DOs and DON’Ts for Indoor Electric Heating

• Store the heating element in a dry place before the installation.
• Refer to the local regulations and requirements for electric heating.
• Check the heating element’s resistance (+/- 5%) and insulation resistance before, during and after the installation.
• Select output according to calculated recommendation (linear and specific) based on floor, subfloor and heat loss calculation. You can find these recommendations in our Application Manual or Installation Guide.
• Use floor sensors for all heating purposes and a thermostat to control the electric floor heating. When used together with a floor sensor, the thermostat regulates the floor temperature, keeping the surface temperature safe and comfortable. Please note that the floor sensor is mandatory to ensure that the floor construction doesn't get overheated.
• Not cross heating elements and avoid direct contact between heating elements and sensors.
• Avoid direct contact between thermal insulation and heating elements.
• Ensure the correct C-C distance and respective distance between hot water pipes, cold spots, drains, etc. and the heating element. C-C distance is area [m²] / Cable length [m].
• Consider installing temperature sensors where the temperature is representative. Floor/wire sensors should be installed in a conduit pipe.
• Make sure that areas below furniture that is in direct contact with floor surface (i.e., not elevated from the floor) are not heated (cold spot).
• Follow the connection diagrams from a certified installer when making all connections.
• Communicate basic rules and safety recommendations on the electric heating system to your customers (or future users).

Watch this video to find out how to:

• install an under tile electric heating system using a heating mat;
• calculate the heated floor area;
• find the right sensor location;
• install the temperature sensor inside the conduit pipe; and
• check the heating mat.

• Overlook recommendations stated in our technical literature.
• Cut the heating element (i.e., the heating cable inside the heating mat).
• Step on the heating element during the installation.
• Drill the flooring in places heated by a heating element.

Check some additional tips for comfort floor heating in this animation: Comfort floor heating with DEVIflex heating cables.

• Only use a professional installer to install electric heating.
• Follow the safety recommendations.
• Follow the temperature and operational recommendations according to the thermostat’s installation guide and application manual.
• Make sure all furniture placed on the heated area is on legs (min. 5 cm).
• Store documentation and potentially photo documentation of the whole electric underfloor heating system built.

Find out how to install electric heating mats under ceramic or wood flooring in this animation. DEVI - Installation of electric floor heating mats.

• Perform electrotechnical work.
• Drill the flooring in places heated by a heating element.
• Cover heated surfaces with carpets, blankets or other thick and warm coverages for an extended period. This can block the thermal heating, which may cause the system to malfunction or even dangerous situations.