Warm infrared floors are considered the most innovative option for heating residential properties, which is characterized by high efficiency and practicality. Installation of such a heating system is easy to carry out without the involvement of specialists. Let's look at the rules for its arrangement.
Film heating - will make any home warm
Warm floors (WF) in themselves are not something new and unknown. They came to our country quite a long time ago. Many houses and apartments of Russians have electric and water transformer stations installed. The last of these involve the use of heated water as a coolant. It circulates through a system of pipes laid under the floor covering. Electrical structures operate using a special heating cable. It is also laid under the floor. Such floors perfectly heat rooms. But their main drawback lies in the certain complexity of carrying out installation activities. Film (infrared) heated floors do not have such a disadvantage. Its installation is simple and straightforward. Any self-taught master can cope with it.
Film TP uses IR (infrared) radiation for heating. It warms up various objects standing in the room. And from them the heat spreads throughout the room. IR radiation is provided by special carbon paste. It is placed in a polyester film and the resulting structure is hermetically sealed. It works on this principle. Voltage is supplied to the emitters via conductors (busbars) made of copper. It activates the heating elements, which immediately begin to give off heat. Current-carrying busbars film system must be treated with silver dust. It eliminates the possibility of their joints burning.
The power of the described transformer stations can reach 220 W/square heated area. Their width is 50–100 cm. The film is heated to a temperature not exceeding 60 °C. IR floors are connected through a special thermal regulator to the household power supply.
Infrared heating - expensive, but impeccable in operation
We can talk about the advantages of film TP for quite a long time. Such heating does not need advertising. Let us highlight only the main advantages of film systems:
- 1. Possibility of DIY installation under all existing floor coverings. IR film structures can be installed on horizontal, inclined and vertical surfaces. If desired, they can be installed even under a suspended ceiling.
- 2. Low electricity consumption. The reduction in energy consumption is due to the fact that carbon is characterized by a high thermal conductivity.
- 3. Unique reliability and durability of structures. The individual elements of film floors are connected to each other in parallel. Due to this, if any part of them burns out, the system remains fully operational. Serviceable elements continue to heat the room.
- 4. Installation of the described TP is carried out without the obligatory arrangement of a screed on the floor. This significantly reduces the cost and time spent on system installation.
- 5. If necessary, infrared heating can be easily dismantled. Moreover, it can subsequently be mounted in the same place or installed in another room.
- 6. Complete safety of system operation.
Film structures have only one drawback - high cost. But you can come to terms with this, given that such systems have been operating without breakdowns or failures for decades.
Where does installation begin - the right start
High-quality installation of the heating film is possible only on a well-cleaned and leveled surface. Height differences on the floor base cannot be more than 3 mm. If necessary, carefully level the floor using suitable technology(for example, filling concrete screed). Then we vacuum the base and begin laying a layer of waterproofing on it - plastic film. It will not allow moisture to reach the system elements and damage them.
Next, we cover the waterproofing with a layer of insulation. Its use is mandatory! The thermal insulation layer reduces heat loss from downward radiation. This reduces the system's electricity consumption and increases its operating efficiency. Any insulating materials can be used as thermal insulation. Products with a metallized coating are most often used. And, if the TP is laid under tiles, the function of a heat insulator is usually performed by a technical plug. We install strips (plates, sheets) of insulation close to each other, and then glue the places where they touch with tape.
The next step is choosing a location for installing the thermostat. It is advisable to place it at a height of 0.15 m from the level of the floor surface. After this, we draw a laying diagram infrared system.
Film flooring is not installed under large household appliances, massive structures and stationary furniture.
Please note the following. If the film heating structure will be used as an additional one (the home is heated centrally), it should occupy about 40% of the room’s area. And in cases where the TP is the only source of heat, at least 70%. We also take into account that the infrared structure must be laid at a distance of 0.1–0.4 m from the walls.
Basic work - a couple of hours and you're done!
We cut the heating system, focusing on the laid out diagram. Cutting can be done strictly only along the lines that are on the IR film. If you make cuts differently, the carbon layer will be destroyed.
We lay the cut material on the heat insulator. We mount the copper sides of the contacts towards the wall where we planned to install the thermostat. The next steps are as follows:
- 1. We connect clamp-contacts to the copper strip (to its edge) (they are included in the set of film TCs), and wires to them. Nuance. The longer the strip we use, the fewer contacts we will need. In this case, the maximum length of the heating sheet is 8 m. It is prohibited to lay longer strips. Advice. To connect the busbars, you need to use a copper wire with several cores. We take a cable with a cross section of 1.5–2.5 cm.
- 2. We insulate the areas of connecting cables and clamps, as well as cutting the film. We use bitumen mastic for this purpose.
- 3. Connect the included temperature control device sensor to the bottom side of the infrared film. We carefully isolate it.
After laying all the film and connecting the cables, we install the thermostat. In principle, it can be connected to a household outlet like a regular electrical appliance. But it would be better to install it permanently.
