How to install infrared film. Review of carbon rod thermomats

In pursuit of a comfortable microclimate in our home, we are constantly looking for new ways of efficient heating. Traditional radiators heat the room unevenly - according to the laws of physics, the floor remains cold. A rod heated floor will help to avoid this.

Principle of operation

It consists of elastic thermomats made of carbon rods connected by a power wire. The standard width is from 82 cm. The “filling” of the structure consists of conductive busbars complete with heating elements located at a distance of 10 cm. The maximum continuous length of the core floor is 25 meters.

Competitors admit that the characteristics of the carbon rod thermomat are impressive. This is primarily due to the fact that the device is declared to be self-regulating, that is, it is not afraid of overheating. Therefore, this type of infrared heated floor can be laid regardless of the location of furniture, rugs, as well as under screed or tile adhesive.

The operating principle of carbon rod mats is similar to film mats. The heating elements emit in the IR thermal spectrum from 8 to 14 microns, uniformly heating the finish coating under which they are mounted. Electricity consumption averages from 70 to 160 W. And the parallel connection allows the entire system to operate regardless of damage or failure of neighboring rods. Often the choice of infrared rod flooring is due to this quality.

Carbon thermomats have the following advantages:

• Versatility - compatible with any type of floor covering.
• Fire safety.
• Suitable for rooms with complex layouts and big amount furniture, carpets and other interior accessories; buildings with high humidity.

Among the disadvantages it should be noted:

• Stationarity. If it is laid under a tile or screed, then repair is impossible without dismantling and opening the cement layer.
• High price of rod infrared floor. A complete set with a thermostat costs RUB 3,000.
• You cannot use a foil backing, since as a result of reaction with an alkaline medium, aluminum dissolves and leads to damage to the core warm mats.
• If the coating gets wet, the system stops functioning until the intermediate layer dries.
• Manufacturers claim a service life of 10 years. However, according to reviews, a carbon heated floor mat rarely functions more than 3-5.

Manufacturer overview and reviews

The Korean company actively supplies Russian market infrared thermomats under the UNIMAT brand in 2 series:

• UNIMAT RAIL is a simple and practical type of floor rod with a width of 83 cm, power up to 120 W, recommended for tiles or thin screed (from 2 cm).
• UNIMAT BOOST with a smaller pitch between carbon heating elements (9 cm), power up to 160 W, used for loggias, balconies, first floors above unheated basements.

The cost of a rod mat for UNIMAT RAIL tiles in a set starts from 2,000, UNIMAT BOOST - from 2,200 rubles.

Judging by customer reviews, the floor is effective and relatively economical in the first year of operation, provides a comfortable temperature for the floor covering, but is not at all suitable as the main heating.

“I bought a UNIMAT heated floor from an official dealer and ordered installation from them. The first year everything was great: it heated perfectly, the consumption was not too high, but the declared savings of up to 60% were not noticed. In the second year, the heating rod stopped turning on in the rooms, and after a slight flooding in the bathroom it stopped working there too. True, after it dried out, it turned on, but now in order to feel the effect, the temperature must be set to the maximum.”

Igor Berkutov, Moscow.

“The main advantages of the UNIMAT carbon heated floor are that it is easy to install and heats up quickly, but the electricity consumption is quite high. This becomes especially noticeable after several months of use. But the floor is pleasant, walking is a pleasure.”

Konstantin Velin, Vologda.

“I’ve had UNIMAT Rail at home for a total of 3 years now. I placed it first in the kitchen, then in the room for greater comfort. I use it mainly in the off-season, when the heating is turned off. To ensure a constant temperature at certain hours, I installed a thermostat from Kaleo along with the floor. And to prevent the floor from burning out due to a power surge, I installed an RCD. Everything works well as long as nothing burns out.”

Vladimir, Volgograd.

UNIMAT's competitors are the South Korean company Felix LTD. It produces similar products under the RHE brand. The floor has a smaller width - 82 cm, capacity per 1 sq. m – 116 W, Teflon high-temperature insulation. Available in rolls from 1 to 12 linear. m. Connection and end kits, as well as wires and a regulator must be purchased separately. You can buy RHE rod carbon flooring in Moscow for a price starting from RUB 1,500. It contains a thermomat and a product passport. Factory warranty - up to 20 years.

