Main characteristics and types of thermostats for electric heated floors

Warming your home with electric heated floors is a convenient and effective solution. The thermostat, which enables you to regulate the temperature and guarantee ideal comfort, is a crucial part of this setup. Knowing the key features and varieties of thermostats will assist you in selecting the best option for your heated floor system.

For electric heated floors, there are primarily two types of thermostats: programmable and non-programmable. You can program a thermostat to automatically heat the floor at predetermined times by creating a heating schedule. This can be especially helpful in lowering energy usage and making sure the floor is heated only when necessary. Conversely, non-programmable thermostats need to be manually adjusted but are frequently easier to operate.

Whether the thermostat is digital or analog is another crucial feature to take into account. In addition to offering more accurate temperature control, digital thermostats frequently have features like touchscreen displays and remote access through smartphone apps. Although analog thermostats are more straightforward and usually have a dial for adjusting the temperature, they can be more dependable and simpler to use for people who value simplicity.

Advanced features like floor and ambient temperature sensors are also available on certain thermostats. By modifying the heat output in response to both the surface temperature of the floor and the ambient temperature of the space, these sensors aid in the maintenance of a constant temperature. Both comfort and energy efficiency may be increased in this way.

Think about your preferences and lifestyle when selecting a thermostat for your electric heated floors. A digital thermostat that can be programmed and accessed remotely might be the best option for you if you value technology and convenience. An analog thermostat that isn’t programmable might be a better fit if you like simple controls. You can choose the ideal thermostat to improve your home’s warmth and comfort by being aware of these important features and types.

Main Characteristics	Types of Thermostats
Temperature Control	Manual Thermostats
Energy Efficiency	Programmable Thermostats
Ease of Use	Smart Thermostats
Compatibility	Wi-Fi Thermostats

What is a thermostat?

An apparatus that regulates and controls the operation of underfloor heating of the electric variety is called a thermostat. The tool is employed for:

1. Floor temperature control. The device reacts to the parameters of the heating elements or surfaces and, based on this data, turns the heater on or off.
2. Room temperature control. A larger type of device, in terms of the device. Reacts to changes in air temperature in the entire room.
3. Reduces electricity consumption. Periodic downtime of the heater allows you to save electricity.

Additionally, the regulator keeps the heater from overheating, reducing the risk of overheating and fire in the room.

Electric and water-heated floors are the two varieties available today. The general electrical circuit is not turned off by a water thermostat. It signals the water valve to be blocked.

When specific temperature thresholds are reached, an electric floor thermostat only partially turns on the power circuit.

Features of the device and design

Thermostats come in two varieties: mechanical and electronic. Their equipment is the only difference. They are set up essentially in the same way:

1. Temperature sensor. Monitors the temperature in the room or on surfaces.
2. Contact block. Allows you to close or open the electrical circuit.
3. Temperature controller. Allows you to adjust the operating range of the floor by temperature.

For ease of adjustment, the block is mounted directly on the wall. In this instance, the temperature sensor has three options: it can be surface-mounted, integrated into the floor, or it can sense the room’s ambient temperature.

Operating principle

The floor thermostat operates on the basis of the temperature sensor’s response. Next, we’ll use a mechanical device as an example to explain the working principle:

1. The owner turns the regulator handle to the required position, which corresponds to the circuit shutdown temperature. In this case, the circuit turns on, voltage is supplied to the heating element of the warm floor.
2. The heating element heats the floor, increasing the temperature of the surface, the air around it, and the heater itself.
3. When the set temperature is reached, the sensor opens the contacts and the electrical voltage stops being supplied to the heating element. It switches off.
4. The temperature gradually decreases, the sensor cools down and closes the electrical circuit again. Heating resumes.

On mechanical devices, a bimetallic plate is installed as a sensor. When the temperature rises and falls, it bends.

Varieties

According to equipment and device, there are currently only three primary types of thermostats. Below is a thorough explanation of every kind.

By control method

Mechanical

Some of the most basic gadgets are mechanical thermostats. They include:

1. Plastic case.
2. Temperature sensor. Can be built-in or remote, is a flexible plate.
3. Contact block.
4. Position control handles.

The gadget works on a straightforward idea. The user adjusts the value for cutting the power circuit by rotating the handle. The circuit opens and stops the heating when it reaches this value. The heating element can be turned on or off with this device.

An electric cable-heated warm floor is a good fit for this kind of device. The device’s affordability, suitability for repairs, and simplicity of installation are its advantages.

The sole disadvantage is that with time, the plate’s elasticity deteriorates and the reaction time to heating and cooling is broken.