In this case, before installing the film, we cut out an opening in the wall for distribution box and a channel for electrical wiring. It is recommended to run the cables that connect the thermal regulator to the heating system under the baseboard. Then the wires will not be able to spoil the interior. After all these steps, we connect to the power grid and test the TP for operability. The described procedure for installing a heating film is carried out by an inexperienced technician in a maximum of 2–3 hours (if we are talking about residential premises with standard sizes).
We bring the floors to perfection - test the system and lay the finishing coating
Checking the installed infrared heating coating is simple. We turn on the system and see how it works. If there is no overheating at the contact points (the structure has the same temperature in different areas) and the floors do not spark, we have done everything correctly. Can begin the final stages of the operation. First, cover the IR film with a special backing. She will come into contact with finishing cladding floors, and protect both the heated floors themselves and the selected finishing material.
The special substrate is made of polyethylene film. It fits all types decorative covering.And here we take into account the following:
- 1. Parquet and laminated products are laid directly on plastic film.
- 2. Wooden floors are installed on a pre-installed film flooring. We make it from particle boards or sheets of plywood.
- 3. If finishing coat is tile, the amount of work increases. At TP we first lay protective film, and cover it on top with a painting mesh (plastic, not metal), which we fix with dowels to floor base. We perform this procedure as carefully as possible. We cannot damage either the copper busbars or the carbon fiber strips. Only after all these steps can the tiles be installed. It is installed using a special adhesive recommended by the manufacturer of the film heating floor system.
As you can see, installing an infrared warm coating is a really simple operation. We do not need to purchase special tools for installing a heated floor, or study mountains of literature with expert advice. All stages of the procedure are simple, understandable to beginners and easy to implement. The only problem for home craftsmen who are organizing their homes can only arise when connecting the thermostat to the mains. If you are not confident in your skills in this matter, it is better to seek help from a professional electrician. He will connect the system in a couple of minutes and charge a not so high fee for his services.
Infrared warm film flooring appeared on the market not so long ago, but very quickly gained great popularity. The fact is that such warm floors can be laid under any covering. It could be linoleum, parquet, laminate or even ceramic tiles. The great demand for infrared heated floors is also explained by the fact that when laying it there is no need to make a cement screed. And this saves a lot of money, time and effort. If we compare it with cable heated floors, then infrared is much more economical; in addition, cable heated floors require filling with a cement screed. Installation of infrared film heated floors will be successful if you follow the instructions.
It should be noted that the installation of heated floors does not require special knowledge; if you follow the instructions, you can do everything yourself in a short time. It is noteworthy that if you move, the film can be easily dismantled and taken with you. You can simply re-lay it again if you plan to do a renovation with redevelopment.
Among other things, infrared heated film flooring has a beneficial effect on human health. It is no secret that infrared rays have been used in medicine for decades.
Infrared rays help very well with tissue damage; they warm them up, making injuries heal much faster.
The film of such a warm floor is able to penetrate through flooring, thereby having a beneficial effect on the human body. The infrared film floor creates negative ions in the room, they are also very useful for human body. Thus, such a floor is a Chizhevsky chandelier and a heater in one device. This type of floor has virtually no electromagnetic field.
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To install a warm film floor you will need the following tools:
- hammer;
- roulette;
- putty knife;
- big scissors.
How is film heated floor installed?
- The first step is to prepare the surface on which the heated floor will be laid. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned. Once it has been properly prepared, you can begin laying the insulating material. If you plan to put linoleum or carpet on the floor, it is permissible to use any type of insulation; the thickness of the sheet should be from 3 to 5 mm. It should be borne in mind that installation will be successful if all joints are carefully taped. If you plan to lay ceramic tiles on the floor, you can use thermal insulation, which is made of technical cork, its thickness should be 2 mm.
- Before you begin installing heated floors, you need to choose the location where the thermostat will be located. After this you need to compose and write down detailed system
- installation This must be done in order to avoid making mistakes when installing the infrared film. It must be remembered that the film can only be laid where there are open areas of the floor and furniture is not planned to be installed there.
- Now you can cut the films into strips. They must be of appropriate sizes along special lines, they must be laid out with the copper strip down, with their contacts facing the wall (then you will need to install a thermostat on the wall). It must be borne in mind that everything should be done in accordance with a previously drawn up scheme.
- The installation of the heated floor continues with the need to connect the films to the wiring. The contact clamps should be installed on the edge of the copper strip, then the contact wires must be connected to them.
- Now the floor temperature sensor is connected; this procedure should be carried out on the back side of the film. Then all this must be isolated. When the warm film floor is thoroughly laid, you need to insulate all the contacts that fit to it. Only after this can you connect to.
- electrical network
- To ensure the necessary protection, it is permissible to lay a polyethylene film on top of the infrared heated floor. If we are talking about laying ceramic tiles, then the screed under it must dry for 20 days, only after that the warm floor can be fully used.
If we are talking about installing a heated floor using ceramic tiles, then a film with a power of at least 220 W must be used. When everything is fixed, it is necessary to additionally use the mounting construction mesh, the cells of which should be 45 mm. This mesh is placed on top of all materials; it must be point-attached to the primary screed.