Today, even in conditions country house You can use new technologies that are economically beneficial and environmentally friendly. At the same time, living outside the city will be almost no different from living in a building where all the benefits of civilization are present.

This applies to the arrangement of the heating system, because the problem can be solved in several ways. Warm floors are quite popular today, which eliminates the need to install radiators on the walls. However, modern consumers quite often wonder which heated floor is better.

Which heated floor to choose

For some homes, an electric heating system today is the only right solution. This also applies to heated floors, of which there are a great variety on sale. If you still cannot decide which heated floor is best to choose, you need to familiarize yourself with the options for such systems; they may use a certain operating principle. Modern systems can be represented by:

• heating mats;
• heating cables;
• film heated floor.

Cables are created on the basis of self-regulating or resistive elements. This version of the heated floor is laid under ceramic tiles and is afraid of overheating. uses a semiconductor matrix, which is made on a polymer basis. The cable is better protected from overheating, and it can be laid under laminate or parquet boards. You can install pieces of furniture on top, but such a solution, judging by the reviews, will be more expensive compared to a resistive one.

If you will be laying an electric heated floor, then you can also consider one that is almost no different from the one. In their manufacture, the same cable is used, which is arranged in a wave-like manner and is fixed with a nylon mesh. Experts say that it makes installation easier, but has a negative impact on cost. A common feature of these cables is the need to lay a screed into which the coolant is embedded.

Carbon heated flooring is the most modern; it is a coating that is laid under the laminate and is not afraid of damage. Its thickness is less than a millimeter, so the height of the room does not change, and there is no electromagnetic radiation during operation. If you also decide to follow the experience of the majority and choose a carbon type of heated floor, then you should become more familiar with it by studying the pros and cons, reviews and learning about installation technology.

The main advantages of a carbon floor

Carbon heated floors are chosen by consumers for many reasons; among the advantages, people highlight the following:

• possibility of self-regulation;
• safety;
• reliability;
• efficiency.

As for self-regulation, the described system is smart: it is able to control temperature and energy consumption, while there is no need to install expensive equipment. The higher the temperature rises, the greater the distance between the particles of the heating elements. This will increase the resistance.

When the temperature drops, the reverse process occurs. In those areas of the floor where the load is higher, the heating will be less. Based on reviews, consumers can rearrange heavy objects and furniture without encountering problems or complying with system security measures.

Why else should you choose carbon fiber floors?

Carbon heated floors have additional advantages in the form of safety and reliability. Due to the characteristics of thermoregulation, the infrared floor does not overheat, which means there is no risk of deformation or damage to the floor covering. Users note: the system is reliable, it does not fail. Infrared radiation is not accompanied by negative side effects.

Such systems can be used even in medical institutions where there are special heating requirements. We can’t help but mention the cost-effectiveness. The power of this floor is 116 W per linear meter. When heating the screed or tile adhesive, the power consumption is reduced to 87 W per linear meter. To control energy consumption, thermostats are installed, which allows you to save up to 30% on energy costs. The reviews available today allow us to draw the following conclusion: carbon heated floors are currently the most economical of all heating systems.

Main disadvantages and reviews of carbon fiber field

The rod carbon floor also has some disadvantages. As one of the disadvantages, consumers cite the burning of the rods over time. This happens about a year and a half after the installation of the mats is completed. This leaves cold sections on the floor. Due to the fact that the mats are connected in parallel, if one of them fails, the others continue to work, however, the presence of an adhesive screed can complicate the repair process, which is the second disadvantage.

Carbon fiber, according to users, can only burn out if you purchase a cheap analogue. Budget versions of such systems are entering the market today. But the originals, according to consumers, can last quite a long time. However, you will have to pay dearly for them, and this, according to buyers, is the last drawback.

Laying technology

If you believe the reviews, it is quite easy to install carbon mats. You need to prepare the necessary materials and tools, but no special knowledge is required. Installation is carried out using screed or glue. The permissible strip length reaches 25 m. For installation you need to prepare:

• substrate in the form of a heat insulator;
• connection kit;
• end kit;
• thermostat;
• corrugated tube;
• connecting wire.

