The level of comfort of living in an apartment and a private house largely depends on the effectiveness of its heating. The construction market has many modern systems designed for primary and secondary heating of premises. Cable floor heating is an excellent option for arranging living and auxiliary rooms. At the same time, installation can be done with your own hands, without involving hired craftsmen.
Cable Floor Types
The basis of heating appliances is a wire that generates heat when an electric current is passed through it. Moreover, the options for the operation of the elements have significant differences.
The following types of heating cable are on sale:
- Resistive single core. It consists of one wire, which is laid in a closed circuit. The core performs both the heater and conductor functions. It is distinguished by reliability, ease of installation and uneven temperature throughout. The product creates high electromagnetic radiation, is not suitable for installation in bedrooms and children's rooms.
- Resistive two-core. It is a line with two cores. One wire creates heat, and the second is a closing (wire). The system is easy to install, practically does not create electromagnetic radiation. It can be placed in rooms where people stay for a long time. However, the price of the goods is quite high.
- Self-regulating. This is the most complex but effective design. The heating material is a matrix that maintains the same temperature along the entire length of the line. The resistance of the core is automatically adjusted, which eliminates the possibility of overheating.
Heating products are made in the form of continuous wire and mats. The first type is laid by a snake on a previously prepared base. Mats are made in the form of a polymer net into which a wire is wired. Coverage is carried out on the premises in accordance with the configuration of the room and the arrangement of furniture.
Construction device
The basis of the cable floor is a metal core, which is made of metal having high resistance. The thicker the wire, the more reliable, durable and more accurate it is in adjustment. However, thin cables are better bent and easier to shape.
An insulating layer of polymer material resistant to high temperatures is applied over the metal. The insulation is flexible, elastic, so that the probability of its destruction during cable laying is completely eliminated.
The next layer is a dense copper braid. It serves to protect the internal insulation from external damage and to neutralize electromagnetic radiation.
On top of the screen is another layer of insulation. It protects the structure from moisture that can cause metal corrosion. The polymer coating is characterized by increased strength and sufficient elasticity.
Depending on the power, the cable lines have a thickness of 4 to 10 mm. The mats use thinner wires. Their cross-section varies between 2-5 mm, but there is no risk of damage during installation, since the mats are already sold with rigidly fixed conductors.
To increase the efficiency and safety of cable products, control and adjustment equipment is included with the product.
- Thermostat. The device is designed to set and maintain a certain temperature in the room.On sale are mechanical and electronic devices, including those with remote control.
- Thermal sensors. These are devices that measure the temperature in the room and send a signal to the regulator. Depending on the coating used, parts are installed externally and internally or only on the exterior of the flooring.
It is recommended to purchase cable heaters and control devices at certified retail outlets so as not to run into a fake. If the wire burns out, it will not work to repair, based on the installation.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cable heaters compare favorably with film and water analogues.
The main advantages are as follows:
- Efficiency. Ensuring efficient heat distribution throughout the room.
- The comfort of living. Walking on a warm base is much more pleasant than walking on a cold one. The risk of colds is reduced.
- Universality. Installation of the cable floor can be carried out in any type of premises - bathroom, kitchen, balcony, corridor, nursery.
- Power. With a competent approach, the floor from the heating cable can be used as the main source of heat.
- Environmental Safety. During operation, no harmful substances are released.
- Reliability. The wires are strong enough to withstand screed pressure and bending.
- Durability. Quality products are designed for operation for at least 25 years.
The disadvantages include:
- rise of the floor above the level of the floor slab;
- tangible price, which not everyone can afford;
- large electricity bills.
The listed criteria will help determine which warm floor is better, film infrared or cable.
Power calculation
When calculating the amount of material, the basis should be taken the amount of power per unit area. For basic heating with a cable system, the required value is 100 W / m². With auxiliary heating, the indicator can vary between 20-50 W / m². Based on this, you should select the goods, focusing on the heat release of products per unit length.
Manufacturers produce cable with indicators of 15-25 W / lm. These data will help calculate the need for a wire. Keep in mind that the distance between the turns should not be less than 30 cm, so that the distribution of heat on the floor is uniform. You should not get involved in conductors of increased power, since most thermostats are designed for 2-2.5 kW.
Laying rules
Each heating device is accompanied by instructions that describe the rules for installation, operation and recommended safety measures.
Install the heating cable in the following ways:
- On a heat insulation layer under a concrete screed up to 150 mm thick. This option is called accumulating. The generated energy is absorbed by the thickness of the stone, which stores it for several hours. This solution allows you to start the heater periodically and save money on paying bills.
- In an array of screeds (direct action). The cable is located at a distance of 2-3 cm from the outer surface of the screed, which allows you to transfer heat to the finish coating as completely as possible.
- Under the finish. This technology involves the use of heating mats. Products are pre-fixed on the base, then ceramic tiles are laid on them without additional pouring. A good and effective solution is the arrangement of a bulk polymer floor.
To ensure complete heating of the room, it is necessary to cover at least 70% of its area with a cable system. When laying, sharp bends and intersections of wires are not allowed.It is impractical to place them under cabinet furniture and household appliances.
Combination of cable underfloor heating with coatings
Heating efficiency by cable heaters will be achieved if material with high thermal conductivity is laid on top of them. Otherwise, it will act as an insulator, absorbing the generated energy.
The best solution for covering the cable floor are such coatings:
- Tile or porcelain stoneware. Together with glue this material perfectly conducts heat with minimal losses. It can be used in rooms with high humidity and in living rooms, subject to the selection of products with the appropriate interior color, relief and texture.
- Laminate. Panels pressed from several layers conduct heat slightly worse, but well enough that the matte system performs its functions efficiently with an average amount of energy consumed.
- Linoleum. The polymer warms up well from the mats, practically without absorbing heat. You need to purchase rolls without a substrate, made of natural materials.
When choosing a topcoat, you need to make a choice in favor of durable materials, since replacing them after installing the furniture will be a very problematic event.
Operation and repair
During operation, it is not recommended to set the maximum cable temperature. This leads to its rapid wear and burnout. In order to prevent, it is necessary to periodically change the control and monitoring devices. It is advisable to do this before the expiration of the warranty period.
Only thermostat and sensors are subject to repair. After pouring concrete, the cables and mats become non-removable, it is impossible to get them out of the screed or from under the tile without damage.