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If such installation of a heated floor is carried out, then you need to use a cement-adhesive mortar. This way the primary screed under the tile adheres more firmly, which guarantees reliability.
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The operation of film heated floors is carried out using infrared heating– film heaters.
- In order for the floor to retain more heat, you need to use thermal insulation material, which has a reflective or foil surface. The fact is that such a surface is equipped with a film that does not conduct electric current.
- The thermostat can be installed both outside and inside. To prevent the wires and sensor from being visible, you need to take care of the recess in the wall. Outdoor installation implies installation plastic box. Such a floor can be grounded using foil tape; it must be glued diagonally and along the length of the film, after which the end of the tape is connected to the wire.
- If we are talking about laying parquet, then a layer of foamed polyethylene should be installed on top of the heated floor. It should be taken into account that the foam must lie evenly, there should be no differences. Next you need to lay plywood, which is water-resistant. Its thickness depends on the parquet staves; it is attached to the foam with glue. The plywood must be sanded, there should be no differences or gaps.
Increased attention to infrared heated floors quite
justified, because specifications this innovative heating system
demonstrate a number of advantages and allow you to equip an energy-efficient home.
Infrared film heated floor - what is it?
IR underfloor heating is popular due to its unique principle
work. Although it is a type of electric heater
floor (since it requires electricity to function),
infrared floor is much more economical and safer than its predecessor.
The principle of operation of IR heated floors is based on the release
thermal energy in the infrared range. Long wavelengths of radiation heat up
person and the surface of surrounding objects: furniture, walls. And they, in their
turn, being a secondary heat source (reflectors) heat the air in
indoors. This approach to heating a home allows you to subjectively feel the warmth up to
how the air warms up.
Advantages and disadvantages of infrared heated floors
- electromagnetic radiation absent;
- simultaneous damage to the entire system is reduced to zero,
thanks to parallel connection of blocks;
- installation on any surface (horizontal, vertical,
inclined) does not cause difficulties;
- uniform heating of the floor surface. What is very important when
an infrared heated floor is installed under the laminate;
- DIY installation will not be difficult;
- it is possible to dismantle the film, for example, when moving;
- Floor installation is possible in any room
(including wet) and under any type of coating;
- it is permissible to install the film in an open room (veranda,
terrace) and closed (rooms in an apartment or house, office, warehouse, etc.);
- high heat transfer (97%) and efficiency (30% higher in
compared to other electric underfloor heating systems).
- the need to comply with the rules of connection and operation
systems;
- not recommended as the main source of heating
due to the high inertia of the system (heats up quickly, cools down quickly);
- Unlike water heated floors, film is not resistant to
mechanical stress and damage.
Types of infrared film heated floors
Despite the relative newness of the infrared system
heating, manufacturers offer several varieties:
- film infrared heated floor. The essence of this system
is that the heating element is a fiber laid
between two layers of polymer film. The heating film is flexible,
strength, wear resistance, and is also a good dielectric.
In turn, film flooring has its own varieties. IN
The division is based on the composition of the heating element:
- carbon – carbon-graphite;
- bimetallic - copper and aluminum.
The first system became more widespread among
users.
- rod infrared heated floor. System feature in
that the function of the heating element is performed by carbon rods,
connected by wire. This is the most innovative of systems that allows
reduce heating costs by 60% (compared to other systems).
The only thing stopping the widespread adoption of carbon rod floors is their
high price.
Comparison of these systems for specific conditions
functioning, will make it possible to find out which infrared heated floor
better.
DIY installation of infrared heated floors
Installation instructions for infrared film heated floors
consists of a number of successive stages, which need to be studied in detail in order to
eliminate the possibility of an error:
- Creation (development) of the project and calculations.
- Selection of equipment and materials.
- Installation of IR underfloor heating system.
- Test run (check).
- Clean finish.
Stage 1 – project development and calculations
An important feature of installing infrared film flooring
is that it is not mounted under furniture. Thus, getting started
calculating the required amount of material and determining where to lay the film
you need to subtract the area under which the film will not be laid.
Note. For the system to be considered effective, the film
should cover at least 80% of the surface of the room if the film
the floor will be the main heating system of the house/apartment and at least 40% if
auxiliary (alternative, additional).
Calculation of infrared film heated floor
- calculation of the total area of the room: Sp=a*b*2;
- calculation of heating area Sob = Sp – (X, Y, Z)
a,b – length and width of the room, m;
Sob – heating area, sq.m.;
X, Y, Z – fixed and/or low-cost interior items
(furniture, household appliances, etc.).
Note. The heated area is calculated using
taking into account that the IR film is placed no closer than 100 mm to any
vertical (adjacent) surface or object.
After calculating the heated area, you need to calculate
sufficient system power. You should know that the power range
heating film is 150-220 W/sq.m.
Calculation of energy consumption of infrared heated floors
The energy consumption indicator for film flooring can be
calculate using the formula: E=Sp*k*T
Where, E – energy consumption, W/hour;
Sp – total area of the room, sq. m.;
k – conversion factor (depends on the installed
temperature, if the system is turned on at 40% - the coefficient will be 0.4);
T - thermal power floor.