Carbon film heated floors are installed together with thermal insulation, which can increase the efficiency of the system and reduce heat loss. For work, you can use foam sheet material. Penofol or its analogues are suitable. When preparing tools, you should ensure that you have:

• wire cutter;
• scissors;
• technical hair dryer;
• wire strippers;
• ticks;
• tape.

Work methodology

Carbon heated floors, reviews of which are mostly positive, are laid on a flat and clean surface. To begin with, the master should determine the area on which the installation will be carried out. The thermostat should be located in an accessible place. To install the sensor in the floor, a groove is prepared into which a corrugated tube is placed. The electric heated floor is laid on the surface, and then the mats are fixed with glue, tape or a stapler.

The heat-reflecting material must be connected in strips. You need to roll out the roll from the thermostat side. In order to unfold the strip, you should cut it on one side, turning it 180 degrees. It is important to avoid crossing the carbon rods. The strips are connected using installation wires. When a solid carbon heated floor is laid, it can be cut, and in the cutting areas, the wires are stripped of insulation.

Next, the sleeve is put on the heat-shrinkable tube. You need to crimp with pliers, remove the insulation and put on a heat-shrinkable tube. The sleeve is used to connect to the wire. It can be attached using a technical hair dryer. The tube is pushed onto the connection and shrinked with a hairdryer. This will connect the two strips.

Final works

Once the installation of the carbon mat has been completed, it is necessary to fill the screed or apply tile adhesive. The screed is poured over the rods; at the next stage you can lay the tiles. The minimum layer of glue or screed should be 2 cm. In the first case, the thickness is taken into account along with the tile.

Only special mixtures for arranging heated floors should be used in the work. After this, the system is left for 28 days - this time will be enough for complete drying. The system can be connected only after this period has expired.

Main types of carbon systems

If you decide to lay a carbon heated floor under a laminate, then first you need to understand the main types of such systems. They are solid and rod. Flexible elements of rod systems are connected into mats stranded wire, the thickness of its shell is 3 mm. Polyethylene or polyester acts as a protective shell for the rod.

A single carbon layer is responsible for heating the room. The strips are connected to each other using soldering. The film may have two or three layers. A carbon-graphite mixture is applied to a polypropylene base. If we are talking about a continuous system, then it consists of 10 security layers and three working layers. These 13-layer floors protect the system from harmful influences and overheating. By purchasing a film, you become the owner of a system using pure carbon; in this case, a carbon-graphite mixture is not used.

Conclusion

By choosing a carbon floor, you simplify the work because the screed can be poured directly onto the surface of the mats. No additional preparation is required. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will need a special mixture if you plan to lay ceramic tiles in the future.

Carbon heated floors are an innovative solution for heating rooms. The principle of its operation is based on the use infrared rays. Research from advanced laboratories shows that this type of panel heating is completely safe for the human body.

User reviews tell the best story about carbon heated floors. Based on the words of consumers, such heating systems are characterized by beneficial properties for health: a comfortable temperature is created that can be adjusted to suit yourself, negatively charged ions are released into the air, and required humidity, that is, the air is not dried.

Carbon heated floors should be considered as an additional source of heat, and as independent system heating. Panel heating of this type is available in different modifications, which allows consumers to choose the most optimal type. The system is highly adaptable and cost-effective.

An innovative option for heating a home is powered by an infrared energy source. Most often, graphite-silver rods connected in parallel to each other are used for this. For this purpose, wires with an increased degree of protection against overheating are used in production.

The insulating material is a substance based on polyester and polyethylene. The main component of the product is the heating element, which consists of carbon and polymers. The cable used for these purposes is made of copper. Its cross-section is 2.5 mm. It is insulated with a shell up to 3 mm thick.

Everyone who has used carbon heated floors claims that the modern market cannot offer a more profitable option for panel heating. In a house where this type of heating is installed, natural air humidity is always maintained. An intelligent heating system with modern thermostats and temperature sensors helps with this.

All currently existing variations of carbon-based panel heating are complemented by a detailed description of the installation and operating instructions. The buyer only needs to choose the most best option, show a little effort to surround yourself with warmth and comfort for a long time.

Graphite heated floors: main types

Such designs are divided into 2 types:

• rod mats;
• film floors.

