Everyone strives to create the most comfortable atmosphere in their home using various modern technologies home improvement, one of which is heated floors. It not only warms the room, but also gives a feeling of comfort.
Installing a heated floor is a fairly simple procedure, but malfunctions that may arise during operation can cause inconvenience to the owner. Most often, owners of heated floors encounter a breakdown of the temperature sensor, which can be detected during an inspection.
In order to find out how to check the serviceability of the heated floor sensor, you need to take a closer look at the functioning of heated floors in general.
Heated floor installation
The heating cable/heating film, thermostat and temperature sensor are the main elements of a heated floor, the functioning of which may be impaired.
How does the "warm floor" system work?
- Electric current is supplied through the heating cable, heating the conductor, then the heat flows through the insulating sheath to the concrete screed/floor covering and is distributed further.
- The main function of the thermostat is to compare the temperature set by the user with the ambient temperature: if it is lower, the corresponding elements are activated and the floor is heated.
- A temperature sensor is a resistor whose resistance is directly proportional to temperature. In case of any malfunction of the system, a preliminary check must be performed to help ensure that the heated floor temperature sensor has broken down.
Connecting a heated floor without a thermostat to determine the performance of the floor
Stopping the heat sensor may be due to a breakdown of the thermostat or heated floor. The performance of a heated floor can be checked by connecting it to a 220V network without a thermostat. After applying voltage, you must wait about an hour; if the floor becomes warm, then the cause of the malfunction is the thermostat.
When connecting the heated floor in this way, the system will operate at full capacity, and when heated to the set temperature, it will not turn off. In addition, energy consumption will also increase.
Checking the thermostat and sensor for functionality
If, when connecting a heated floor without a temperature regulator, it was discovered that this element is faulty, the next step should be to check the functioning of the regulator or sensor. To do this you need to do the following:
- Guided by the wiring diagram indicated in the passport, check the correctness of their location;
- set the temperature regulator to the minimum value;
- Apply 220V voltage to the thermostat and check the voltage supplied to the temperature regulator (pins 1 and 2). Its value should be 220V;
- move the toggle switch to the on position;
- turn the thermostat to the maximum clockwise (when the temperature rises, a working regulator will hear a click when the relay is activated; if the relay is faulty, constant clicks will be heard). After that, voltage must be applied to pins 3 and 4.
The functionality of the thermostat can be established when the temperature decreases; in this case, the voltage supply to the system is stopped using a relay.
The temperature sensor should be checked if there is no voltage on pins 3 and 4 when the temperature is switched to maximum. The resistance of the temperature sensor decreases as it heats up, so in order to check its serviceability, it is necessary to measure the resistance and compare it with the value indicated in the device passport. Any deviations in this value require replacement of the heated floor temperature sensor.
When using programmable thermostats, if the temperature sensor fails, the corresponding information appears on the control panel.
Debugg
Replacing the sensor
If checking the heated floor temperature sensor shows that it is faulty, and the design of the thermostat requires its replacement, then the element should be replaced and the system will begin to function as before. The average cost of a sensor per wound varies from 350 to 600 rubles.
It is worth considering in advance that the sensors on the market differ in type and resistance. If you are deciding how to replace a heated floor temperature sensor, you can contact the consultants on our website, and after specifying the model, store managers will help you select the appropriate type of sensor.
For communication, you can use the contacts indicated in the header of the site, as well as the online consultant form.
Replacing the thermostat
A failed thermostat can be replaced with universal thermostat models: or. The peculiarity of these models is that they can work in fractions of time, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Warm water floors from the category of exotic heating become a type of heating known to many users interior spaces for various purposes. If the insulation of the building meets modern strict requirements, and the room small sizes, then it can be the main one. In all other cases, a warm water floor is used as additional heating.
The nature of the application is also influenced by the climatic zone of the building's location; in warm regions, water floors are in most cases installed as the main heating. In regions with cold and long winters, this option is not used; the effective power to create comfortable temperatures is insufficient. And heat the floor to very high temperatures for many reasons it is impossible.
The comfort of staying in the premises, the duration and safety of operation of the systems largely depends on the operating modes of water heating. To control and regulate operating parameters, thermostats for water heated floors are used. There are a huge number of them, but according to the principle of operation, the devices are divided into only a few large groups. Before you begin to consider the principle of operation of thermostats, you need to become familiar with the methods and parameters for adjusting the heating temperature. This knowledge will provide an opportunity to better understand the functioning features various types thermostats.
