Home & Garden Improvements

Thermostats

Normally, when installing an underfloor heating system, the thermostat is located in the same room as the system. However, when installing an under tile heating system in a bathroom, the thermostat must be placed outside of that room. A 13-amp underfloor heating thermostat can control a maximum of 3000 watts, a 15-amp thermostat will control up to 3450 watts, and a 16-amp thermostat controls a maximum wattage of 3680 watts.

If two or more heating cables are connected to a single thermostat, an electrician’s connector block with a sufficient amps loading should be used.  For controlling underfloor heating systems larger than 3680 watts, you can either divide the heated area into two separate zones, each controlled by its own thermostat, or otherwise use a contactor.

Contactors

Contactors are used when a single thermostat is being used to control an underfloor heating system that exceeds 3680 watts, or 16 amps total loading. In general, suitable home-use contactors are designed to control up to 22,000 watts of heating cable, or a total loading capacity of 96 amps. Look for a contactor that includes a DC coil for silent operation.

Installing a Floor Sensor

It is important to place the floor sensor in a suitable location near the thermostat, so the first line of business is to determine where the thermostat will be placed. Then, following the manufacturer’s instructions, cut a channel in either the sub-floor or the insulation (if used). Always ensure the sensor is properly sealed to prevent damage from levelling compound or tile adhesive.

An underfloor heating supplier such as Floor Heating Online can help you choose the right thermostat and contactor for your underfloor heating system.