The Under-Floor Electric Radiant Heat

Another option to warm a room is by using the under-floor electric radiant heat. The system as can be described has the same function as the other heating system we have discussed in this site. It provides heat on its mats that radiates to the room to keep it warm.

The under-floor electric radiant heat system is not difficult to install in your home however, would really need careful attention to detail. Like other important undertaking, the success of this project starts with the care in planning and the selection of the right materials for your installation. The under-floor electric radiant heat can be installed between the sub-floor and the insulation. This is the quickest and easiest way for first floors over an unfinished basement.

It can also be installed between the sub-flooring and the finish flooring. For remodeling projects, this approach is used as the quickest way to install radiant mats.

What you need to have

• Adhesive for heat insulation
• Applicator for adhesive
• Heat Insulation Pads
• Electronic stud finder, you can rent one
• Heating Mat and Kit
• 12/2 w/ Ground Cable
• Under-floor electrical radiant heat Thermostat with cover plate

The Procedure

1. Plan your heating system and pay attention to its detail. Begin by locating a convenient spot which is about 12 inches above the floor where to mount your splice box. Use an electronic stud finder to make sure you are drilling or cutting into a stud.

2. Draw an outline of the box cutout by using the box as a guide. Then drill 3/8-inch holes on every inside corner of the outline. Finish removing the cutout using a jigsaw. Mount the splice box.

3. Next is to mount your Thermostat box. Use the same procedure in mounting your splice box. However, the Thermostat box has to be mounted 50 inches above the floor.

4. Prepare your sub-floor. Using a vacuum cleaner, clean the subfloor thoroughly.

5. Then begin applying a thin coat of the insulation adhesive to the sub-floor. Use either a brush or a roller applicator. Work on a section by section at a time. Apply the insulation adhesive only to a 3-foot square section at a time.

6. Then place the insulation pads in place to the applied section. Continue to another section until you have finish laying the insulation pads. Allow 2 hours for the adhesive to set. Then you can now start installing the heat mat.

7. Roll out the heating mats. Begin at the wall where the splice box is installed. As you unroll the heating mat, remove the protective backing from the self-sticking tape. Always check and make sure that there are no wrinkles or bubbles in the mat before pressing it in place. Check and make sure there is no overlapping on the mat sections.

8. Once the mats are in place, route the cold leads from the mat to the splice box.

9. In cutting the cold leads, allow a 6 to 8 inches extra projection from the front of the splice box. This cold lead is the non-heating circuit conductors that are attached to the heating mat.

10. From the splice box, run cable up into the thermostat box. Allow another 6 to 8 inches extra lengths from the front of the boxes before you cut the cables.

11. Then let us run another section of cable to connect the thermostat to the service panel. This is where you pick up the power. Always allow 6 to 8 inches extra lengths on cables from the boxes before cutting the cables.

12. Then you can begin connecting the wiring. Remove about 3/4 inch of insulation from the ends of the cold leads and the cable conductors. Splice the stripped conductors together by using twist-on wire nuts. Always connect the wires this way, white to white and black to black. Once connected, arrange your wires nicely inside the box. Then install the blank cover plate on the box.

13. Pay attention to detail. Connect the wiring from the splice box to the thermostat terminals marked Load Side. Then connect the wiring from the power source to the thermostat terminal marked Line Side.

Connect the stripped ends by placing them under the terminal screws in a right-hand direction. Then tighten the screws down on the wires to hold it securely.

14. You can also check on your local laws and city ordinances if you need to hire a licensed electrician to do the wiring for your under-floor electric radiant heat project.