Water heating at home has several systems for each room; sometimes there can be two or more circuits in one room.
Each system and each circuit must be independently regulated. The process is carried out through a collector - a device to which the inputs and outputs of all circuits are connected.
A pump is installed to supply water; the amount of coolant supplied is regulated by various valves. To monitor temperature indicators, there are sensors; valves can be controlled by servo drives.
If the sensor shows a decrease in the floor temperature, then the amount of warm water increases and vice versa, when the temperature rises above the set parameters, the consumed volume of water decreases. Servo drives must be mounted on each circuit separately and controlled by sensors. Thermostats for selecting heating parameters are installed in rooms or in a special common control panel (if there are many rooms and a single control panel is required).
The use of thermostats and servo drives in thermostats makes it possible to fully automate the functioning of the system; heating is easy to maintain; thermostats are able to not only maintain temperature values in specified modes, but also independently turn on/off the heating in the event of a long absence of people. Automation saves up to 30% of energy without worsening the living conditions of people in the premises.
What can thermostats control?
Depending on the type of heating, thermostats can regulate the following parameters:
- floor temperature. Sensors are installed in close proximity to the heating circuit and indicate the degree of heating of the finished floor covering. They are used in small circuits and low-power water systems used only as additional heating;
- air temperature in the room. For these thermostats, the sensors are mounted directly in the thermostat housing. The parameters are adjusted taking into account the comfortable room temperature. They are used on powerful systems and only in houses that have thermal insulation that meets the requirements of the standards. Otherwise, large losses of coolants make its operation unprofitable;
- combined. Heating parameters are controlled taking into account the readings of two sensors: in the room and next to the heating system. Rarely used only for the most modern systems. If desired, control can be carried out based on the readings of one of the installed sensors.
Warm water floor - temperature distribution
The choice of a specific thermostat takes into account the maximum amount technical characteristics heating system, building heat saving indicators, climate zone location and wishes of the customer.
Types and brief characteristics of thermostats
Industrial companies have mastered the production of a wide range of different thermostats, which makes it possible to control all water floor heating systems in atomic mode.
- Mechanical thermostats.
The simplest, cheapest and most reliable devices. They have a protective casing made of durable plastic. The temperature is regulated by turning the thermostatic head; the devices do not require high maintenance costs. The temperature is selected by turning a special disk with a gradation scale.
On some models, a valve is installed to completely turn on/off the system. Disadvantage - constant temperature control is required; changes in indicators are made only in manual mode. Unscrupulous manufacturers may produce devices that incorrectly display the temperature. Practitioners advise in all cases to check their readings with an installed accurate thermometer. If the data differs significantly, then the adjustment must be made taking into account the differences.
- Remote touch. Parameters are configured using the touch panel and can be controlled by remote controls. More modern models, make temperature control much easier. They have several adjustment options. Reliability and safety of operation largely depend on the manufacturer. You should not save, real losses can far exceed the difference in price.
- Ordinary electronic. Functionality almost no different from sensory ones. On the case there is a small screen and a set of buttons for creating a program for the functioning of the heated floor.
- Electronic programmable. Some of the most complex ones allow you to create a heating system operating program for a week and by time of day.
This allows you to maintain comfortable temperature in the premises only during the presence of people, during the rest of the period the heating is switched to standby mode. Due to such opportunities, financial losses for the maintenance of premises during the heating season are significantly reduced. Devices can be connected to the system if desired. smart House", heat savings reach 30%. In addition, users can increase the temperature in the rooms when they arrive, making their stay in the premises more comfortable.
Programmable thermostats can simultaneously control several separate hydronic underfloor heating systems. Disadvantages: high cost and complexity of adjustments; installation, adjustment and start-up work should only be performed by a specially trained technician. Before starting operation, you must carefully study the attached instructions; gross violations of the rules of use can damage the expensive equipment.
- Radio controlled. Rarely used due to unreasonably high cost. In terms of their technical capabilities, they are no different from those described above, but the price can increase significantly. The difference is that the servomechanisms are controlled not through low voltage cables, but using radio signals. The radio thermostat receives sensor readings and transmits them to the radio controller. The latter, after processing the data, sends radio signals to the drive mechanisms for supplying warm water. Each device has its own receiver and transmitter, which significantly increases the price. In addition, this complicates repair work; most parts have to be completely replaced with new ones. It is advisable to install such thermostats in elite premises where the presence of external conductive cables is not welcomed by the owners.
