Under Floor Heating FAQ - BN Thermic Electric Heating & Air Moving Products
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Under Floor Heating FAQ

We hope you find the answers to the following 'frequently asked questions' useful. For a complete understanding of the product, they should be read in conjunction with the specification and installation data.

BN Thermic offers three under floor heating systems, which one is right for me?

ECK is for use with stone or ceramic floors. Being a cable based system it is ideal for use in irregular shaped areas.

EHM is also for use with stone or ceramic floors, but being a mat based system is quicker and easier to install. It is particularly suitable to regular shaped areas.

LH elements are designed to be installed under laminate or wooden floors.

ECK and EHM

Application

Is an EHM or ECK underfloor heating system designed to warm a floor or heat a room?

The primary use of an EHM or ECK underfloor heating system is to maintain a comfortable temperature on the surface of a ceramic or stone floor. In performing this function, the EHM system will make a significant contribution to the air temperature within the room. In many instances the system will produce enough warmth to mean that additional heating is not required. As a general rule an EHM system will be sufficient as a sole source of heat in buildings constructed according to current regulations. In older buildings, supplementary heating may be required.

Selecting a Kit

How do I select a mat for my room?

Firstly you must calculate the area of floor to be heated. This will be the total floor area minus the area occupied by fixtures such as cupboards, sinks, baths etc. If you are using an ECK cable kit, refer to the schedule of kits and ensure that the minimum ‘area to heat’ shown is no greater than your calculated area.

For EHM mats, refer to the schedule of mats to find the mat with a square area slightly lower than your calculated figure. This is likely to be the mat for you.

To double-check your selection, draw a sketch of the free area. Leaving a space of 50mm between mat runs and 80mm between the mats and the wall, draw the mat runs onto your sketch. Remember you can cut the mat at any point along its length but you cannot alter its width.

If you are unsure whether there is quite enough space to install a particular EHM mat you should consider using a slightly smaller mat. Remember although you can cut the mat at any point you must not cut the heating cable.

Installation

Who should install an EHM or ECK system?

EHM and ECK are designed to be installed by a suitably qualified, professional trades-person. They are not a ‘Do it Yourself’ products.

Can I install EHM or ECK on an asphalt sub-floor?

No. We do not recommend the installation of EHM or ECK directly onto an asphalt sub-floor.

Should I insulate the floor?

Insulation below the heating mat, whilst not essential, will greatly enhance the efficiency and economy of the system. If the mat is to be installed directly on to a layer of insulation, it must be a rigid foil-backed board (foil side up). Under no circumstances should insulation be installed above the heating cable.

How thick should the adhesive layer be?

The layer of adhesive should be thick enough to completely cover the cable.

Can I cut the heating cable?

NO! Under no circumstances should the heating cable be cut. There are three reasons.
1. Cutting the cable will break the electrical circuit that enables the cable to function.
2. Repairs are possible but are difficult to execute and become a potential cause of future failure.
3. If a section of cable is removed and discarded and the circuit reconnected the remaining cable will operate above design temperatures and would be prone to premature failure.

Can EHM or ECK be used under carpets?

We would not recommend the use of EHM or ECK under a carpeted area.

How long should I wait before energising my EHM or ECK system?

From the date that the surface of the floor has been laid, you should wait 28 days before energising the system. This will ensure that the adhesive is completely dry. NEVER USE THE WARMTH FROM THE CABLE TO DRY THE ADHESIVE.

What do I do if my under floor heating stops working?

If the system stops working, call a qualified electrician who should make the following checks.

1. Check the supply to the system. The solution maybe as simple as resetting a circuit breaker.
2. Check whether there is an ‘error code’ on the controller, if there is the controller may need replacing.
3. Disconnect the controller probe from the controller terminal block and using an ohmmeter, check that there is a circuit through the probe. If there is no circuit the probe will need replacing.
4. Disconnect the heating cable from the controller and, using an ohmmeter, check the resistance reading is consistent with the nominal output of the heater. If there is no circuit through the cable, the circuit has been broken and you should check for structural cracking in the floor or for places where screws, bolts or other such fixings have been driven through the floor damaging the cable.