The first type appeared relatively recently on the heating appliance market. Rod mats are considered a high-tech device that opens a new era in panel heating. The rod carbon heated floor is made of heating materials and a conductive busbar. The design is simple, as is its operation.

The basis of the mats, the rods, are made of a composite substance. They are a mixture of graphite, carbon and silver. To connect them together, a copper cable with increased resistance to thermal influence is used. To ensure safety, a protective shell made of polymers is used. It is believed that similar design can last a little over 50 years without replacement.

If damage occurs, you do not have to worry about the performance of the product. The series connection of the heating rods allows the device to function properly even if there are breaks. The mats will heat even if several elements of the system fail.

The high degree of heat transfer allows the use of a carbon floor as the main heating.

Among the advantages of the rod model, it is worth noting the following:

• does not create large workloads on floor slabs;
• high resistance to high humidity;
• anti-corrosion characteristics;
• low power consumption;
• the presence of automation that protects against overheating and fire;
• absence of electromagnetic pulses harmful to human health.

The system is also noted to be highly reliable. This warm floor is versatile and easy to install. Parallel connection rods makes it possible to cut the heated floor almost anywhere and lay it in the desired direction. Therefore, with a complex house architecture, you can easily cover all the necessary areas.

A significant drawback of the system is that it must be installed under the tiles. The screed is made thin so as not to raise the floor level and ensure high thermal conductivity. Otherwise, the device will be of no use, because a thick layer of glue or concrete will not have time to warm up quickly.

The method of installation under the screed deprives the heating of the mobility that its analogues have!

Carbon heated floors for laminate and linoleum video

The second option is carbon film for heated floors. They differ in many ways from rod heating. First of all, you don’t need to make a screed to install them. This significantly saves time during installation. In addition, the floor level does not rise even by those millimeters that concrete could occupy. And the heat transfer from film models will be higher due to the thin layer of floor covering.

Structurally, infrared heating can be described as follows: carbon strips connected by wires (tires) with a polymer coating.

You can cover the carbon film with any material. The only exceptions are carpet, parquet boards and tiles.

It is allowed to use wood as a finishing coating, provided that heating elements will not warm up more than 28 degrees.

After connecting the structure to the power supply network, it warms up to the temperature set on the thermostat and then switches to economy mode. The use of automation can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% when compared with other heating systems that are powered by electricity.

The advantages of film carbon flooring include:

• fast heating;
• uniform heating of the surface;
• high strength;
• resistance to moisture and steam;
• anti-corrosion effect of the coating;
• the design does not respond to mechanical stress.

If part of the carbon film is damaged, then only a certain section will not function.

Infrared carbon flooring installed under laminate has a high degree of fire safety. Its melting point is 120 °C.

Film heated floors, unlike rod ones, are highly mobile. If you move, you can always take it with you. In addition, it is characterized by silent operation and hygiene. Therefore, it can be used for heating medical institutions.

Warm carbon fiber floor: characteristics

The operation of heated floors under normal conditions requires a constant connection to a network with a voltage of 220 V. The essence of their functioning is that current is supplied to the carbon elements. Heating occurs due to electrical resistance resistive components. Thus, electrical energy turns into thermal energy and is transferred to the floor covering. Subsequently, it spreads throughout the house or room where heating is installed.

Carbon heated floors have their advantages and disadvantages. The obvious advantages include:

• availability;
• ease of installation;
• small dimensions;
• aesthetics (warm floors are not visible under floor structures or decorative elements);
• mobility of some heating systems (film floor).

Among the shortcomings, the most significant are:

• consumption electrical energy(leveled by connecting automation);
• the mandatory presence of good thermal insulation (otherwise the system will be ineffective);
• on most variations of heated floors you cannot place heavy household items or plumbing fixtures (with the exception of infrared carbon film);
• high capital costs;
• restrictions on the temperature of the floor covering during operation of the device, regulated building codes and rules.

Features of installing carbon heated floors

Installing the device will not take much time. In this case, the user does not need any special skills. The installation can be divided into several stages:

1. Preparation of materials and premises.
2. Preliminary calculations. It is necessary to calculate heat loss, the required area for heating, and make a sketch of the surface where the heated floor will function.
3. Laying thermal insulation.
4. Installation of mats or film (depending on the choice of heat source).

