Heating cable for the warm floor: types, characteristics, installation and feedback

The system of warm floors can be an excellent addition to the basic heating. The most popular floor covering with heating is electric. It is possible to install it in apartments, but as for water systems, they are allowed to be used exclusively in private houses. The heating cable of the warm floor acts as the main element of the system.

Types of heating cables and their characteristics

The cable for the warm floor can be self-regulating or resistive. In the latter case, the heating element is a vein made of brass, copper or nichrome. It is covered with several layers of insulation made of PVC. It is able to undergo significant temperatures, provides protection against external damage. The internal insulation has a continuous foil shield, as an alternative solution, a wire braid is sometimes used, which serves as protection from electromagnetic radiation.

Resistive single-core cable and its properties

The cable for the warm floor is single-core resistive, assuming a constant heat transfer and the same throughout the length. This feature can cause overheating of individual parts of the floor, while other areas do not heat up to the desired temperature. The installation and connection of the cable to the mains must be carried out in such a way that the two ends are at the same point.

Description of a resistive two-wire cable

Such a cable for a warm floor has two cores, one of which is necessary for current carrying, while the second one is used to generate heat. The advantage of these solutions is that there is no need to reduce the two ends at one point during installation. Among other things, the twin-core cable has additional insulation, as well as a returnable cable.

Features of heating self-regulating cable

To ensure that the floor is durable and efficient, it is recommended to use the above-mentioned types of cable. They have a lot of advantages, especially if you compare with single-core and double-core elements. This cable for the warm floor is able to regulate the heating power when the ambient temperature decreases or rises. Due to the presence of the outer and inner layers, as well as the metal braid, there is a guarantee of reliable electrical, chemical and mechanical protection.

The design has such a feature that the floor will be protected from overheating. That's why you can count on a lesser probability of all kinds of failures. The need for repair of such a cable is rare.

The heating cable for a warm floor described has a more complex construction than a resistive version. The role of the heating element is a semiconductor matrix, as for a number of varieties of the warm floor. If we consider the characteristics of this cable, it has two conductive strands that are protected by internal insulation. Among other things, the composition can be found insulating shells, a semiconductor matrix and a screen.

Feedback on self-regulating cable

This heating cable for the warm floor has gained popularity among consumers because it works in a special way. Buyers say that they like the moment that the system automatically reacts to changes in the environment. When the air temperature drops, the central part of the cable begins to contract, which increases the current and the amount of heat. Whereas with an increase in temperature, one can observe a reverse reaction, in which the current is reduced, as well as a less impressive heat release. Eventually, the amount of heat generated varies in each zone of the cable, which depends on the outside temperature. Customers prefer this solution also because the self-regulating cable is safe, durable and reliable in operation.

Positive characteristics of heating and resistive cables

If you are installing a warm floor cable, a resistive or self-regulating element can be used. The latter option will cost more. As for resistive cables, they are plastic and have sufficient power. They can be stacked in several parallel lines. This provides heating of the surface, which can have any shape. Self-regulating cable of an electric warm floor has a high power, however it is very economical. It can be cut into separate parts of the required length, and the heat release will vary throughout the length of the cable. Among the positive features can be distinguished durability and reliability.

Special features of heating cable assembly

If you decide to lay the heating cable for the warm floor, then there are several steps to be taken. The work should be carried out on a prepared concrete foundation, which is arranged, as a rule, at the stage of capital repairs. The installation involves pouring a screed prepared from cement and sand, 3 cm thick. In order to lay a cold wire that will connect the thermostat with the system of the warm floor, there is a need to make a channel whose diameter will be 20 millimeters. Among other things, a padding box is installed for the thermostat.

In the place where it is supposed to lay the cable, it is necessary to lay a heat-reflecting substrate, which will shorten the heating-up period of the system, as well as minimize energy costs.

Technology of work

Installation of a cable of a warm floor provides maintenance of the equal cleared basis. First, cover the heat-reflecting substrate, then the mounting tape that comes with the kit. In the role of the basis for fastening, it is possible to apply a reinforcing mesh, as for the case when it is not possible to strengthen the mounting tape on the floor. The cable should be placed on a surface that is free from stationary furniture, as well as equipment. Fixation is made on the mounting tape.

Cable lines should not overlap, as this can cause uneven heating, as well as cause overheating and cable failure. It is important to provide a bend diameter that should be at least 4 centimeters. If you change the pitch when laying the cable, you can lay a different power per square meter, which will depend on the heat loss of the room and the desired effect.

Recommendations of the master

A corrugated pipe with a maximum diameter of 16 cm can be placed in the prepared channel. Place the temperature sensor of the floor in it. Corrug must be placed in the heated area from the open side of the hinge. In the heat-reflecting substrate, it is necessary to make technological cut-outs that are located between the cable turns. This will ensure better adhesion to the screed. Thermal insulation should cover about 80% of the heated surface.

Final work

Once the cable has been installed, it should be filled with a cementitious homogeneous screed, the thickness of which can be equal to 40 millimeters. The thermal cable should be covered under a solution, and then measure the insulation resistance and ohmic resistance. After the screed has dried, you can start laying any floor covering. You can do this not earlier than in 30 days.

Cost of heating cable

Cable for the warm floor, the price of which is from 130 rubles per meter, you can buy and install it yourself. For this, there is no need for special expertise. However, you need to familiarize yourself with the technology of work.