How to connect a heated floor directly without a thermostat. Selection and installation of a thermostat for infrared heated floors

For driving modern systems heating systems that can maintain a constant comfortable temperature, a thermostat for heated floors is used. Together with an external temperature sensor, it monitors and regulates not only the heating of the floors themselves, but also the air in a given space. Thermostats can be installed in each room where there are heated floors and regulate the degree of heating in each of them. Some models are equipped with touch controls, additional temperature sensors, and can be programmed for different temperature values ​​at certain times of the day or days of the week.

How to choose a thermostat for a heated floor

Normal operation of a heated floor is impossible without a thermostat, which allows you to save a significant amount of energy and Money. When performing the assigned tasks, this device only turns the heating on and off at a set period of time or in accordance with the readings of the thermometer. When choosing a thermostat, it is necessary to take into account its power, which must correspond to the power of the heated floor.

The creation of the most comfortable conditions indoors, as well as the safety of the floor covering. When too high temperature Floor coverings can become deformed, crack and lose their quality. Therefore, which thermostat is best to choose for a heated floor is an important issue when installing heating systems.

Among the huge number of models and designs of thermostats, experts distinguish several main groups:

• Devices that provide an economical mode of operation, allowing to reduce energy consumption in the absence of owners. At this time, the heating power decreases by several degrees.
• Models with a programmable timer that allows you to set any time intervals during which the room will be heated at a given intensity. All commands from the timer are transmitted to the thermostat, which, in turn, maintains the required temperature level.
• There are highly intelligent designs where entire operating modes can be programmed and set, in which periods of heating and saving alternate. The command from the device goes directly to the heating element at a set time depending on external factors and specified settings.
• Thermostats using a built-in limiter, which is a special sensor that protects against overheating flooring and the heating element itself. Such devices are most effective, which should not heat up above 260C. Otherwise, the release of harmful toxic substances will begin.

The choice of thermostat for a particular room depends on its area. For a small room, a regular device without programming or installation will be sufficient. The use of more complex programmable devices is best suited for larger spaces. Most often used in such cases electronic thermostats with temperature sensors installed inside the floor.

Mechanical thermostat for heated floors

The simplest devices include room mechanical thermostats equipped with a manual control panel. This panel in most models it is made in the form of a rotary regulator, around which there is a temperature scale. The device is turned on and off using a special key.

When deciding which thermostat to choose for a heated floor, it is necessary to take into account the lack of mechanical devices any electronics. These devices do not require Electric Energy, although many models have indicator lights on the panels that indicate the status of the heating process. Some designs are equipped with a mechanical timer that sets the operating time of heated floors at a certain time.

The air temperature in the room is measured by a special built-in floor heating thermostat, the operation of which is based on the properties of gases or bimetallic elements. Under the influence environment they are capable of changing volume or shape. That is, when the desired temperature is reached, the electrical circuit begins to close or open. In this case, the temperature of the heating elements themselves is not controlled.

Thus, the mechanical control device is able to maintain the desired temperature until it is turned off. If necessary, just turn on the thermostat again and wait for the heated floor elements to heat up.

Electronic thermostat for heated floors

The most widely used are non-programmable electronic thermostats, which allow you to control the temperature level with an accuracy of 0.5 degrees.

The liquid crystal display of the device displays the current and set floor temperature, as well as the room temperature. In addition, a special symbol appears on the screen when the heating system is on. Displayed periodically different kinds technical messages, symbols indicating malfunctions in the underfloor heating system. This function allows you to perform diagnostics in electronic thermostats. Direct control of the device is carried out by three small keys located on the external panel.

Power is supplied to the heating elements in the same way as with mechanical thermostats. It should be borne in mind that an electronic device can constantly change on and off cycles, which allows saving about 30%. Its work will continue until the warm floors are forcibly turned off by the owners.

Programmable thermostat for heated floors

When heating large areas, saving energy is of great importance, especially when using heated floors. This problem can be easily solved using a programmable thermostat, used not only with cable, but also with film systems.

The operation of programmable thermostats is carried out according to the same schemes as in conventional electronic devices. The fundamental difference is the ability to configure operating modes in accordance with the calendar. In this case, all necessary time intervals and temperature values ​​are set for each day of the week, which leads to a reduction in electricity consumption by up to 70%.