1. Preparing a place for the temperature sensor.
2. Installation of the thermostat, connection to the system and temperature sensor.
3. Heating element connection tests.
4. Connecting the thermostat to the power supply.
5. Examination proper operation panel heating.
6. Applying the finishing coat.

Important! Carbon heated floors under tiles require the user to fill them with a screed or adhesive solution. Infrared heating does not need this procedure.

How to install electric floor heating

Major manufacturers of carbon heated floors

The market for electrical underfloor heating systems is diverse. An inexperienced user may get confused by offers from different manufacturers. As an example, it is worth considering the main manufacturers, their advantages and disadvantages:

1. Carbontek - heated floors made of heating fibers and thermoplastic. The main advantage of heating is its hidden installation. Even installation under decorative accessories (paint, wallpaper, etc.) is allowed. Using designs from Carbontec, you can organize heating of columns and corner areas.
2. Carbon heated floors Unimat. The company offers self-regulating and resistive designs for space heating. The price segment of products varies from low to elite class. The end consumer chooses the company for the quality and reliability of its heating systems. The disadvantage is high energy consumption. When laying tiles there will be problems with the glue - it will not stick.
3. Carbon heated floor Heat Plus. The South Korean organization occupies a leading position in the Asian market. The disadvantages include the fact that all consultants and salespeople of the company give false information that such a warm floor improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, increases tone, and has a beneficial effect on nervous system. Positive influence Warm infrared floors have not yet been proven. Therefore, to believe such statements is to deceive yourself. Otherwise, they are characterized by good insulation, ease of installation and durability.

It is worth understanding that in any case, the manufacturer will be responsible for the quality of its products, therefore it is always possible to replace devices if their damage is not the fault of the consumer. Otherwise, the choice of a company depends on the preferences of a particular person, information received about heating systems from friends, on thematic forums.

Flexible rods made of a composite material based on carbon (amorphous carbon), silver and graphite are used as heating elements.

Instructions for laying heated floors “GTmat”, previously the brand was called Unimat “Unimat”.

Before laying a carbon rod infrared heated floor, you should decide on the area on which it will be laid ( minimum area laying 50% of the total area of ​​the room). Depending on the length, width and configuration of the heated area, we will select the "GTmat" set according to the length and calculate the required quantity.

(loadposition Adsense)

The kit includes:

• Roll of carbon mat.
• Connecting wire NYM Russian equivalent - cable VVGzng.
• Heat shrink tubing CS.
• Connecting sleeves (SG).
• Corrugated tube.
• Assembly instructions and warranty.

“GTmat” configuration depending on the length of the mat:

"GTmat" length in m	Maximum power W	Connecting wire NYM m	Heat shrink tubes CS pieces	Connecting sleeves SG pieces	Corrugated pipe m	Technical certificate

PLEASE!!! Read all instructions completely before installing the GTmat.

“GTmat” heating mats are filled with “wet” thin screed or tile adhesive.

Prohibited:

• Install thermostats without disconnecting from the network.
• Lay thermal elements (mat ribs) overlapping.
• Do not turn on the GTmat until the screed or glue has completely dried earlier than 28 days after pouring.
• Avoid penetration into floor coverings heating mats any objects (nails, needles, bolts).
• Use "GTmat" without a thermostat. (Use thermostats only for infrared systems floor heating).
• You should not turn on the heated floor if the room temperature is above 35 ° C.
• Using "GTmat" without heat-reflecting material. (Use insulation for infrared underfloor heating systems).

Important:

Work on connecting the system must only be carried out by qualified personnel.

Be sure to check that all connections are secure.

The thermostat kit includes instructions for operating the thermostat. These instructions must be strictly followed when connecting the GTmat with a thermostat.

The corrugated pipe with the heat sensor must be placed next to the "GTmat" carbon mat rods! The sensor cannot be placed below thermal reflective material.

Preparation for installation of “GTmat”(module)

1. In order to install a heated floor, you need to purchase:

1.1 Thermostat(s) + thermostat dose box.

The thermostat must match maximum power consumption of the entire "GTmat" system, see table 1.

