We make every effort to answer your questions. Below is a list of questions we are frequently asked. Please check these before contacting us.
- How much does it cost to run?
- Should I use insulation?
- What is Palziv Insulation?
- Is it safe to use in wet areas?
- How easy is it to install?
- What is the difference between the Digital and Dial Thermostat?
- What mat sizes are available?
- How do I know what mat size to order?
- What if my room is larger than your largest available mat?
- Can I cut the mats?
- What is the thickness of the cable
- How long is the cold lead of the mat?
- Can I lay the mats under heavy objects/ fixtures?
- Does it provide a primary heat sources?
- What if my mat is a little too big for the room?
- What kind of floor coverings can I use and do I have any limitations?
- What if I damage part of the cable?
- How safe are the mats?
- What is the warranty of this system?
How much does it cost to run?
Consider an average room size of 10m2
The heated area is approximately 80%, or 8m2
In the case of the 150W mats, when the heater is ON, the hourly consumption is 150W times 8m2, or 1200 Watts per hour.
A properly insulated room, controlled by the Rayotec recommended energy efficient thermostats, will operate at a duty cycle of 20% to 25% (meaning 20% to 25% of the time the heater will be ON, and the rest of the time OFF). In this circumstance the average electricity consumption for heating the room will be 240-300 Watts per hour. Approximate electricity consumption equal to that of three regular 100-Watts light bulbs!
The actual hourly cost depends on your local electricity rates.
Should I use insulation?
The use of insulation must be used in all installations. Not only will it protect the cable in the system but it will reduce warm-up time of the floor from over an hour to only a few minutes. This will provide you with a greater level of comfort and result in reduction of electricity cost.
| Floor Type | |
|---|---|
| Wood | Palziv (6mm uncompressed) or Softboard (6mm) |
| Hessian backed Carpet | Palziv (6mm uncompressed) or Softboard (6mm) |
What is Palziv Insulation?
Palziv is an insulating material designed for under laminate/ engineered wood and Hessian- backed carpet . It is manufactured from cross-linked closed celled polyethylene foam. Palziv has excellent thermal insulating properties due to its low U-value. Palziv is water repellent – does not rot or go mouldy. Furthermore, it has a sound insulating effect, creating a "quieter" floor to walk on. Palziv is easy to install and are supplied from Rayotec in rolls of 10m2 and 20m2 with a depth of 6mm.
Is it safe to use in wet areas?
Yes, the mats are earthed.
How easy is it to install?
The Rayoflex foil electric underfloor heating mats are extremely easy to install.
Under laminate, engineered, wooden or Hessian- backed carpeted floors, the installer lays the heating mats on the specified insulation. The wood/ carpet (with underlay) flooring is then laid directly onto the mats in the usual manner.
A qualified electrician is to complete the connection between the heating mats and the electrical circuit. No time-consuming calculations, labour or additional materials are required.
What is the difference between the Digital and Dial Thermostat?
We have two models of thermostats, the simple dial thermostat and the digital programmable thermostat. The simple dial thermostat sets only the temperature and is set manually where the digital thermostat offers 7 days a week clock and digital temperature settings.
Both thermostats come supplied with a floor sensor that has a maximum temperature limiter, allowing for floor coverings of wood and carpet to be also used.
The digital programmable thermostat comes with both floor and air sensor where the dial thermostat only comes with a floor sensor.
What mat sizes are available?
Available Mat Sizes |
Please note that all mat sizes have a standard width of 0.5m |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Length (m) |
2.0 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
6.0 |
8.0 |
10.0 |
12.0 |
14.0 |
16.0 |
18.0 |
20.0 |
Area (m2) |
1.0 |
1.5 |
2.0 |
3.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
6.0 |
7.0 |
8.0 |
9.0 |
10.0 |
How do I know which size mat to order?
Several mats can be connected in parallel to a junction box. . If the amperage in one room exceeds the amperage of the thermostat, then either a contactor will need to be installed by your electrician or another thermostat will need to be purchased.
What if my room is larger than your largest available mat?
Both electric underfloor heating mats can achieve primary heating, however the 120W/m2 are popular with clients who have a limited power supply.
Can I cut the mats?
You can cut the mesh but not the heating cable
What is the thickness of the cable?
The cable is less than 2mm thick.
How long is the cold lead of the mat?
The cold lead is 4m in length.
Can I lay the mats under heavy objects/ fixtures?
No- the mats can only be located in the available free space. There must be some form of air gap between any furniture and the floor, so the heat may escape.
Does it provide a primary heat sources?
In most cases in a new build/ well insulated property, the system can provide primary heating. In cases where homes have single glazing, vaulted ceilings, poor insulation levels or less than 80-90 % cable heating mat coverage, the system may need a source of back up.
What if my mat is a little too big for the room?
Once the packaging has been opened we are unfortunately unable to refund/exchange the mat. It is therefore important to order the correct size – if you are worried, please send drawings to one of our consultants who will be more than happy to design your system and send the correct items.
What kind of floor coverings can I use and do I have any limitations?
Covering |
Thickness/ Tog |
|---|---|
Carpet |
Tog 1.7 or less |
Wood |
Max thickness 18mm |
What if I damage part of the cable?
Please contact the office for the repair kit. It is not ideal however accidents do happen, try wear soft shoes when working with electric UFH and keep sharp objects away during the installation procedure!
How safe are the mats?
The mats are manufactured and tested in full conformity with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Global Quality Standards.
What is the warranty of this system?
The heating mats come with a 16 year manufacturers warranty.