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Is my EHM or ECK system guaranteed?

Assuming correct installation, Warm Tiles will give many years of satisfactory service. In the unlikely event of a malfunction resulting from faulty manufacture, Warm Tiles is guaranteed for 12 months from date of purchase. The guarantee covers the full purchase price but not the cost of repairing or replacing the heating cable in the floor.
An Installation Record Form is supplied with each kit. This should be completed at the time of installation and posted to BN Thermic within 60 days of installation.

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LH Elements

Application

Is an LH underfloor heating system designed to warm a floor or heat a room?

LH elements have been developed as a room heating system. In properties constructed according to current regulations LH elements can usually be relied upon as a sole source of heat. In poorly insulated properties supplementary heating may be required.

Under what floor surfaces can LH elements be installed?

LH elements can be installed under laminate floor systems and timber floors with a maximum thickness of 20mm.

Selection

How do I select the correct LH elements for my room?

Draw a plan of the floor identifying areas occupied by fixed furniture such as kitchen cabinets (elements should not be installed in these areas). Draw the heating elements side by side onto the plan leaving a minimum gap of 50mm between the wall and the edge of the heating element. Whenever possible keep the element ends fitted with the live and neutral cables along one wall. This should also be the wall on which the thermostat is mounted.

Installation

Who should install an LH system?

LH elements must be installed by a suitably qualified, professional trades-person. This is not a ‘Do it Yourself’ product.

Should I insulate the floor?

A layer of suitable insulation must be placed below the LH element, we recommend Depron. This will provide the necessary thermal insulation and sound deadening.

Can I install an LH system onto a wooden sub-floor?

LH element can be installed on a wooden sub-floor provided a layer of Depron installation is placed below between the LH element and the sub-floor.

Is an adhesive or screed required?

No. LH elements are designed to be installed without requiring bedding compounds of any type.

Can I cut the cold leads?

Yes. The cold leads can be cut or extended to suit the application.

Can I cut an LH element?

Yes. If required the length of an LH element can be reduced. The width of an LH elements should not be altered.

Can I use LH elements under carpet?

We do not recommend LH elements be used under a carpeted area.
Operation

What does the F18C controller do?

The F18C controller has the facility to monitor both floor and air temperature. The controller is programmable and allows the system to maintain a selected comfort temperature when a room is likely to be used and a lower set-back temperature at other times

How long will an LH system last?

The key to this question is correct installation. Assuming the elements are installed in accordance with the instructions and are not subjected to mechanical damage, they will have a life span similar to standard mains carrying electrical cable.

What should I do if my underfloor heating stops working?

If your system stops working, call a qualified electrician who should make the following checks.

1. Check the supply to be system. The solution may be as simple as resetting a circuit breaker.
2. If the controller is fitted with batteries, check whether they need replacing.
3. Check whether there is an ‘error code’ controller. If there is, the controller may need replacing.
4. Disconnect the controller probe from the controller and using an ohmmeter, check that that there is a circuit through the probe. If there is no circuit the probe will need replacing.
5. Disconnect the heating system from the controller and using an ohmmeter check that the ohms reading is consistent with the nominal output of the system. If there is no circuit through the system the connections in the junction box should be checked.

Is my LH system guaranteed?

Assuming correct installation, an LH underfloor heating system will give many years of satisfactory service. In the unlikely event of a malfunction resulting from faulty manufacture, the system is guaranteed for 12 months from date of purchase. The guarantee covers the full purchase price but not the cost of repairing or replacing the heating elements in the floor.
An Installation Record Form is supplied with each system. This should be completed at the time of installation and posted to BN Thermic within 60 days of installation


   
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