For this purpose, periods are assigned when the heated floors must operate at full capacity or, conversely, be turned off for a certain time. All adjustment processes occur automatically, after all the necessary settings. For example, days from Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday are configured separately. The cycle will be repeated continuously until the settings are changed.

Thermostat for electric heated floors

Thermostats or thermostats are equipped with a temperature sensor, which allows you to maintain a set temperature by periodically turning the circuit on and off. The thermostat for infrared heated floors operating from the electrical network works in the same way.

In most cases, heated floors are initially equipped with thermostats. If such devices are not included in the kit, they can be selected individually, since they are all standardized and suitable for all electrical systems warm floors.

Standard room devices have a power of 3-3.5 kW and are designed for a current of 16 amperes. If the power of the floors is higher than the power of the thermostat, the connection should only be made using a contactor. Each device is equipped with two temperature sensors - internal and external. The first measures the temperature of the floors, and the second measures the air temperature in the room.

In order to choose the best thermostat for a heated floor, you must be guided by certain criteria. First of all, the value should be taken into account maximum power floor. Otherwise, the lack of power will cause the heating temperature of the cable to drop. If necessary, the devices are connected to a single network and freely provide a total power of over 3 kilowatts. They are installed separately in different ends premises.

Another factor is the type of installation, that is, the regulators can be surface-mounted or built into the wall. Installation features of each device are reflected in the instruction manual. When choosing, you should also take into account the type of control. For example, devices that are simultaneously equipped with built-in and remote sensors are considered the most accurate. Great importance given functionality and ease of use.

How to install a thermostat for a heated floor

Before installing the device, be sure to read the attached operating instructions. It indicates the procedure for removing the front panel, that is, the control panel. This procedure must be carried out correctly, otherwise the device will become unusable. For built-in models, a recess is prepared into which the mounting box is inserted. It is recommended to place the thermostat close to sockets at a height of 0.6-1.0 m from the floor. Before starting work, the home network must be de-energized.

Installation of a heated floor thermostat begins with connecting the power wires to the installation box. Next, a temperature sensor is connected between the thermostat and the heating element, which is placed in a corrugated pipe.

The connection of wires to the thermostat must be carried out according to established scheme connections. The phase and neutral wires are connected to the corresponding terminals, and the wires from the sensor are connected to separate sockets labeled sensor. The device itself fits neatly into installation box. If there is interference in the form of wires or corrugated tubes, they must be eliminated. The thermostat is located exactly level. After this, the control panel is installed in its place and secured with screws.

Setting the floor heating thermostat

Various models of thermostats can operate in manual and automatic mode. This factor must be taken into account when choosing a thermostat for a heated floor. All necessary adjustments depend on this. The hours and days of the week are set, as well as in-depth setup and calibration. If necessary, one of the temperature sensors can be disabled.

All adjustment steps are described in detail in the instruction manual. Separately, there is a lock against children, who may accidentally change the settings out of curiosity. To do this, press the “up” and “down” keys simultaneously. You need to unlock the thermostat using the same keys.

An electric heated floor is called a special heating electrical cable, which, when heating itself, also warms the floor.

How does an electric heated floor heat up?

The heating element is one or two metal cores, which are surrounded by insulation and protected by a screen and sheath. When passing electric current along the veins, due to resistance they are heated.

How are heated floors used?

Heated floors serve both to maintain a comfortable floor temperature and to completely heat the room

Does underfloor heating affect your health?

Of course, an electric heated floor spreads electromagnetic radiation, but it is ten times less permissible norm. When using a heated floor system, all the heat rises from the bottom up, so you avoid drafts and overheating, which have such a negative impact on human health.

How durable is a heated floor?

Electric heated floors last for several decades and do not require any repairs or maintenance. Arnold Rak® guarantees the heating cable for 20 years and can last for 50 years or more.

How much electricity does an electric heated floor consume?

The electricity consumed depends on the heat loss of the room in which the system is installed, the selected system power and the installed thermostat. In order to reduce useless heat losses for heating the floor, ground and other structures lying below your room, before installing a heated floor system, you must correctly select and lay thermal insulation. For comfortable floor heating in a heated room, it is necessary to set the power to 170-180 W per square meter of free area. For complete space heating systems, it is necessary to set at least 200 W/m2. The use of a thermostat provides significant savings - when a heated floor is operating, only 70 percent of the total power is consumed; programmable thermostats, which allow you to program the time of floor heating, also save a significant amount of electricity.