1.2 Floor temperature sensor.

• When laying the temperature sensor, it is necessary to use a corrugated pipe. First, you need to cut a groove in the floor to accommodate the corrugated pipe with the sensor. The sensor can be placed in the screed or tile adhesive above the insulation.
• Some thermostat models allow you to connect another temperature sensor, in particular an overheat sensor. The overheating sensor serves to emergency shutdown of the heated floor if the local temperature reaches 55 ° C.

1.3 Heat-reflecting material.

• As insulation to reduce heat loss, it is necessary to use a material with a reflective thermal effect (for example, isolon). It is prohibited to use heat-reflecting material that does not contain foil.

1.4 Mounting tape.

Table 1. Determination of the maximum power of the GTmat system

Total length of carbon mat, m
System power, kW

Installation instructions for heated floors "GTmat"

1. GTmat must be installed by a qualified person.

2. You will need the following materials and tools:

• "GTmat" set(s),
• Thermal reflective material,
• Thermostat(s),
• Floor temperature sensor,
• Screwdriver,
• Combination pliers,
• Wire crimping pliers,
• Stripper (insulation stripping tool),
• Scissors,
• Technical hair dryer,
• Mounting tape.

3. Measure the floor surfaces on which the heated floors will be installed. "GTmat" can be placed on the entire floor surface, even under furniture, because it will not lead to so-called "locking" and subsequent overheating.

4. Determine the most suitable location for the thermostat, such as near the light switch.

5. If you are using a floor sensor that is not protected from moisture, you should cut a groove in the floor to accommodate the corrugated tube with the sensor.

6. Clear the floor of foreign materials to prepare it for GTmat installation.

7. Lay 10 mm thick heat-reflecting material over the entire floor surface, leaving 5 cm of space from the wall around the entire perimeter. Attach it to the floor with glue, a stapler or mounting tape.

8. General scheme connections of the carbon mat "GTmat" and their connection with the thermostat are shown in the following diagram (). Start laying the GTmat from the location where the thermostat is installed. Place the "GTmat" mat 5 cm from the edge of the thermal insulation, the gap between the mats should be at least 5 cm. When you reach the wall, cut one connecting cable and rotate the mat 180°. The cut must be made in the middle of the power conductor, between the carbon rods. The heating elements (mat rods) must not touch each other or intersect. The maximum length of one "GTmat" strip or several connected strips connected to one thermostat should not exceed 25 meters.

Photo. 1. General connection diagram for “GTmat” floors.

Photo. 2. Separation of "GTmat" stripes.

9. Laying “GTmat” floors on a heat-reflecting surface.

Photo. 3. Lay "GTmat" on thermal reflective material by rotating the mat.

Photo. 4. "GTmat" is fixed with adhesive tape.

10. Connect the carbon mat to the NYM wires as shown in the diagram ().

Before connecting:

Remove the insulation from the wire (5-7 mm) with a special insulation remover (stripper).

Photo. 5. Wire without insulation.

Secure the connection sleeve by crimping it with crimping pliers.

Photo. 6. Secure the connection sleeve into the conductor heat pipe.

Also remove the insulation from the ends of the NYM wire.

Remove the heat shrink tubing from the connection set (CS) for the NYM conductors.

Photo. 7. Heat shrink tubing is included in the CS connection kit for NYM conductors.

Photo. 8. Secure the connection sleeve into the conductor heat pipe.

Using crimping pliers, connect the NYM conductor to the GTmat power core, press the pliers, clamping the connecting sleeve into the heat shrink tube.

Photo. 9. Fastening the connector using a hair dryer.

Using a technical hair dryer, put the heat shrink tube on the wire. Make sure the connection is free of defects.

Photo. 10. Attach the heat shrink tube using a heat gun.

Take the heat shrink tube from the connection set (CS) and attach it to the connection using a heat gun.

Also connect all "GTmat" strips.

11. Connect the thermostat according to the instructions.

Photo. 11. Installation of a temperature sensor in a corrugated pipe.

12. When installing the temperature sensor, follow these steps:

Photo. 12. Installation of the sensor in a corrugated pipe.

When installing a temperature sensor in a corrugated tube, it is necessary to place it in the cut hole, near the rod carbon mat.

