the device is a detailed diagram of its connection to the mains. You should also pay attention to information on how to remove the front panel of the thermistor to connect the necessary wires.
Next, you need to determine the installation location of the device. It should be located at a height of 0.6-1 meters from the floor. Well, if the outlet is located nearby, if not, you will have to pull the wires from the nearest source of electricity.
To install embedded varieties in the wall, you need to make a niche, the dimensions of which will allow you to place a box of thermostat in it. Overhead options are installed directly on the wall.
Connection of the thermostat to electric heating systems with a single-core cable
Before connecting the warm floor to the thermostat, it is necessary to connect the power wires to the device. To do this, you need to determine the wire with the phase. It usually has a black or brown color. Such wires are indicated in the circuits by the letter L. If there is a special tester on hand, then checking the voltage will not cause any special difficulties. Wires with zero voltage are usually colored blue and are marked with the letter N. The difference in the readings of the tester should be 220 V.
The work is carried out in the following sequence:
- The network cable is routed to the corresponding sockets on the device. A phase is brought to the second contact (wire marked with the letter L).
- To the socket under number 1, connect the neutral wire (N).
- Next, the contacts of the power (heating) cable are connected to the sockets numbered 3 and 4: to the socket No. 3 - the neutral wire, and to the socket No. 4 - the phase.
- A temperature sensor is connected to the floor thermostat. It is led to slots No. 6 and 7. There is no need for polarity.
Single-core wires are connected to the thermostat from both ends. This must be taken into account during the layout of the heating element. After checking the operability of the device, the regulator can be closed with the front panel.
Connecting a thermostat with a two-wire cable
If a two-core cable is installed in the system, it will consist of three wires (with grounding). In this case, the connection work is performed similarly, only the third (green wire) from the network cable is connected to the ground of the heating cable.
In this connection option, you need to use a special terminal for grounding. It is not always supplied in the kit, so it must be purchased separately.
Connecting the sensor to systems with a water circuit
Thermostat for a water floor can be either mechanical or electronic. To measure room temperature it is better to use two types of sensors at the same time. This is due to the high inertness of water heating.
Connection works are performed as follows:
- A temperature sensor is installed on the wall. The selected surface must not be heated. The most preferred is the location of the sensor next to the thermistor. The second type of measuring device is placed between the turns of the circuit.
- A servo drive is installed in the heating system, which is responsible for supplying warm water to the circuits.
- All available wires are connected in one chain, the system is connected to the mains.
At the end of the work, the system’s operability and the correctness of its connection are checked using a thermometer. Measurements should be carried out for 60-90 minutes. If the readings of the thermometer and thermostat for the floor match, the work is done correctly, the system does not need to be adjusted.