Which option to choose: a thin mat that does not require a screed or a cable “under the screed” when laying tiles?

The screed accumulates heat and retains it longer, which saves energy; - the price of the cable is lower than that of a thin mat for the same area. If the screed has already been filled or there is no possibility, need or desire to fill it (in rooms with low ceilings or due to differences in floor levels), then thin heating mats are installed. The difference in price between the mat and the cable can also be offset by the lack of costs for materials and labor for pouring the screed.

How to repair a heated floor? Do I need to open up the floors and walls?

If heating does not occur when the heated floor system is turned on, the following reasons are possible: damage heating cable during installation, during pouring screed, when laying tiles, during repair work, cable burnout or the thermostat may fail. Also, if the thermostat fails, it is possible that the heated floor will work, but at full capacity; will not turn off when heated to set temperature and energy consumption will increase; it will also not be possible to reduce the floor temperature. One of the reasons for this situation is the failure of the floor sensor; to replace the floor sensor, neither the floor nor the walls are opened, because the sensor (according to the instructions) is placed in a corrugated tube, it is simply pulled out of the corrugation, and a new one is easily inserted in its place. If the thermostat itself fails, you need to replace the thermostat. If, nevertheless, the reason is damage to the heating cable, in these cases call the service group of the heated floor manufacturer at the telephone numbers indicated in the warranty card. If the case is considered to be covered by warranty (the conditions are specified in the warranty card), repairs will be made at the expense of the manufacturer. Service engineers, without opening the floor, use testing equipment to determine the location of the damage and open small area floor and apply a repair coupling, thereby restoring the functioning of the floor.

What is the difference between heated and common floor area?

The heated area is only the one where the heated floor will be laid out. It does not include the area under stationary furniture, plumbing, refrigerator, washing machine, distances from walls (5-10 cm), etc. The heated area can be calculated as follows: We calculate the total area of ​​the room (multiply the length by the width). From it we subtract the area of ​​stationary furniture, under which heating is not needed, and subtract the distances from the walls (5 - 10 cm). You can draw on the floor where and what furniture will be placed, and then measure the heated area with a tape measure. Attention! Keep in mind that heating mats have a width of 0.5 m and the area must be calculated in order to lay heating mats based on this width; excess cannot be trimmed.

Is it possible to connect cables without a thermostat?

Theoretically, yes, but in this case you will have to take on the functions of a thermostat and manually turn on/off the “warm floor” system when the temperature that is most comfortable for you is reached. The use of heated floors without a thermostat is also not recommended for reasons of energy savings.

What are programmable thermostats for?

With their help, you can set the optimal operating mode for the heated floor. To save energy, you can install more low temperature floor (or turn it off altogether) during hours when you are not at home. The thermostat is programmed once before use and then works for the entire week according to the program you set.

When using a thermostat, is it better to use the floor sensor or the air sensor?

For achievement optimal temperature For floor heating, a floor sensor is used, and when full heating is carried out, an air sensor is used. In terms of measurement accuracy better sensor floor.

Is it possible to put some furniture on heated floors?

It is permissible to arrange furniture on legs. But it is better not to do this, since the furniture may dry out under the influence of heat.

It's no secret that renovating an apartment is a very expensive undertaking. And every person, starting it, wants to reduce the costs spent on repairs. Often, buyers prefer to save money and purchase several sets of heated floors, wanting to connect them to one common thermostat.

In this article we will talk about common mistakes that can damage an expensive electric floor heating system, void the warranty, and nullify your expectations of the effect of a heated floor. Let me note right away that every manufacturer wants to sell greatest number units of the goods it produces. That is why in each instruction you will find recommendations that each set of heated floors requires its own separate temperature controller. When using one thermostat, for example, for two heating sections, the heated floors are connected to each other (usually through a junction box), then one wire from the total load is supplied to the thermostat. The temperature sensor, in this case, is mounted in one section, according to the operating instructions.