Electronic

Electronic regulators have a sensitive filling and are smaller in size. The apparatus is made up of:

1. Plastic case with setting and control buttons.
2. Contact block for power supply and shutdown.
3. Block with software.
4. Remote or built-in temperature sensor. A copper capsule with paraffin is used as a sensor.

The working principle is comparable to how a mechanical device works. The scene is the only thing that differs. More exact settings are available to the owner for the temperature at which the heating is turned on and off. Inbuilt timer and visual temperature control are also features. The device’s complexity is the only factor that affects functionality.

Electronic versions work well with all kinds of flooring, particularly for large-space heaters. Benefits of the apparatus:

1. Finner temperature adjustment.
2. High response accuracy.
3. The ability to visually control data.

The devices’ sole drawback is their increased cost and some installation complexity. It is necessary to have both knowledge and experience.

Programmers

This kind of gadget is a more intricate variety of thermostat. They also include contact relays, temperature sensors, and adjustment parts. The floor and air temperature control sensors can be integrated into the device simultaneously.

One unique aspect of these devices is their remote control capability over various parameters and functions through a separate Wi-Fi channel. The owner has remote control over the temperature, timer, and operating time of the heating system. There is also a notification available if the mode of operation changes. One benefit of these devices is:

1. Wide functionality.
2. Compact dimensions.
3. Paul and air temperature control.
4. Remote management and the possibility of obtaining alerts.

The primary drawbacks are the expensive price and the requirement to hire experts for device setup and installation. Underfloor heating systems that use cables or films can be used with this device.

Digital for two heating zones

Programmers and multi-zone underfloor heating controllers are similar in terms of functionality and design. Their capacity to gather temperature information and modify heater settings from various rooms is one of their features.

It is not necessary to install multiple regulators. In addition, the user has remote control. Using a separate timer for each room, one can adjust the temperature and the operating moment. Data is transmitted over a different channel in order to exercise control. Benefits

1. One device for the whole house. No need to install several devices.
2. Remote control.
3. Individual settings for each room.

The high cost and difficulty of installation are further drawbacks. The apparatus is compatible with cable and film systems. But because of the variations in electrical resistance, every room needs to have the same kind of system.

Type of sensors

The core component of the thermostat is the temperature sensor. The location of the regulator’s installation determines its response time and on/off duration.

Floor temperatures

A floor temperature sensor is a surface-mounted or remotely mounted component that is placed directly beneath the floor. One such device is mounted in a separate tube in film heaters.

The floor’s temperature or the system’s heating components cause the sensor to react. A separate cable carries the signal from the sensor to the contact block. Any kind of electric floor heater can use remote sensors. Considering that it is positioned as close to the heater as feasible, it responds with great accuracy. When a room has multiple heating sources (such as air conditioners, fireplaces, and stoves), it is utilized. Benefits

1. Fast response.
2. High protection against overheating.

Air temperature

Temperature sensors are integrated into programmers and electronic and mechanical thermostats. The sensor is a bimetallic plate that bends when heated enough to disable the circuit and in the opposite direction when cooled enough to allow the circuit to remain operational. Any kind of underfloor heating system can use it, as long as there aren’t any additional heating appliances.

Benefits

1. Simplicity of design.
2. Control of the temperature of the entire room.

The heightened reaction time and potential for inaccurate temperature determination are the drawbacks of integrated sensors. These gadgets have the ability to detect temperature increases brought on by sunlight and activate certain gadgets.

Having thermostats for electric heated floors is crucial to keeping your house cozy and energy-efficient. There are several varieties of thermostats available, such as manual, programmable, and smart models, with varying degrees of convenience and control. When selecting a thermostat, important factors to take into account are compatibility with your heating system, temperature accuracy, and ease of use. Homeowners can choose the ideal thermostat for their needs by being aware of these features and types, guaranteeing effective and efficient heating.

How to choose the right?

It’s important to take into account the following details when selecting a thermostat:

1. Simple mechanical models are suitable for small-area systems, up to 100 m 2 . If the area is larger, it is worth choosing an electronic analogue.
2. In the absence of extraneous heating devices, the best choice would be a device with a remote sensor. It will protect the heater from overheating.
3. For wooden floors and houses, surface-mounted models (open installation) are selected. They are safer in case of overheating and short circuit.

It is important to take into account the devices’ cost, the difficulty of installation, and the necessity of calling experts. One more criterion might be the challenge of comprehending multiple settings.

Rating of the best manufacturers

Let us examine the most well-liked and optimal thermostats in every aspect.