The costs of heating with infrared floors are easy to calculate,
knowing the electricity tariff in a specific region.
Calculation of the power of infrared heated floors
It is possible that the area of the room is sufficient
large and for installing a film heating system it is necessary to use
several sets of infrared film - in this case their power
is summed up. Ptot. = Р1 +Р2+…+ Pi,
If part of the kit was used, the calculation is made according to
formula:
P total = 110 L
P total – total power of the film floor, W;
P1…Pi – power of a separate set of film, W.
L is the length of the infrared film that is used for
installation;
110 is the conversion factor for the power of the film floor.
Calculation of the number of thermostats and their installation location
Thermostat function for infrared heated floors –
adjust the heating level.
As for the quantity, you should know that when
When connecting several sets of film flooring, it is necessary to install
several thermostats, because the power consumption of the heated floor
is summed up.
It is advisable to install the thermostat at a height of at least
150-200 mm. above the level of the final coating, and for comfortable use on
height of about a meter (height of sockets). The second option is possible if the installation
Infrared floor heating systems are carried out before repair work is carried out.
Advice. The thermostat is located on the wall, which
located perpendicular to the direction of laying the strips. This technique will allow
reduce the wire length.
The thermostat is mounted next to the electrical wiring, hidden or
externally.
If exceeded permissible load to the thermostat
There are two connection options:
- zoning and connecting each zone to its own thermostat;
- inclusion of a solid-state relay or magnetic
starter. In this case, the system will be controlled by one relay. This
connection requires certain knowledge, which requires the involvement of an electrician.
The installation diagram for infrared film for heated floors includes
includes an indication of the direction of placement of the stripes. Manufacturers and craftsmen
It is recommended to lay the film along the longer side, this will reduce
the number of cuts of the heating film at turns.
Rules for placing (laying) infrared floor film:
- The first row of film should be placed no closer than 100 mm. To
wall (or other object), but no further than 400 mm;
- The pitch of the film cutting line is 250 mm. Cut film in others
prohibited in places;
- the distance between adjacent film strips is at least 10
mm.;
- The maximum permissible length of the floor strip is 8,000 mm.
The project of an infrared film heated floor should
contain:
- calculation of usable area;
- calculation of system power;
- location of installation of the thermostat (and their number, if
installation of heated floors in a large room);
- direction of laying film strips;
- number of stripes (depending on the width of the film).
The result of the design should be an installation diagram that
necessary for both fulfillment installation work, and for further
operation and repair.
Stage 2 – selection of equipment and building materials
Film heated floors are sold as a set, which includes:
- infrared film for heated floors;
- connecting clips;
- scotch;
- thermostat;
- temperature sensor.
Note. The equipment depends on the manufacturer. For example,
heat plus and caleo systems contain everything necessary for work.
Additionally you need to buy:
- electrical wire (preferably copper, stranded,
cross section 1.5-2.5 mm);
- thermal insulation material. Electrical infrared
heated floors allow the use of any type of insulation: foil
film (with polymer coating), foamed polyethylene, natural cork and
etc.
- waterproofing film;
Tool: assembly knife, scissors, pliers, screwdriver,
wire cutters, tape, hammer, tester, drill bit (drill attachment), hammer drill,
square, pencil.
Stage 3 – installation of infrared heated floors
Step-by-step instructions for beginners without experience in construction:
1. Preparation (learning about safety precautions)
If the work is performed by a non-professional, you need to familiarize yourself with
installation techniques and safety measures:
- minimize walking on the laid film. Protection
films from mechanical damage possible when moving along it,
is achieved through the use of soft covering material (thickness from 5
mm);
- do not allow heavy objects to be placed on the film;
- prevent the instrument from falling onto the film.
Safety rules for installing infrared heated floors:
- It is prohibited to connect a heating device to the power source
film rolled into a roll;
- film installation is carried out when there is no power supply;
- connection to the power supply is carried out strictly in accordance with SNiP and
PUE;
- the film installation rules are followed (length, indents,
absence of overlaps, etc.);
- only suitable insulation is used;
- installation of film under furniture and other heavy objects is excluded
objects;
- installation of film under low-value objects is excluded.
These are all objects that have an air gap between the bottom
surface and floor less than 400 mm;
- contact of the film with communications, fittings and
other obstacles;
- insulation of all contacts (clamps) and lines is ensured
cutting conductive copper busbars;
- film flooring is not installed in rooms where there is high
risk of frequent water ingress;
- mandatory installation of an RCD (protective device)
shutdown);
- break, cut, bend the heating cable;
- mount the film at temperatures below -5 °C.
2. Preparing the installation site for the thermostat
Includes wall gating (for wires and sensor
temperature) to the floor and drilling a hole for the device. Meals on
The thermostat is supplied from the nearest outlet.
Advice. It is advisable to lay the wires in corrugation; this technique
will simplify Maintenance and repairs if necessary.
