Frequently Asked Questions (Foil Heating Mats)
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?
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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 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.The actual hourly cost depends on your local electricity rates.
- Should I use insulation?
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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) Suitable Carpet Palziv (6mm uncompressed) - What is Palziv Insulation?
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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?
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Yes, the cables are earthed.
- How easy is it to install?
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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 mat sizes are available?
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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 - What if my room is larger than your largest available mat?
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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.
- Can I cut the mats?
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You can cut the mesh but not the heating cable.
- What is the thickness of the cable?
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The cable is 2mm thick.
- How long is the cold lead of the mat?
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The cold lead is 4m in length.
- Can I lay the mats under heavy objects/ fixtures?
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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 source?
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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 80-85% cable heating mat coverage, the system may need additional heating from another source.
- What if my mat is a little too big for the room?
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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?
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Covering Thickness/ Tog Carpet
Carpet UnderlayTog 1.7 or less
Tog 0.8 or lessWood Max thickness 18mm - Can the cable be damaged?
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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?
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The mats are manufactured and tested in full conformity with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Global Quality Standards.
- What is the warranty of this system?
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The heating mats come with a 16 year manufacturers warranty.