How thermostats work
The operation of devices is possible only in combination with additional equipment and sensors; each element performs its own functions. The equipment is installed on the wall or in a separate panel and on the switching center.
- Sensors
- Mounted next to the heating system or in the thermostat housing, they show the actual temperature at the installation sites. Signals are transmitted via wires or radio. Thermostats
- process the received information and send response signals to the servos. Pump control module. Fires only when at least one is open heating system
- or a separate circuit. Servo drives open/close supply valves hot water
, have direct connections with thermostats. To increase operational safety, install safety valves and protection fittings electrical equipment
from overheating and ultra-high short circuit currents.
The choice of a specific thermostat model for a water floor depends on many conditions: the purpose and size of the room, the method of connecting the coolant, the finishing materials of the floor, the climatic zone of residence, the presence of main or additional heating systems.
- What criteria should you use to select devices?
- Price. The cheapest mechanical ones. They are reliable in operation and universally usable. In addition, such devices are very reliable, they are almost impossible to disable due to negligence. Perfect for those users who have small children.
- Electronic. Expensive devices require careful attention and allow you to create the most favorable living conditions in the rooms. They can have various modifications and technical capabilities; in terms of cost they are among the most high category. Recommended for use during heating installation in luxury buildings. The price can reach $500 or more.
Mechanical regulator
A separate mechanical device must be installed on each circuit, its technical specifications do not allow you to control the temperature of several rooms at the same time.
In order to control the heating temperature depending on the room temperature, you need to purchase room thermostat and by rotating the head set the required temperature. Some models can be connected to chronometers, which allows you not only to maintain a comfortable temperature at different periods of time, but also save significant money.
The servo drive has a motor with two-way rotation. Depending on the phase of the signal supplied by the thermostat, the rotor rotates clockwise or counterclockwise. Accordingly, the valve increases or decreases the nominal clearance of the pipelines. All work must be carried out in compliance with the PUE; the equipment operates on a voltage of 220 V.
Video - Thermostat for water floor
To create comfort and coziness both in private houses and apartments, electric floor heating is used. In order for the heated floor system to operate automatically and also be economical, it is necessary to install and connect additional reliable electronic equipment that maintains the temperature in a given mode. This equipment is a temperature controller and a temperature sensor. Before installing them, it is recommended to understand the principle of operation, as well as master the basic connection and installation techniques. In this article we will describe in detail how to install a heated floor temperature sensor, and also provide a diagram of its connection to the network.
Design and purpose of a temperature sensor
So, the temperature sensor for a heated floor system is a thermistor protected by a glass bulb, and also has a copper conductor about 3 meters long for connection to the thermostat. In addition to the glass bulb for tile floors, the temperature sensor itself is also protected by a gel shell. The conductor is insulated with high-quality PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to protect it from external influences and damage. The length of the conductor can be increased, and naturally, reduced, up to 50 meters, the main thing is that there is an undamaged sensor at the end of the conductor.
To easily replace it in the future, it is recommended to place this design into a metal-plastic tube, even if the manufacturer included a plastic corrugation with a diameter of 16 mm. Metal-plastic pipe It has a smoother inner surface, so it is much easier to remove and install, as well as connect a new temperature sensor in case of failure. These types of temperature sensors are installed in solid floor coverings(under tiles or porcelain stoneware).
The principle of operation of the temperature sensor is very simple; when the temperature changes, its resistance changes, thereby giving a signal to the thermostat to turn on or off the heated floor system from 220 V, the most common network in everyday life.
Installation sequence
Let's move on directly to the installation of the heated floor and temperature sensor. First you need to determine the location of the thermostat, which will be located outside. It is most often located at a height of about 1 meter from the floor. Its mounting is similar to a regular socket.
Then you need to make grooves or grooves for laying two plastic pipes. One for the power wire leading to the heating element, the other for the sensor wiring. The tube for the temperature sensor will be located on the floor. Such a gasket will make it possible to carry out renovation work, at least by replacing control elements. It is not possible to completely replace the heating element if it is installed in a screed. It is important that when laying a pipe or cable corrugation there are as few bends and turns as possible. This will simplify the replacement of a failed temperature sensor in the future.