3. Preparing the base
Infrared film should only be laid on a flat and clean surface.
surface. Horizontal surface deviation exceeding 3 mm is also
unacceptable. Craftsmen recommend treating the surface with a primer.
Note. Dismantling of the old floor (subfloor) is not required,
if its surface does not cause any complaints.
4. Laying waterproofing film
The function of waterproofing film is to protect electrical
underfloor heating system from moisture coming from below.
5. Installation of thermal insulation material
As evidenced by user reviews - insulation
allows you to increase heating efficiency due to the fact that heat does not escape
down. However, when installing an infrared floor heating system on the second floor -
Rarely did anyone use insulation, because... thermal energy will warm up
overlap between the first and second floors.
Advice. Foil insulation should be laid metallized
side to the floor.
6. Laying infrared heated floors
- applying markings for laying on the floor;
- preparing a film strip of the required length. note
You can cut the film only along the cut line;
- the film is positioned towards the wall that
designed for installing a thermostat. The strip is oriented by copper
heater down;
- the recommended distance from the wall is maintained at 100 mm;
- the recommended indentation (gap) between
the edges of the infrared film sheets are 50-100 mm (the film does not overlap
allowed);
- strips near the walls are glued to the insulation with tape
(squares, but not a solid stripe). This will prevent the canvas from moving.
7. Installation of clamps
At the ends of the copper bus you need to attach metal
clamps. When installing, it is necessary that one side of the clamp fits between the copper
tire and film. And the second was located above the copper surface. Crimping in progress
evenly, without distortions.
8. Connecting infrared floor wires
The wires are installed on the clamp, followed by
insulation and tight crimping. The ends of the copper busbar are also insulated in place
cutting off. The requirement for parallel connection of wires is observed (right with
right, left with left). To avoid confusion, it is convenient to use different wires
colors. Then the wires will be laid under the baseboard.
Advice. To prevent the clamp with the wire from protruding above the film, it
can be placed in insulation. A square is pre-cut into the insulation
under the clamp.
9. Installing a temperature sensor for the thermostat
Installation temperature sensor for film heated floor
10. Connecting an infrared heated floor to a thermostat
Connection diagram for film heated floor thermostat
Connecting a thermostat for infrared heated floors
Stage 4 – test run of the system (check)
Test connection of infrared heated floor is mandatory
stage before laying the final floor covering.
The normal installation of the film floor is indicated by:
- absence of extraneous noise (cod);
- no sparking;
- uniform heating of the film.
Additionally, the reliability of insulation of places is checked
wire connections.
Stage 5 – finishing
Before installing the floor covering, film floor
need to be covered with plastic film (100-200 microns). Further work is carried out in
in accordance with the instructions for laying the floor covering.
Specifics of laying film flooring under different types coatings
shown in the picture:
Infrared heated floor under laminate (pie) – infrared heated floor under laminate, parquet board
Infrared heated floor is laid on a wooden floor
the same way.
Infrared heated floor under linoleum (pie) – infrared heated floor under linoleum, carpet
Infrared heated floor under tiles (pie) – infrared heated floor under tiles, stone
Experts do not recommend using film flooring under tiles,
due to the need to perform “wet” work, which reduces heat transfer
floor.
Operation of infrared film heated floor
- if a significant amount of water gets on the film
the floor, it must be turned off immediately and dried (naturally);
- You cannot turn on the system, for example, to dry
carpet after wet cleaning);
- It is not allowed to attach anything (for example, a limiter
doors or baseboards) using hardware. They will damage sections of the film;
- It is prohibited to spread carpets, blankets,
metallized films (foil), as well as rearrange furniture. It may
lead to system overheating.
Video instructions for installing infrared floors
Film heated floors are the best way to provide additional and local heating of rooms. This system is economical and easy to use.
In addition, the technology for laying film heated floors does not require special training or the use of complex tools. It is enough to familiarize yourself with the installation rules. But first, about the advantages of such heating:
- the cost of a heated film floor is several times less than other heating systems;
- installation of film heated floors can be carried out directly under wooden finishing coatings without the risk of damage to the material during operation;
- absence of electromagnetic radiation;
- installation possible without reducing the ceiling height;
- low power consumption;
- local damage to the film does not affect the performance of the system.
What is needed for work
Installation of film heated floors can begin if you have the following equipment and tools:
- film heating element;
- connecting wires;
- device protective shutdown(RCD);
- grounding cable;
- fasteners;
- temperature sensor and automatic regulator.
Heated surface layout
First, it is necessary to correctly distribute the film heated floor over the heated surface. The instructions instruct not to lay the film where massive furniture will be installed. In addition, the following rules must be followed.
- When laying the film, it is necessary to distance yourself from the risers of the systems central heating, pipes and heating boilers. This is necessary in order to avoid failure of the heating elements under the influence of high temperature.
- Before starting work, it is necessary to develop a scheme for laying the film heated floor. On a rectangular sheet of paper, use a wavy line to mark the areas where the infrared heating element will be placed.
- To place an automatic thermostat, you need to choose an area on the wall that is not crowded with furniture or heavy curtains.
