Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to run?
Consider an average room size of 10 m2. The heated area is approximately 80%, or 8 m2.
In the case of the 150W mats, when the heater is ON, the hourly consumption is 150W times 8 m2, or 1200 Watts per hour.
A properly insulated room, controlled by the recommended energy efficient thermostats, will operate at a duty cycle of 20% to 25% (meaning 20% to 25% of the time the heater will be ON, and the rest of the time OFF).
In this circumstance the average electricity consumption for heating the room will be 240 - 300 Watts per hour.
In this circumstance the average electricity consumption for heating the room will be 240 - 300 Watts per hour.
The actual hourly cost depends on your local electricity rates.
We strongly advise the use of insulation when installing the electric underfloor heating system. By using insulation, you can reduce warm-up time of the floor from over an hour to only a few minutes. This will provide you with a greater level of comfort and result in reduction of electricity cost.
3. Is it safe to use in Wet areas?
Yes, the cables are earthed.
4. How easy is it to install?
The cable electric underfloor heating mats are extremely easy to install.
Under tiles, the installer simply lays the cable electric underfloor heating mat directly between the sub floor/insulation and tiles. The same flexible tile adhesive used for fixing the tiles is used for bonding the tile backer insulation onto the sub-floor.
Under laminate/ engineered wooden floors/ vinyl/carpet, the installer lays the heating mats on the appropriate insulation as normal. A layer of latex based self-levelling compound (8-10 mm) is then laid on top of the cable heating mat. Once dry, the wooden flooring/ vinyl/ carpet can be laid.
The laying of the insulation and mats can be done easily by any consumer. Due to the web like mesh, in most cases a primer will also not be required- only a little amount of duct tape is needed to fix the mats down.
A qualified electrician must complete the connection between the heating mats and the electrical circuit.
5. How do I know which size mat to order?
Measure the available exposed floor space in your room. It is advised that you purchase a system which allows 80-90% coverage. For example, if your room measures 15 m2, you would purchase the 12.7 m2 Mat. If a room is of an awkward shape with many fixtures in the centre of the room, it is advised that you purchase a system that allows approximately 80% coverage.
6. What if my room is larger than your largest available mat?
Several mats can be connected in parallel to a junction box. Please remember that the thermostats allow a maximum of 15 amps, therefore the maximum on one circuit is approximately 23 m2. If the amperage in one room exceeds 15 amps, then either a contactor / relay will need to be installed by your electrician or another thermostat will need to be purchased.
7. Can I cut the mats?
You can cut the mesh but not the heating cable.
8. What is the thickness of the cable?
The cable is 3.6 to 4 mm thick..
9. Can I lay the mats under heavy objects/ fixtures?
No - the mats can only be located in the available free space. There must be some form of air gap between any furniture and the floor, so the heat may escape.
10. Does it provide a primary heat source?
In most cases in a new build / well insulated property, the system can provide primary heating. In cases where homes have single glazing, vaulted ceilings, poor insulation levels or less than 80-90% cable heating mat coverage, the system may need a source of back up.
11. What if my mat is a little too big for the room?
Wrongly ordered mats can happen, in circumstances where the mat is a little too big you can remove the mesh and lay the cables closer together. Please note the smallest gap between cables is 50 mm. Be aware that in doing this you will find this area with the cables laid closer will be slightly warmer compared to the rest of the area..
12. How safe are the mats?
The mats and cables are manufactured and tested fully to conform with IEC (International Electro technical Commission) Global Quality Standards. The continuous foil-coated screening jacket ensures 100% guarantee of electrical safety and absence of electromagnetic radiation.
13. What is the warranty of this system?
The heating mats come with a 15 year manufacturer's warranty.