Photo. 13. Installation of a temperature sensor between the rods of a heated floor with moisture protection.

When installing a moisture-proof temperature sensor without corrugated pipe, install the sensor between the rods on the heat-reflective substrate and secure it with mounting tape.

13. You can also install a temperature sensor for “Overheat Protection” if the thermostat supports this option.

14. Install a thermostat on the wall. Systems with a power greater than 2 kW must be connected independently to the electricity meter.

Photo. 14. Holes in thermal insulation.

15. Cut holes approximately 7x15cm in the heat-reflecting material to attach the screed or tile adhesive to the subfloor. Cut holes between the flexible rods in a staggered pattern, spaced 30cm apart. The holes must cover at least 30% of the total area of ​​the thermal reflective surface.

It is also possible to create holes along the entire length of the rods, but this may reduce the heating effect and increase energy costs.

After installation is completed, the heating systems must be checked.

16. Turn on the GTmat for 60 minutes. You can turn it up to the maximum the thermostat is designed for.

17. Installation of the heated floor is completed.

Instructions for laying heated floors in a screed

Photo. 15. Example, laying “GTmat” in a screed under laminate / carpet / linoleum, etc.

1. The screed is poured onto the “GTmat”.

The thickness of the screed must be at least 2 cm.

Photo. 16. Screed on "GTmat".

ATTENTION!

2. Use only special mixtures intended for pouring screeds of heated floors.

3. The surface of the screed must be flat; straighten it with a special tool (for example, a spatula or trowel).

4. Lay the flooring on the screed after it has completely dried (see manufacturer's instructions for specific mixtures).

5. The “GTmat” floor should be connected to the electrical network after the screed or glue has completely dried, no earlier than 28 days after pouring.

ATTENTION!

It is prohibited to lay floor coverings that could damage the insulation of the carbon mat.

Instructions for laying heated floors under tiles

Photo. 17. Examples of “GTmat” laying under / tiles, etc.

Photo. 18. Laying tiles on a carbon heated floor.

1. When laying tiles, only special floor mixtures can be used. The thickness of the glue must be at least 2 cm.

ATTENTION!

1. When laying tiles on GTmat, there is no need to fill the screed.

2. When laying tiles, use a plastic trowel to avoid damaging the insulation of the conductor or heating mat.

3. The “GTmat” floor should be connected to the electrical network after the screed or glue has completely dried, no earlier than 28 days after pouring.

• Use carbon underfloor heating and thermostats in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
• Do not use GTmat to dry wet surfaces. Turn off the GTmat and dry the surface naturally.
• When choosing a floor temperature level, the manufacturer recommends an upper limit of max. 30°C.
• If you do not use the heated floor for a long period of time during the cold season, you should not turn it off completely; set it to the minimum heating temperature.

A progressive room heating system is a carbon heated floor. The working heating elements built into its design are made of carbon, which is an alloy of amorphous carbon and silver. It has increased resistance to various types of influences.

Plastic rods in heaters come in three types: fiber, paste, cable. The power source for the entire system is a 220 V household power supply. The connection between the heaters is made in the form of thin copper plates with a high degree of protection. In continuous systems, the working parts are isolated from external influences on both sides by a durable film.

Operation of a carbon fiber floor

The effect of infrared radiation generated by carbon heated floors on the surrounding interior is somewhat different from the operation of classic electric heaters. The principle of operation of such a new product is not to heat the air, but to heat objects located in the room.

Radiation easily penetrates through the small thickness of the floor covering. An increase in the temperature of furniture or distribution of heat throughout the body of a person nearby is carried out evenly. The quality of heating is not affected by the following factors:

• moving air flows (ventilation, drafts, etc.);
• humidity level in the room (such heat does not dry out the air);
• arrangement of objects (radiation penetrates objects through).

Due to the fact that the main spectrum of radiation is the infrared range, which occupies up to 90% of the flux, there is a positive effect on the health of residents. With this specific type of heating, comfortable conditions are provided at a temperature that will be 3...5 0 C lower for the coolant than for classical heat sources powered by electricity. This approach gives a gain in efficiency of up to 20%, while there is no drying out of the air, which has a positive effect on people’s well-being.