The video below explains helpful advice for installing a heated floor sensor in a corrugation:
The next step is thermal insulation, it is performed for different types heating elements individually, for example, for a heating cable it is used as a damper tape or other insulation, the thickness of which is at least 1.5–2 cm. After this, the heating element is installed and secured with the wires connected to the thermostat box.
Installing and connecting a heated floor temperature sensor has its own subtleties. In order to prevent solution from getting inside the tube where the sensor is located, its end on the floor is securely sealed with electrical tape or tape. It is not recommended to connect the entire system through an outlet; it is better to supply power from and through the (starter).
The temperature sensor should be installed at a distance of 0.5 to 1 meter from the wall on which the thermostat is installed, and also exactly in the middle between two adjacent turns of the heating cable. After installation, it is recommended to secure the temperature sensor with mounting tape or foil tape.
If produced, the temperature sensor must be installed under the heater sheet, as shown in the photo below. Please note that thermal insulation must be laid under the temperature sensor, otherwise the heating system will not be effective.
Important point! The location of the temperature sensor should be selected so that it is away from other heating sources. Otherwise, errors will occur and the warm floor will not work as it should.
The connection diagram for the heated floor temperature sensor is as follows:
Before you make the screed, you need the temperature sensor itself. As a rule, the resistance of both elements is measured. The system is considered operational if the resistance differs by no more than 10% from the passport data.
In order to assembled circuit was as safe as possible, it is recommended in the premises where electric heating floor, install, which in the event of a breakdown will disconnect the circuit from the voltage, thereby protecting a person from falling under electric potential. In damp areas this can be deadly.
Selecting a thermostat
I would also like to touch upon the thermostat itself, which plays a very important key role in this heating system. There are the following types of temperature controllers for heated floors:
- Electromechanical. The clarity of such adjustment is approximate, so achieving a specific set temperature is quite problematic. The main advantage of such a device is its low price.
- Electronic. Installation a given value is performed using touch buttons and has fairly clear settings and the ability to set a limit temperatures down to one degree.
- Programmable electronic. By installing such an element, you can not only regulate temperature regime indoors, but also turn on the heating according to a schedule, or only if there is a person in the room.
By the way, some thermostats already have a built-in sensor, which makes it possible to control not only the temperature of the floor, but also the air in the room as a whole.
As a result, I would like to remind you about the rules for working with electrical equipment; all connection work is carried out with the power turned off. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that no one, except the person performing this work, accidentally supplies voltage dangerous to human health and life. This is where our technology for installing a heated floor temperature sensor with your own hands ends. We hope the information provided was useful to you!
Warm floors are responsible for creating comfortable atmosphere, which has a beneficial effect on well-being. The recommended temperature at the feet is 25°C, and in the head area – 21. It is this mode, which is optimal according to experts, that creates rising heat from the heated floor.
An integral attribute is a thermostat with a temperature sensor built into it - a device at the end of the cable that monitors the degree of heating. When the set values are reached, the heated floor automatically turns off, and when the indicator drops by half a degree, the system starts working again. This ensures a constant climate in the room. In addition, energy consumption is significantly reduced.
Types of sensors
These devices come complete with thermostats, which are divided into:
1. Mechanical. Their principle of operation is reminiscent of regulating the degree of heating on irons. The advantage is the cost. Disadvantages: manual mode setting, inability to monitor the temperature due to the lack of a monitor. Examples: BAXI KHG 714086910, Natural NTL-2000, TE 07.
2. Electronic. The presence of a liquid crystal display is the main difference from the previous type of thermostats. The construction market is represented by such brands as DEVI Devireg D-131, Electrolux ETB-16.
3. Programmable. Modern devices, automatically maintaining the set mode for a certain period. Characterized by high cost. Similar regulators include models such as Grand Meyer PST-2, Electrolux ETA-16, Caleo UTH-10E.
4. Sensory. They differ from those mentioned above in the way they are controlled.
5. “Smart” thermostat, equipped with or without WI-FI. The most expensive option with many features and settings. It allows you to control the heating via mobile devices. Often built into the wall, and therefore practically invisible.