- For adjacent rooms and areas located on a common territory, it is recommended to plan the installation of systems independent from each other, with separate regulators and connection to the electrical network.
- After the layout is completed on paper, the diagram is transferred to the floor surface. Selected to cover the area required amount elements and connecting wires for connecting the temperature sensor and regulator.
- It should be taken into account that the width of the film heated floor can be different: 50, 80 and 100 cm. It is sold in rolls that can be cut in certain places. Happens various types film heated floor: power depends on the characteristics of the film (150, 220 or 400 W/m²).
Preparing the base for laying the film
Installation of film heated floors begins with preparing the base. This is done in several stages. Thermal insulation is being installed. The choice of material for this is carried out according to the following principle:
- To compensate for thermal expansion, a damper tape is attached along the walls around the perimeter of the room.
- Stacked waterproofing material(roofing felt, roofing felt or thick polyethylene film) with an overlap of about 150 mm on the wall.
- The screed is examined: if the quality of its surface does not meet the requirements (there are many cracks, depressions, etc.), the screed will have to be dismantled.
- The old covering is dismantled:
- in the event that the infrared film floor is not the main heating system, foamed polyethylene is laid on top of the base with the foil side up (thus the thermal energy will be reflected towards the room);
- if there is a heated room on the lower level, polystyrene foam boards 30-50 mm thick are used as thermal insulation material;
- when installing the film on an unheated loggia, the thickness of the expanded polystyrene increases to 100 mm.
6. The next layer is reinforcing mesh. You can do without it if the screed layer is thicker than 50 mm. The required strength can be achieved using microfiber and plasticizer.
How to lay film heated floors
Important: the total power of the film strips should not exceed the power of the thermostat.
We invite you to watch the video “installation of a warm film floor”:
Precautions during installation
When installing infrared heated floors, it is prohibited:
- work in conditions high humidity and at temperatures below zero;
- bend the film at a right angle;
- allow the application of underfloor heating strips;
- pierce the stripes with sharp objects;
- lay sections exceeding 10 m in one piece;
- allow current consumption in one segment to exceed 10 A;
- connect rolled film;
- cover the thermal film with sheets of metal;
- cover the film with furniture, thick carpet, and place it near other heat sources.
Important: if a room with a warm film floor is flooded, you must wait until all surfaces are completely dry. It is forbidden to turn on the heating and dry the floor using a heating film.
If the film has been pierced by a sharp object, the damaged area should be isolated on both sides.
System health check
After installation is completed, it is necessary to check the film heated floor. The price of the issue is efficiency and safe operation heating system. Experts recommend checking all contacts in the chain using a voltage indicator. Make sure that all contacts are securely insulated. After the heating elements are covered with film, it is necessary to perform a test switch-on.
If everything works fine, the final floor covering is laid: laminate, parquet board or linoleum. As a result, you will get a heated film floor, reviews of which can be read on the Internet.
In conclusion - how to choose a film heated floor (video):
Infrared film heated floor is new material, which has a high degree of energy saving. On construction market this material appeared quite recently, but has already gained well-deserved authority.
His distinctive feature is, then it can be laid under absolutely any covering (laminate, tile, linoleum, etc.) and it does not require filling with a cement screed.
Infrared film flooring has another significant advantage. Its installation is not at all complicated and anyone can do it, and when moving to a new apartment it can be very easily dismantled.
Technical characteristics of infrared film floor
The infrared film floor has the following technical characteristics:
Its voltage in the electrical network is from two hundred twenty to two hundred thirty Volts and fifty Hz;
- Its power consumption depends mainly on the type of infrared film used (150 watts per square meter; 220 watts per square meter; 400 watts per square meter);
- The working surface temperature should be up to forty-five degrees Celsius at 150 Watts; up to sixty degrees Celsius at 200 watts; up to eighty degrees Celsius at 400 Watts;
- Wavelength from seven to twenty microns;
- There is no electromagnetic field.
Calculation of infrared film floor
Do-it-yourself installation of infrared film heated floors
1. First you need to prepare the floor surface. Then we lay thermal insulation material on it. If you plan to put carpet or linoleum on the floor, then any type of insulation with a sheet thickness of three to five millimeters will suit you, and all joints will be glued with tape.
And if you plan to lay ceramic tiles on the floor, then thermal insulation made from technical cork with a thickness of two millimeters is suitable.
Do-it-yourself infrared film heated floor: diagram
2. Before installing a warm floor, you need to determine the place where you will place the thermostat. Then compose and write down detailed diagram installation, so as not to make a mistake during the installation of infrared film. Remember that the film is laid in places where there are open areas of the floor and there are no plans to install furniture.
Then we start cutting the film into strips of the sizes we need along special lines and lay them out copper strip down. and the contacts to the wall (the thermostat will be installed on it later) in accordance with the diagram you drew up.
4. Let's start connecting the film to the wiring. You need to install contact clamps on the edge of the copper strip, and then connect the contact wires to the clamps.
6. Then you need to connect the floor temperature sensor. This is done from the back of the film. And then be sure to insulate it.
7. After the film heated floor is completely laid, it is necessary to insulate all contacts suitable for it and connect it to the electrical network.