The following conditions are mandatory for the correct and, most importantly, long-term operation of your electric cable or infrared heated floor system. So, connecting several heated floors to one thermostat:

• Firstly, it is the same heated floor covering. When choosing various coatings, For example, ceramic tile and carpet, sections will not warm up evenly. If the sensor is placed in a section under the carpet, the floors under the tiles will heat up faster (since tiles conduct heat better than other materials), and therefore work harder than they need to. This will significantly increase energy costs and reduce the service life of the heated floor. If the sensor is placed in a section under the tiles, then the section under the carpet will not, by the time it turns off, reach the set temperature.
• Secondly, if the rooms have a different microclimate. For example, a cold, unheated bathroom and living space. Similar to the case with coating, there will be possible temperature deviations or system rework.
• Thirdly, this is the use different systems warm floor. Cable screed and heating mat, ultra-thin cable and infrared floors, etc. The use of a single thermostat in this case is strictly prohibited. Such systems have completely different linear power, operating principles, and heating rates.
• Fourthly, this is the use of heated floors from different manufacturers. The fact is that each manufacturer tries to stand out favorably in the market, therefore they use different technologies, different laying steps and different power are laid on linear meter. The result, as you might have already guessed, is that the floor will burn out.
• Fifthly, this is the laying of very different heating areas. That is, sets, for example, for 1 and 10 square meters. Such floors are heated with at different speeds, which means temperature deviations and excessive operation of the heating cable are possible.
• Sixth, the use of two or more sets of heated floors, whose total power exceeds the permissible power of the thermostat. Let's say power thermostat for underfloor heating Energy TK02- 3200 W, and we decided to install two sets of Arnold Rak AR-21110 heating mat (with a power of 1600 W each) on one such thermostat. You can't do that. The thermostat relay will not effectively cope with the total load and will fail.

We can also advise you to use dual-zone thermostats, type TR-3100-2ZP, which is equipped with two temperature sensors and is capable of maintaining different heating temperatures in two circuits independent of each other. This is very effective and complies with the recommendations of all well-known manufacturers of underfloor heating. One way or another, it's up to you. On my own behalf, I can add that I, as a user, have been using one thermostat for two heated floors (bathroom and toilet) for more than five years.

In addition to the heating elements themselves, the underfloor heating system includes very important component- thermostat or thermostat. This component is usually purchased separately, and from the entire variety of thermostats you can choose the one that is most suitable in price and capable of solving a certain range of problems.

You cannot use electric heated floors without a thermostat: it will not be possible to maintain a comfortable temperature, and the system itself will very quickly fail if you try to connect it directly to the power source. Using a thermostat with water-heated floors is not necessary, but recommended.

A thermostat, or thermostat, consists of a device for regulating temperature and a temperature sensor, which can be built-in or remote. It is mounted in a network between the power source and the heated floor system and is equipped with a switch to activate or disable it and a mechanism for adjusting the temperature regime.

Sensors constantly monitor the temperature of the floor itself or the air in the room; as soon as it reaches a set value, the heating is turned off. When the temperature drops, the heated floor starts heating again. Thus, a comfortable temperature set by the user is maintained, the system is protected from overheating and energy is saved.

In electrical warm floors The thermostat regulates the current power, turning the system on and off occurs by connecting and opening contacts. In water floors, the volume of hot coolant entering the system is regulated, which is mixed in certain proportions with cool water. The water supply can be blocked by a lowering and rising rod controlled by a servo drive.

Different models of devices allow:

• turn on/off heating
• adjust temperature manually or automatically
• maintain the room temperature at a given level
• ensure energy savings by managing its supply
• by the programmed time, heat up to the set temperature

Types and capabilities of thermostats

There are several types of thermostats with different levels of complexity and sets of functions, varying in price.

Electronic-mechanical, also known as analog

The simplest and most affordable thermostat. Its main operating elements are a toggle switch or on/off key and an adjustment wheel with a scale indicating the approximate temperature. With the help of such a thermostat, the specified operating mode of heated floors is maintained, but not very accurately. The heating temperature has to be increased or decreased manually, based on one’s own subjective feelings or the readings of the thermometer in the room.

Electronic (digital), push-button or touch

Has several more complex design. Temperature control is also carried out manually, but using buttons or sensors located directly on the screen, and the indicators are displayed on a digital display, so you can achieve more accurate results (usually with an accuracy of 0.5⁰).

Programmable

The most complex, expensive and functional option electronic thermostat. Thanks to precise settings, energy savings are achieved.