Teplolux 510

A straightforward electromechanical thermostat housed in a built-in design. featuring a sensor for the operational status of diodes. has three heating modes to choose from: low, medium, and high. featuring an integrated temperature sensor. Features:

1. Three operating modes.
2. Temperature range from + 5 to + 45 degrees.
3. Number of switching on more than 100 thousand.
4. Operating status indicator.
5. Built-in fuse.

The gadget comes with a plastic housing that doesn’t catch fire. Fit for cable-heated underfloor heating systems. About 1,500 rubles in price.

Teplolux 515

Gadget of the electronic kind. Suitable for underfloor heating systems with cable and film. Features include a timer, backlight, and an informative display that allows you to get temperature information. Two sensors—a built-in one for air control and a remote one for floor temperature control—are the unique feature. Features:

1. Minimum temperature range 1 degree.
2. Operating ranges from + 3 to + 45 degrees.
3. 2 sensors.
4. Built-in housing.
5. Network load up to 3 kW.

Convenient control keys and a child protection feature are features of this model. Roughly four thousand rubles.

A video review of the model:

MCS 350 Tuya

Versatile programmer for all types of heating systems. able to be included into the "Smart Home" framework. The parameters of the heating system are controlled and adjusted via a mobile application specifically designed for that purpose. Features:

1. Interaction with the user via Wi-Fi.
2. 2 sensors: built-in and remote.
3. Possibility of remote adjustment of the operating mode.
4. Temperature modes from + 2 to + 40 degrees.
5. Child protection.

The model features a touch keyboard, updates, and a self-diagnosis feature for the system. Roughly eight thousand rubles.

Installation rules

Electric floor thermostats are installed with consideration for the following factors:

1. Maximum height from the floor is not less than 80 cm.
2. Power supply is installed through a separate circuit breaker.
3. Regulators with a built-in sensor are not mounted near windows, heat sources, or other heating devices.
4. Remote sensors are installed closer to the center of the floor. For film heaters, a separate niche is mounted for the tube.

It is worthwhile to take installation nuances into account as well. It is not permitted to install built-in devices in plasterboard and wooden walls.

Connection rules

It’s very easy to connect an electronic or electromechanical thermostat:

1. A separate circuit breaker is mounted in the electrical panel.
2. A separate power cable is taken from it, the cross-section of at least 3-4 mm 2 .
3. The power cable is connected to the terminals "L" and "N" on the device.
4. The power supply of the floor heating element is connected to the terminals "L load" and "N load".
5. A remote temperature sensor is connected to the "NTS" terminals.

The connection is still there even if the device doesn’t have a remote sensor—it just doesn’t have "NTS" terminals.

Adjustment Features

The ideal temperature in the space is taken into consideration when adjusting the thermostat. For electromechanical devices, simply flipping the switch to one position will allow you to monitor the device’s level of heating and shutdown time. The settings on electronic regulators are a little more intricate:

1. It is necessary to set the current date and time.
2. When equipped with several sensors, first select one in the function menu and set its temperature threshold.
3. The second sensor is set in the same way.

Next, you can set a different time for the device to turn on depending on the day of the week or the time of day. Electronic device setup can vary. Setting the operating modes’ temperature is crucial.

Pros and cons of use

There are several benefits to connecting a thermostat to a heated floor system:

1. Maintaining a stable temperature in the room.
2. Protection of the heating element from overheating.
3. Protection from voltage surges.
4. Prevention of possible fire during a short circuit.

Selecting a high-quality model of this device can be challenging, which is its only drawback.

For your electric heated floor to maximize comfort and energy efficiency in your home, select the appropriate thermostat. The three most important features to take into account are usability, connectivity, and programmability. You can reduce your energy expenses by creating schedules with programmable thermostats that correspond to your daily routine. Even more convenience and versatility are provided by smartphone app-controlled smart thermostats.

There exist multiple varieties of thermostats designed for electric heated flooring. Simple thermostats are frequently the most affordable choice and offer manual control. You can greatly increase efficiency by establishing heating schedules with programmable thermostats. By connecting to your Wi-Fi network at home, smart thermostats allow for integration with other smart home devices and remote control.

Consider your lifestyle and how you use your space when choosing a thermostat. A programmable thermostat can make sure your floors are warm when you need them to be and save energy when you don’t if you follow a regular schedule. Perhaps a smart thermostat is the best option for people who want more automation and control over their environment. It’s also critical to take compatibility with your heating system and ease of installation into account.

In the end, the effectiveness and performance of your electric heated floors can be significantly impacted by the choice of thermostat. You can improve the comfort and energy management of your home by making an informed decision by being aware of the main features and types that are available. Whether you choose a simple, programmable, or smart thermostat, the objective is to create a cozy, comfortable space as effectively as possible.

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