SOME MISTAKES TO AVOID

As with any installation it is important to follow the manufacturer guidelines closely to ensure a successful installation. That being said, we are all only human, and we make mistakes from time to time. Over the years we have noticed some common errors and misconceptions that we wanted to bring to light so they could be avoided in the future. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when installing an in-floor heating system.

Common Floor Heating Installation Errors

Wiring Your Power Module Incorrectly

Each thermostat has a maximum of 15 amps that it can support. If heating a large space requiring additional amperage, you will either need an additional thermostat or an OJ Power Module.  The power module essentially acts as a slave to your thermostat. Once your mats or cables are connected, and the thermostat is connected to the power module, you will be able control the floor heating system from a single thermostat. If wired incorrectly, the mats or cables connected directly into the power module could end up running constantly. It is important to make these connections correctly so that they can be controlled from your thermostat. Overheating will waste energy, cause uneven heat in the room, and potentially damage your flooring so make sure to reach out to us regarding any questions on this.

Supplying Too Much Voltage

Electric floor heating systems come in either 120 or 240 volts. It is very important provide the correct voltage to the mats so they operate as intended. Electricians know that certain appliances run more efficiently on 240v than they do on 120 volts. All the floor heating thermostats that we offer can run on either voltage. The same is not true however for the heating systems themselves. If a system designed to accept 120 volts is supplied with 240v (double the rated voltage), the mat will actually receive four times the power it is equipped to handle.  This will cause the cable to overheat and ultimately fail. In rare cases, this can even create a fire hazard if inferior heating systems are used.

Luckily, we have systems like WarmStep® and ThermoFloor® with our patented FiberThermics® technology possessing an inherent Thermal Cut Off (TCO) for overheat protection across the entire length of the heating element. The self-fusing nature of the heating cable offers major safety advantages over traditional metal heating wires.

Supplying Too Little Voltage

If the floor heating system is supplied with less voltage than it needs, for example a mat designed to accept 240 volts is supplied with 120 volts, you will not cause any overheating.  You will encounter the opposite issue, underheating. The system simply will not be able to provide the heat needed to warm your flooring.

Cutting the Heating Cable

It is always best to work with our team to plan your floor heating installation.  We will help select the correct amount of cable for your space and provide a detailed layout for your reference. If however, you are in a situation where you have a length of cable that is too long for the room, cutting the cable in the field is NOT an option. Once cut and spliced, the system will either cease to operate, or it will work temporarily until it overheats and shorts out.

Also, floor heating systems like ThermoTile or ThermoSlab require embedment in concrete or cement which is highly alkaline. This is why it’s important the cables are hermetically sealed. Our factory installed shrink connectors have a special adhesive ensuring nothing seeps in. This prevents the elevated pH levels from corroding the heating element which will eventually lead to failure.

If you were to end up with an excess of cable for your room, it is best to either exchange for a shorter size, run it into an adjacent room, or talk to our team to see if decreasing the cable spacing is possible for your floor covering.

Nicking the Heating Cable

If the cable becomes nicked at any point during installation, it will likely cause the floor heating system to short out. If it doesn’t short out on the spot, it will eventually fail due to the corrosive nature of cement previously mentioned. To avoid nicking the heating cable, we always recommend using a plastic trowel to spread your cement or mortar as metal trowels have sharp edges that can create issues.

Floor Sensor Placement

The floor sensor is a crucial component of the floor heating system because it communicates the floor temperature to the thermostat allowing for precise controls.  One misconception is that the sensor needs to be placed in the center of the room when really it just needs to be 6-12 inches into your mats or cable. Doing so will not create any issues, however it will create some extra work that could have been avoided. What will create issues is placing the sensor too close or far from the heating elements. They should always be placed evenly between the heating wires to provide the most accurate reading possible. For example, if the sensor is too close to the heating wire, your thermostat will think the floor is warmer than it is and run your system at a lower setting resulting in a reduced operating temperature.

InstAlarm

Another misconception is that an InstAlarm can be used to verify the resistance of your floor heating cables. Although the purpose of this tool does involve resistance, it is for a different purpose. The InstAlarm alerts the installer to the loss of continuity in a heating cable at any point during the installation. For example, if a heating cable is accidentally nicked or spliced during installation, the continuity could be lost and the InstAlarm will sound alerting you to the fault. This allows you to address the issue before going any further with the installation.

We are Here to Help

Our number one priority at ThermoSoft is ensuring a high-level customer experience. Whether you need a custom layout for your project, live assistance during an installation, or just have questions about one of our products, we’re here for you. Our floor heating experts are just a call or a click away. You can also schedule a time to meet with us live, one-on-one, from your smartphone and we will assist you from project planning through completion.

Website: ThermoSoft

Website: WarmStep

Website: ThermoTile

Website: ThermoSlab

Why ThermoSoft’s Floor Heating Systems are the Answer For You

With these benefits in mind, where can you add comfort and value at the same time?

Look no further than ThermoSoft floor heating systems! We have the fastest warm-up time in the industry, and installation is simple and DIY-friendly.

Benefits of ThermoSoft Floor Heating

  • Available for All Types of Flooring: Tile, Laminate, Solid and Engineered Wood, Vinyl, Cement Slab, and Carpet
  • Exceptional Comfort: Warms rooms and not ceilings, Uniform, ideal heat pattern, Say goodbye to drafty rooms, Invisible and silent, Individual room control
  • Cleaner, Healthier, Maintenance-Free: No dirty vents or ducts, No more drying out your air
ThermoSoft floor heating adds value and luxury to your home
  • Energy-Saving: 100% Efficiency, More comfort, less energy, Use less energy by needing less heat
  • Easy to Install: Designed with installation in mind, Tools already in your toolbox, Simple hookup, We’re here to support you

ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you?

Start enjoying each space more than ever with ThermoSoft floor heating systems. Visit us online or contact Thermosoft today.

Add value to your home with radiant heat flooring. Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help!
Need help with a project?

Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started.

Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057

Certified, Tested & Approved