The device can be programmed for a long period of time so that it automatically turns on the heated floors at a given time. Then the system will not work in an empty house at night, but the floors will have time to warm up before the owners wake up and come home from work. You can set up different operating modes for weekdays and weekends, with or without a lunch break.

Also available on some models automatic shutdown system at a given moment (countdown). There are models with an adaptability function, thanks to which the thermostat itself determines the turn-on time to heat to the set temperature. In addition to the optimal thermoregulation mode, maximum and economy modes are provided, since the concepts of comfortable temperature everyone has their own. Manual control mode is also available.

Main characteristics of the thermostat

• Power — most important characteristic thermostat, the maximum load that it can withstand depends on it. This figure for standard thermostats does not exceed 3 kW
• Installation features. The thermostat can be installed directly in the room or in the distribution panel; there are also built-in and surface-mounted models
• Number of temperature sensors and their location. The sensor can be built-in or remote, or a combination of both types is possible. All thermostats for heated floors are equipped with floor temperature sensors, but there are also models with a room temperature sensor. More expensive dual-zone thermostats have 2 sets of sensors

Selecting a thermostat

Sometimes heated floors are sold complete with a thermostat, but more often you have to choose it yourself. Thermostats for water and electric heated floors differ in design and principle of operation, but otherwise these devices are universal. That is, one and the same model is suitable for products of different brands or for cable and infrared heated floors.

First of all, you need to pay attention to rated power of the thermostat. It should be no lower than the total power of the underfloor heating system; on the contrary, the thermostat must be selected with a power reserve.

If the room is large and for underfloor heating power required more than 3 kW, the following outputs are possible:

• install several separate systems, each with its own thermostat
• use dual zone thermostat, in which the power is distributed over 2 channels, and the total value may be higher
• complete the system magnetic starter for overload protection

For an apartment, especially a small one, an analog or digital controller with manual control will be more convenient and cost-effective; it provides faster heating. Purchasing a programmable, automatic one is justified for private homes. Due to large area Energy savings will be more noticeable, and the device will pay for itself faster.

Mechanical devices, as a rule, are more reliable and easier to repair; for these reasons, it is better to purchase a push-button rather than a touch-sensitive version, but this is a matter of taste. There are thermostats with remote control remote control , as well as touchscreen ones with a removable display, which is also used as a remote control. It will cost this additional convenience not cheap.

When choosing between a built-in and overhead thermostat, you need to think about whether it will be convenient to make a niche for the built-in one and how harmoniously the overhead thermostat will fit into the interior. If heated floors are installed in the bathroom, you definitely need a thermostat that is mounted in the panel, since it cannot be installed inside a wet room. However, there are models with waterproof versions on sale.

An air temperature sensor is needed if underfloor heating is used as the main source of heating. Otherwise, you should not overpay for additional sensors, since their readings may be distorted due to drafts, flows warm air from radiators. A two-zone thermostat is suitable for a large room divided into work area and a relaxation area. It is also used for independent temperature control in two small adjacent rooms (bathroom and toilet, room and insulated loggia).

Chinese equipment is not necessarily worse than European equipment If in doubt, you can read reviews of several models. When choosing between a cheap model with a minimal set of functions and an expensive, “sophisticated” one, think about whether you need all these functions.

Installation of a thermostat

Each thermostat has its own connection diagram for power, heated floors and sensors, which must be followed. Before installation, you need to connect all components and check the equipment in different modes, and installation work should only be carried out when the power supply is turned off.

A niche is made for the built-in thermostat, the cover is mounted on the wall, in any case, you should not place it too low, otherwise it will be inconvenient to operate the system and monitor the indicators. The floor sensor is placed between heating elements(cables, rods, tracks) inside a corrugated pipe, which must be closed with a plug.

The thermostat for water heated floors is equipped with a floor sensor, which is installed in the inlet pipe. If there is a need to control the air temperature in the room, you need an additional thermostat, both are connected to external unit management.

Bottom line

The thermostat is an essential component of an electric floor heating system. It can also improve the usability and efficiency of hydronic underfloor heating. Wide range of models available, varying functionality, a set of temperature sensors, power, installation features and design. Among them you can choose optimal solution for apartments and houses, for heated floors serving as the main or additional source of heating. Installation of the thermostat is carried out in accordance with the diagram and is not particularly difficult.