How to connect a warm floor

Laying and connecting a warm floor is quite simple if the heating system is of an electric type. It has several advantages over water circuits. In addition, such models of heating systems are suitable for different types of premises. They have very few operational restrictions. You can equip the system by just correctly arranging the elements relative to each other. After that, the floors are connected to the thermostat and to the network. The subtleties of system installation depend on the type of system. To figure out how to connect a warm floor, you need to consider its main types.

Floor types

The differences between different types of underfloor heating are in the design and features of their heating elements. However, the connection to the network is carried out according to a single scheme. The installation method also has some differences. The basis of the floor, due to which heating occurs, is represented by the following options:

• resistive heating cable;
• thermal mats - are a cable placed on a special canvas;
• self-regulating cable;
• carbon rods;
• infrared film.

Each system has its own wiring diagram. When laying such coatings, it is necessary to accurately calculate the installation step. This will allow you to lay the floor elements in such a way as to ensure uniform heating of the surface.

Heating mats and film are purchased, guided by the manufacturer's instructions. Installation recommendations are usually indicated on the packaging.

Connecting a thermostat

First you need to allocate a place for mounting the thermostat. It is installed in such a way that it is accessible and easy to use. Such a device controls the temperature of the floor heating. Through it, the heating elements are connected to the power supply network. Thermoregulators can be represented by many models that differ in characteristics and functionality. A specific device is selected depending on the tasks to be solved and financial capabilities.

Thermostats with a built-in sensor usually determine how warm the air in the room is. They are mounted half a meter above the floor. Sensors are located in places protected from heat coming from heat sources.

To connect the thermostat correctly, you should find out which method to choose for such an operation. Often, work is done in a standard way - through a connection to the electrical panel. The connection scheme to the outlet can also be selected.

Many thermostats on the case have a wiring diagram. For such work, you do not need to use the services of professionals. To install the device in a wall, it is necessary to make a groove for plastic pipes. The wires from the sensor and the power cable will be placed in them. It is usually located above the floor covering. When such work is completed, you can mount and connect the electric floor.

Connecting the cable system

You can understand how to properly connect a warm floor in the process of studying the instructions. First you need to level the surface. After that, along the wall it is necessary to fix the damper tape, and then lay the heat-insulating material. The cable is mounted on a rough surface. However, in this case, it is necessary to comply with the condition - there must be a heated room below. Before pulling the cable, you should run the power wires to the thermostat. The connection diagram is shown in the photo below.

Since the thermal mat is one of the types of cable systems, its installation is carried out in a similar way. The difference between these types of heating system is that the mats are laid and connected much faster. The absence of a screed allows you to save on the installation of a warm floor.

Film system connection

Film heat-insulated floors from a special film. To figure out how a warm floor of this variety is connected, you should understand its device. Such a system includes a plurality of heating elements. They can be bimetallic or carbon. They are sealed in a thin layer of heat-resistant material. Copper conductors are run along the edges of the heating film. They are connected to the network.

The elements of the film are stacked and connected to each other. The connection is made in parallel. Work is best done in accordance with the scheme. This will help you avoid mistakes.

Underfloor heating based on films is universal due to the possibility of laying under any surface. The most successful choice of coating is laminate. It should not be laid under carpet. This is due to the high probability of damage to the film during mechanical action on the floor.

As you can see, connecting electrical type heating systems is a fairly simple process. Professionals should only be called in when the system is connected to a power source.

Conclusion

Various underfloor heating systems must meet certain requirements. For example, the resistance of cables must correspond to the indicators from the passport. This will ensure their correct operation for many years.

Before laying, it is worth getting acquainted in detail with the features of the floor design, as well as with the connection diagram. This will allow you to complete all the work as efficiently and quickly as possible. Specialists should be invited at the stage of connecting the system to the power supply network. This will avoid installation errors. In addition, each type of electric floor has its own characteristics that should be considered.