8. Before you start laying the flooring, you need to test the infrared heated floor. Please pay Special attention on the fact that there was no heating at the joints and various sincere ones.
9. In order to provide additional protection You can lay polyethylene film on top of the infrared film heated floor. Now you can begin installing the finishing coating for your floor.
Remember that when laying ceramic tiles, you need to allow the screed underneath to dry for about twenty days before you begin to fully use the heated floor.
Do-it-yourself infrared heated floor installation video
Therapeutic effects of infrared film heated floors
For many years, infrared rays have been used in medicine to treat many diseases. It has been proven that infrared light has a very beneficial effect on all damaged tissues.
Thanks to its effects, they gradually recover after surgery or serious injury. Using infrared radiation, film heated floors have a healing effect on the entire human body.
Scientists have proven that our body itself produces a certain amount of infrared rays with a frequency of up to twenty microns, but a film heated floor gives our body infrared impulses with a frequency of seven to twenty microns.
They are very similar to infrared pulses human body. That's why this type A warm floor helps reduce fatigue and stress, and improves blood microcirculation several times.
Installation of infrared floor
Infrared floor design
The main difference between an infrared floor and other heating is its operating principle. The energy of a warm infrared floor is not used to heat the air in the room, but is spent on heating objects located in its enclosed space. They, in turn, accumulate and release heat into the room, maintaining a natural microclimate in it. Infrared radiation is absolutely safe for the health of living beings and is comparable to solar heat.
The infrared heating system is made on the basis of elastic heating mats or Mylar film. The heating element has the form of conductive strips, which are located in 15 mm increments and are made using Carbon NanoTube technology. The electricity that initiates the heating element is supplied to it through copper-silver contacts. The entire system is sealed on both sides with a polymer, which has increased electrical insulation, fireproof and waterproof properties.
The infrared heated floor is connected to the electrical network through a thermostat in a parallel manner. Connection density high quality The materials used and the use of carbon adsorbent spraying ensure the operation of the heaters in an efficient and continuous mode. Thanks to parallel connection, the system will function even if any of its sections fails. Sometimes this happens due to mechanical damage.
Main types of infrared floors
Warm infrared floors are available in two types: film and rod heating systems. They are produced in rolls with a width of 500 and 1000 mm.
Film floors are bimetallic and carbon. In the first option, the base of the floor is polyurethane, and the thermoelement is made of a copper-aluminum alloy. In the second, the carbon strips of the heating element, when connected in parallel, are laminated with Mylar film. Its presence protects the system from moisture and electrical breakdown. Film heated floors last about 15 years, their cost is 550-1100 rubles/m2.
In an infrared floor rod system, elastic mats combine flexible conductive bars and rods. The heating elements of the system are made of composite materials. During the entire operating time of the infrared rod floor, electromagnetic radiation is practically absent. This property makes it similar to film heaters. Its difference from them lies in the special design of thermoelements, thanks to which the rod floor has the ability to self-regulate and is not afraid of overheating.
The technical characteristics of such a floor allow it to be installed in cement screed and into the adhesive layer under ceramic tiles. Rod system The floor can be safely used in rooms with humid air and even bulky furniture can be placed on it, which is not recommended when using film floors. The warranty period for the rod floor is 20 years, its cost is about 1,500 rubles/m2.
The infrared floor is powered from a 220 V network. If the room has good thermal insulation, heated floors consume 30-55 W/hour per 1 m 3 of space per day. The most comfortable temperature in a room with an infrared floor is ensured by installing a thermostat.
Advantages and disadvantages of IR floors
By installing an infrared heating system in the floor, you can get a lot of advantages, these are:
- Energy savings due to low energy consumption due to the high thermal conductivity of floor thermoelements.
This gender has very few disadvantages. First of all, this is the high cost of the models. If used incorrectly or damaged, the base of the infrared heating system may melt.
Materials and tools for installing infrared floors
To install the floor you will need the most simple tools, which are probably available in any home: wire cutters, screwdriver, pliers, scissors and a mounting knife. In addition, you will need materials, the list of which is given below:
Depending on the type of coating, you can also add to this list: chipboard sheets thickness of at least 5 mm or plywood - under linoleum; reinforcing metal grid- under the tiles.
Infrared floor installation technology
Laying an infrared floor is not particularly difficult and is carried out in several stages: preparation of the base, installation of thermal insulation, marking for the location of the heater, installation and connection of the system.
Preparing the subfloor
To make an infrared floor of high quality, you need to install it on a flat and dry base. The old floor covering must be completely removed until the wood or concrete base of the floor is exposed. The horizontalness of the resulting surface should be checked building level, deviations should not exceed 3 mm.
After this, the wooden floor needs to be scraped, and concrete base- polish. The debris that will appear during these procedures must be removed, and then the surface must be cleaned of dust using an industrial vacuum cleaner.
A polyethylene film with a thickness of at least 50 microns must be laid on a clean base to waterproof the floor.
Thermal insulation is laid on top of the waterproofing layer. The heat insulator must be covered with lavsan or polypropylene film.
