The Pyrotenax heating system, available from Floor Heating Systems has many benefits for both the builder and the end user.
As the heating cable is actually embedded into the concrete slab, there is no need for costly and unnecessary building modifications and there is no additional reinforcement or increase in slab thickness necessary.
Electric floor heating is efficient, safe, silent, clean and economical when used in conjunction with the attractive off-peak tariffs available from many supply authorities.
The heart of the system is the Pyrotenax heating cable - consisting of a copper or copper alloy conductor surrounded by compressed magnesium oxide mineral insulation. This is protected by a seamless copper sheath with an outer serving of polyethylene.
Floor plan
The areas or rooms of the building to be heated may be treated individually or be divided into a number of zones, each with its own heating requirement.
In a typical domestic installation the kitchen, family room and living room may be arranged as one zone and the bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways as a second. These zones require independent thermostatic controls.
When each area is heated individually and has its own thermostat, greater flexibility and temperature control is achieved.
Although this involves a slight increase in cost at the installation stage, the benefits must be considered over the long term operation of the heating system that is control of running costs.
Architects or builders plans should incorporate the element layout and be retained to determine the correct placement of the heating cables for installation and future reference.
Thermostats
Two popular types of thermostats are the conventional air type and the in-slab type. Room air thermostats should be positioned on the wall out of direct sunlight and draughts, approximately 1.5m from the floor, in the heated area. With the slab thermostat more immediate and effective control of the heating system can be obtained.
Estimation of heat requirements
A standard table of loading per square metre of floor is used to determine the kW loading required. These loadings have proved themselves over many years to be satisfactory under normal conditions.
Installed loadings vary from state to state due to the variations in minimum ambient temperature and/or electricity supply periods available.
In temperate areas or in areas with a 12 hour or more electricity supply period, use the wattage densities towards the lower end of the range. In cooler areas or exposed locations, as well as for buildings with cathedral ceilings large areas of glass or suspended floors, use wattage densities at the upper end of the range.