A “smart” regulator transmits data to the owner’s computer, can monitor the weather forecast, and is often equipped with a built-in calendar. Representatives of the latest developments are able to determine whether there are people in the room. Examples of devices: MCS 300, Nest Learning Thermostat.
The sensors themselves for heated floors are classified according to two bases:
- installation location (internal and external);
- operating principle (digital and analogue).
It is better to place the external one in a dark place, away from heat sources. It is important to exclude the possibility of falling on it sun rays. The mounting height of the thermostat is approximately 1.5 meters from the floor. Devices for indoor installation mounted in a screed or under a film, close to the heating cable. To facilitate their replacement in the event of a malfunction, it is recommended to place the sensors in a pre-laid corrugated hose. They can be connected directly to the thermostat or through a junction box.
The difference between digital temperature sensors and analog ones is that they are more durable. In addition, they are less susceptible to information distortion when exposed to interference of various types. Depending on the model, thermostats can be responsible for the temperature of the floor heating, the air, or both at the same time. In the latter case, they are two-level and equipped with two types of sensors. Such thermostats are more effective at saving energy, since they receive information about both the state of the heating elements and the ambient temperature. They turn off the system when any of the sensors reaches the required values.
Thermostats are also controlled by infrared devices. Their advantage lies in the installation method. Such temperature sensors can be mounted at a considerable distance from the regulators and used to control the entire heating system.
Connecting such devices is advisable in bathrooms, saunas and similar rooms with high humidity. In this case, the heated floor sensor will be located inside, and the thermostat, to avoid damage, will be located in a dry place.
Tips for choosing
The use of internal sensors is justified in situations where underfloor heating systems are not the only source of heating. Otherwise, it will be necessary to install an additional external device.
Before purchasing a thermostat, you should:
1. Focus on power. Check the compatibility of the regulator with a particular type of floor. It happens that the parameters of the latter are higher than the capabilities of thermostats offered by stores. In such situations, it is necessary to connect a magnetic starter, which protects the device from overloads.
2. Decide on the set of desired functions. They will allow you to more effectively configure your floor heating system and increase efficiency.
3. Pay attention to the clarity and simplicity of the interface if there are children and elderly family members in the house.
4. Check the connection method. There are thermostats that are attached directly to the wall or mounted in a panel. It is recommended to give preference to the model that fits better into the interior of the room.
5. Ask the seller about additional features regulator For example, if you have heated floors in several rooms, you can use a dual-zone device that can provide temperature control in both systems.
6. Determine the feasibility of purchasing a programmable model if there are small children in the house. Such a thermostat is a technically complex device. The mechanical type is much stronger and does not cause much interest among children.
7. If the floor covering is laminate, it is better to buy a digital controller. It will allow you to more accurately set the temperature and protect the material from overheating.
Installation nuances
The future location of the thermostat is determined based on the power of the floor and the device. If it is connected directly to the panel, you will need a two-kilowatt circuit breaker. However, more often the device is connected to a power outlet. At the same time, the number of devices that it services is calculated. As a rule, the thermostat is placed at a height of 80-90 cm. When using air sensors, installation must be carried out in accordance with the attached instructions. Or read the recommendations on the manufacturer's website.
A floor sensor, previously placed in a hose, is installed 50-60 cm from the place where the thermostat is located. This will protect the device from damage and make it easy to replace it in case of failure. There are ways to check the temperature sensor for a heated floor to ensure it is working properly. First, you can use a multimeter for active resistance. In addition, many digital thermostats display information about sensor failure on monitors.
Installation procedure:
1. Assemble the junction box (if there is a non-mounted thermostat).
2. The floor and wall are being chipped.
3. Electrical wires are connected to the box, and the voltage supply is checked using a tester.
4. Then a cable is connected to the regulator through a corrugated hose and a groove.
5. Following the diagram above, the wires are connected.
6. The thermostat is installed in place.
7. Secured outer panel and regulator cover.
Before starting operation, it is necessary to check the operation of the heated floor. This requires:
- set the temperature to minimum;
- turn on the power supply;
- using the toggle switch, start the heating;
- Smoothly changing modes, make sure there is a click accompanying the connection of the heating elements.
As can be seen from the description, installation of the system is simple. Many people can do it. However, to be more confident that the installation is correct, it is better to entrust the connection to specialists.
Prices
To help you navigate the prices of thermostats, an overview table is provided below.