If you plan to make the final floor covering soft, such as linoleum or carpet, you should use a material with a soft layer, for example, infraflex, as a heat insulator.
If there will be tiles, parquet boards or ceramic granite on the floor, you must choose thermal insulation with a solid layer, for example, technical cork 2mm. After installation, the insulation joints must be secured with tape.
Marking the floor surface
Before marking begins, you need to determine the installation location of the temperature sensor, temperature controller and connection of the infrared film floor to the network. The thermostat is usually installed on the wall 10-15 cm from the floor surface.
When marking the floor for laying the IR heater, you must follow the recommendations below:
- The infrared film floor must be laid in an area of the room that is free from furniture and household appliances.
Features of laying infrared flooring
Upon completion preparatory work Let's start laying the IR heating film. It is advisable to do this along the length of the room: in this case, when more solid strips will result in fewer connection points. The floor installation procedure is described below.
The heating film must be laid with the copper conductive strip down, the distance between the strips is taken to be at least 5 cm. When installing a heated floor under laminate or linoleum, they can be laid closely, thereby ensuring uniform heating.
The infrared floor strips must be attached to the thermal insulation with construction tape. This ensures the immobility of the elements for the convenience of subsequent actions. Cut lines located in the area of copper conductors must be treated with bitumen insulation. The same procedure should be performed with silver-plated contacts connecting the heating elements to the tape.
Contact clamps must be mounted on copper conductive strips: one half of them should be inside the film, the other half should be outside on the strip. The contacts are secured with pliers.
Connecting the IR floor system
At the final stage of installing the infrared floor, it is necessary to connect it. The system thermostat can be placed permanently or connected to an electrical outlet using a cord. At the same time, it should not interfere with further arrangement household appliances and furniture.
The floor temperature sensor should be located closer to the thermostat under the infrared film. It is secured to the film under the carbon paste with tape.
After installing the clamping contacts on the film, the power wires should be connected to them, and the connection points should be treated with a bitumen insulator.
Then the heating system must be turned on, set to a comfortable temperature and checked for insulation of the film cutting line, heating of all film strips and wire connections (using a test screwdriver).
After checking the operation of the system, we lay the floor covering. Some of its types will require additional actions with heated floors.
If the topcoat is linoleum, infrared film you need to lay fiberboard or thick plywood. If tiles are planned as it, a reinforcing mesh with 2 mm cells or fiberglass mesh with 5-20 mm cells will have to be mounted on top of the warm floor. They are attached pointwise with dowels to the base. Then you can lay the screed on top.
Important! Markings for fastening coatings should be done in advance to avoid damage to the heating elements of the system.
How to make an infrared floor - watch the video:
Warm infrared floors have an incomparable advantage over heating that uses the combustion of any materials. In addition to being silent, they also do not emit any toxins at all. Therefore, they are actively used in medical and children's institutions.
Similar news
How to connect an infrared heated floor
Today, non-traditional heating systems are quite widely used in modern houses and apartments. They are good sources heat and help to significantly reduce electricity costs, which has a positive effect on the family budget. And that is why the question “how to connect an infrared heated floor” is so relevant. In this article we will look at how to properly connect an IR floor.
Technical characteristics of infrared heated floor
Before connecting this heating system, you should understand some of its features. Characteristics of IR floor:
- consumed power forty-five - 67 W/m2.
- The width of the film thermal coating is 50 cm.
- The maximum permissible length of thermal film coating is eight meters.
- power supply - 220 V at 50 Hz.
- The melting point of the film infrared heated floor is 130 C.
- content of infrared rays in the emission spectrum – 95%;
- The length of the IR beam is five to twenty micrometers.
How to connect an infrared heated floor - the importance of proper installation
Warm film IR coating is an alternative widely used method of heating a room of any parameters, which is powered from the mains. In this system, the area is heated from a special film (which contains a carbon mixture), heated by copper conductors on the sides. To avoid the problem of burning contacts, the design has a protective silver coating.
To connect a warm infrared floor you will not need a lot of effort and expense, it is only important to adhere to certain rules in installation. We will consider all the connection steps below, and if you do not follow them, you may encounter certain breakdowns and improper operation of the system. The causes of the problems may be:
- Violation of electrical system installation diagram standards.
- Incorrect calculations regarding the ratio of the area of the room and the warmest floor covering.
- Use when installing materials that are not intended for the equipment of such a heating system.
- Violation of the installation stages of steam and heat insulation layers.
- When pouring screeds, use mixtures that are not suitable for IR film floors.
- Inaccurate calculation of the type of electrical supply wire and cross-section regarding the total load.
- Using materials with low thermal conductivity as the final layer. It is strictly not recommended to use on such heating system natural carpet textile coverings.
If you stick to all these simple rules and correctly connect the infrared heated floor. you will receive an economical, durable and safe heating system.
How to properly connect an infrared heated floor - steps
As mentioned above, it is extremely important to observe all the correct installation technology of warm floor system, the stages of which are:
To reinforce this, watch a couple of video installation instructions.
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