Types of heaters

Warm floors, based on carbon elements, are distinguished by their low weight square meter, have high strength, allow self-installation even without the help of specialists, they have a high degree of corrosion resistance. There are two types for users:

• continuous film floors;
• warm core floor.

IN rod systems Assembly in the form of separate mats is provided. They contact each other through multi-core heat-resistant copper cables, having a cross-sectional diameter of up to 2.5 mm, and the outer surface is insulated with a three-millimeter shell.

The mats are self-regulating systems, which allows them to be installed even under furniture without fear of unwanted overheating. Above them, it is allowed to pour a screed up to 3 cm high from concrete or adhesive-based materials, which does not affect the performance properties.

In a continuous carbon film, heating is performed in a single carbon layer. It is allowed to cut the fabric (exclusively according to the marks established by the manufacturers) in order to distribute the material in the room as efficiently as possible. The material can withstand static loads from the weight of the furniture. Various models are available that have several layers of film, usually two or three. Polypropylene is the basis for applying graphite-carbon strips. Manufacturers use special industrial printers for this operation.

The continuous system has three working layers, as well as five protective coatings on both sides. This design provides the most effective protection against overheating.

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Performing installation

Laying a rod infrared heated floor, as a rule, does not cause difficulties even for builders with little experience. Available tools can be purchased at any hardware store if necessary.

Installation is carried out in a prepared screed or adhesive base. In many models, it is allowed to open stripes to a width that is a multiple of 10 cm. The length of such stripes is 20-25 m. You can use one of the diagrams below as a diagram

Option 1

Option 2

We use the following materials as components:

• Thermal insulating substrate

Thanks to it, thermal energy losses will be reduced, which will significantly increase the return on electricity used. In most cases, this material is a flexible polymer foam structure, up to 50 mm thick and with a Mylar film. The reflective surface must not be conductive.

• Connection kits

It consists of heat-shrinkable tubes and a pair of sleeves. In small rooms, one set is enough.

• End kit

It consists of a pair of thick-walled heat shrink tubes to cover each strip of mat.

• Thermostat

It comes with a digital temperature sensor. If necessary, the sensor can be purchased separately. Ensure the efficient operation of the infrared rod warm floor A thermostat will help, the operating power of which will be 15-20% higher than the peak load of the installed electrical system.

• Wires. The wiring of cables with double insulation is selected.

Required tools for installation

• construction knife or powerful scissors;
• pliers for stripping cable insulation;
• crimping pliers and wire cutters;
• a construction hair dryer, household models are unlikely to be suitable, as it has low power;
• single-sided and double-sided tape.

The site is cleared of foreign objects, leveled and cleaned. The most comfortable zone for installing the thermostat is selected. Most often it is placed closer to the entrance to the room. A vertical groove is made for laying the corrugated tube in which the cable will go.

A core heated floor is laid out on the surface. Next, it must be fixed to the base using a stapler, tape, or laid with glue. In this case, the strips with heat reflectors are fixed together with tape. Rolling should be done from the place where you plan to install the thermostat.

To unroll the strip, it must be cut and then unrolled by 1800 (snake). The strips are usually pressed down with tape. It is important not to cross the carbon rods with each other.

The strips are connected to each other with a prepared cable. In the cutting area, the end exits are protected. In this area we use a heat-shrink sleeve, crimping it with pliers. We also remove the insulation from the connecting wire and place a heat-shrink tube on its end. Using a sleeve, we connect the power cable and the connecting wire. The heat-shrinkable tube is moved to the resulting joint and heated with a hair dryer.

The first strip connects to the thermostat. Each set of heated floors contains detailed step-by-step instruction, according to which the thermostat is installed.

The final stage of installation is pouring screed or tile adhesive. The operation is performed directly on the heated floor rods. It is advisable to limit this height to 2-3 cm, including the thickness of the tiles. The launch is carried out no earlier than 28 days after filling.

Due to its ability to independently regulate the temperature, the carbon heating mat is called an intelligent system. The design of the carbon rods is organized in such a way that they constantly monitor the condition of the surface and, when cold spots are detected, adapt to them to increase the temperature. Carbon heated floors are always evenly heated - and this is their huge advantage compared to all other systems existing today.

VIDEO: Correct installation of carbon heated floors