BestBathrooms Electric Underfloor Heating Mat 5.0 Sqm

Step-by-step How To Install Guide

Step 1
Sketch a layout or make a floor plan of the room; include all permanent furnishings such as toilets and baths. Take note of all dimensions to determine the available floor area and the position of the thermostat. BestBathroooms recommends that the installation is documented with photos to note the location of connections and the sensor. Next, draw an outline of the layout on the room floor. Include a foot print of all furnishings that are not yet installed.

Step 2
Unroll the first few feet of the mat. The starting point of the cable must be placed within 2.5m from the thermostat. Mark the position of the connection point between the power lead and the heating cable. This connection must be concealed in thinset or self-leveling cement. When using a floor temperature sensing thermostat, mark the sensor position in the middle of two heating cables, about 25cm away from the wall (within the heated area), as close as possible to the thermostat.

Step 3
If using a floor temperature sensing thermostat, install the sensor now, either in conduit tube, or directly to the subfloor. It is recommended that the sensor be installed in conduit tube. The sensor and/or tube needs to be installed between the thermostat wall box and the sensor position. The conduit tube must be partially countersunk into the subfloor. To do this cut a channel approximately 8cm deep × 8cm wide in the floor and wall up to the thermostat for the sensor conduit. The conduit has to go from the thermostat a minimum of 25cm away from the wall towards the middle of the floor.

Important
The sensor conduit must be centred in the cable loop (between two heating wires). Use duct tape to close the end of the conduit so that thinset can't penetrate the conduit. Use duct tape to hold the sensor conduit into the groove to prevent it from floating up when the mortar or thinset is poured. If the sensor is installed directly in the mortar bed, use duct tape to secure to subfloor.

Step 4
Clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dust and debris that may damage the heating cable. Ensure that the subfloor is secure and stable and fill in any cracks to prevent any potential damage to the new tiles.

Step 5
Measure the resistance for the first time. Use a digital ohm meter to measure the resistance of the Mmat and compare it to the system specification. Record the measured resistance. Also, measure the resistance between the white, black and shielding/ground wire. Both should read infinity.

Step 6
Place the mat so that the connection point and the temperature sensor are in their intended positions and bring the power cable to the thermostat or connection box. You can now begin unrolling the mat evenly across the floor outside the areas that you marked previously. When you reach the next wall, cut the mesh, turn the mat, and begin rolling in the desired direction. Never cut or shorten the heating cable!

Ensure that the mat is in full contact with the subfloor at all times. You should avoid walking on the heating mat, but if this is not possible, use shoes with soft soles. When approaching obstacles (toilets etc), carefully remove some of the heating cable from the mat and lead the cable around the obstacle. In some cases pieces of the mesh will be cut away entirely. Use hot melt glue or a thin strip of tape to secure the loose cable to the floor.

Step 7
Measure the resistance for the second time. Please refer to Step 5.

Step 8
Ensure that the sensor conduit has been properly installed before proceeding (see Step 3). In the case of tiles, install the tiles by covering the heating cables with a layer of thin-set cement as directed by the tile manufacturer. Ensure that the thin-set mortar covers the entire height of the heating cable as the tiles are installed.

Important
The system must not be turned on until the thinset cement has fully dried. A minimum of two weeks is recommended.

Step 9
Measure the resistance for a third time. Please refer to Step 5.

Step 10
To install the tile, apply a layer of acrylic or latex modified thin-set using the ridged side of your trowel. Tile and grout the floor in accordance with instructions provided by the manufacturer of the tile.

Step 11
A qualified electrician can now connect the power supply and the thermostat. The electrician should connect the floor sensor to the thermostat and take the fourth and final resistance reading, see Step 5.

Step 12
The BestBathrooms heating system is now ready to use. Increase the floor temperature gradually and adjust it until it reaches a comfortable level depending on the type of room and your personal preferences.