N.B. These FAQs are intended as a guide only and we strongly recommend reading and familiarizing yourself fully with the relevant Instruction Manual before installing one of our products.
How do Electric Radiant Floor Heating Systems work?
Electric Floor Heating Systems work using a resistance wire which warms your Floor and emits radiant heat up into your room, ultimately warming you.
Are Electric Floor Heating Systems safe?
Yes, our LuxHeat Floor Heating Systems have been thoroughly UL Tested and Certified for use in the USA. Floor Heating Systems have no moving or exposed hot parts such as other Heating Systems.
Is Electric Floor Heating economical?
Electric Floor Heating has been proved to be more economical than almost all other Heating Appliances. Floor Heating warms you directly and does not warm the air thus eliminating wasted energy.
What do I need for a Floor Heating System?
A typical Floor Heating System includes the Heating product (either Cable or Mat), a Thermostat and a Floor Sensor. Although our thermostats include a Floor Sensor, we always recommend installing a backup. Sensors rarely fail, but if one does, installing a backup Sensor means that a small investment early on will save time and money in the long run. Only one Floor Sensor is connected at a time.
What should I know before beginning a Floor Heating installation?
Reading (or getting your installer to read) and following the steps set out in the Installation Manual is of paramount importance. Of particular importance is the testing of the Floor Heater and Floor Sensor at the intervals set out in the Installation Manual.
Can Heating Mats or Cables be used other than for heating floors?
Our Systems are designed and UL Certified for indoor floor heating only. We would not recommend any other applications.
Can any of the LuxHeat Floor Heating Systems be shortened?
No, none of the LuxHeat heating wires can be shortened under any circumstances as the heating wire is a fixed resistance wire designed for a specific length. If the wire is shortened, it will reduce resistance thus causing the heater to run too hot and in time fail. Also, every one of our LuxHeat cables has different ohms per foot, all designed to meet the UL recommended watts per foot. If this is changed not only, will it affect the performance of the heater, but in doing so, it will also be outside the UL approval. The warranty on the product will also be voided. It is important therefore that the correct size is purchased for the area that is to be covered.
Can the mesh of the Heating Mat be cut?
Yes, the mesh may be cut between the heating wires as this allows the Mat to be rotated or flipped when there is a need to change direction. A portion of the red heating wire can also be removed from the Mat if there is a need to get into small spaces. When removing wires from the mesh make sure the spacing between the loose wires is the same as the mat. The wattage of the heating wire is based on the length of the cable, so if the cable is cut it will change the heater’s output. NB - although the mesh may be cut, do not cut the red heating wire.
Does a Floor Heating System need to be connected to a dedicated circuit?
It is recommended to have a dedicated circuit. We recommend checking your local Electrical Code as this varies depending on the area.
Are OJ Microline Thermostats dual-voltage?
OJ Microline Thermostat’s are dual-voltage, and can be used to operate 120V, and 208V and 240V Heating Systems. N.B. - You cannot run 120V and 240V Heating Systems on the same circuit.
Can multiple Mats or Cables be connected to one Thermostat?
Multiple Heating Systems can be connected to one Thermostat so long as they are connected in parallel and do not exceed the maximum load. The maximum Thermostat load for 120V Systems is 1800 Watts (150sqft of Floor Heating) and 3600 Watts for 240V Systems (300sqft of Floor Heating).
Can the Floor Heating System be installed without being imbedded in mortar?
The LuxHeat floor heating system must be covered and imbedded with a mortar or self-leveling compound in order to provide sufficient heatsink and promote even heat distribution. Without this the system will overheat.
Can the System be installed directly under the Floor Covering?
The Floor Heating System must be covered in mortar or a self-levelling compound before the Floor Covering can be installed on top.
Can the System be installed on a plywood subfloor?
Yes, but the product must be completely covered and imbedded in mortar or a self-levelling compound.
Can the System be installed on a concrete subfloor?
Yes, but the product must be completely covered and imbedded in mortar or a self-levelling compound. With concrete subfloors it is recommended to place an insulating underlay underneath the Floor Heating System to reduce downward heat loss.
What Floor Coverings can be installed over LuxHeat Floor Heating Systems?
LuxHeat Floor Heating Systems are designed to heat Floor Coverings such as - Vinyl, ceramic/porcelain tiles, laminate, engineered wood, marble, granite, and concrete.
Can LuxHeat Floor Heating Systems be installed outdoors?
Our Floor Heating Systems are only UL Listed and certified for indoor floor heating: this product cannot be used outdoors.
Can LuxHeat Floor Heating Systems be installed in wet areas? Such as in a shower?
Yes, our Systems are rated for wet areas, however as with all heating for wet areas, both the splice (joint between heating wire and cold lead/black wire), and the termination (connection at the end of the heating wire), must be 2 feet outside the shower.
Can LuxHeat Floor Heating Systems be installed underneath the subfloor between the joists?
No - our Systems are only certified for use above the subfloor, imbedded in mortar or a self-levelling compound.
Why do the instructions state that the Heating Mat should be placed with the heating wires down on the sub-floor and the mesh on top, when the side with the sticky tape is reversed if you do?
The heating wires have been fixed to the self-adhesive (sticky) side of the mesh, thus using the self-adhesive mesh to hold the system in place, not the tape. It is therefore only necessary to apply the self-adhesive (sticky) tape to the non-sticky side of the mesh. The system uses the sticky mesh on one side, and when cut and rotated (i.e., around a fixture or when changing direction), it then uses the sticky tape to adhere the mesh to the floor. This promotes a flexible layout as both sides provide a self-adhesive option, the mesh on one side and the tape on the reverse side.
I have completed my installation; how long should I wait before turning on the Floor Heating System?
Installing a Floor Heating System involves using Thinset or Self-Leveling Underlayment (SLU). The Floor Heating cannot be turned on until these are fully cured. This curing process takes about two weeks. Turning the system on too early may force the screed to dry too quickly resulting in an unstable subfloor and/or damage to the Heating System.
How do you correctly calculate your room size or floor area?
You can calculate your floor area by multiplying the length by the width of the area you intend to heat, allowing for:
- a 3" gap from walls and fixtures
- a 6" gap from the center of a toilet drain
- an 8" gap from HVAC vents or other sources of heat
What is the thickness of the Heating Cable?
The Cable is about 3.5 mm or 9/64ths of an inch in thickness.
What is the recommended spacing between Heating Cable runs?
The standard spacing is 3" between heating wires which produces the standard distribution of 12 Watts/sq ft.
For the maximum distribution of 15 Watts/sq ft., alternate 2" and 3" spacing between wires.
The wires should never be closer than 2" to each other.
What are the dimensions of a Heating Mat?
The LuxHeat Heating Mat has a standard width of 20", and the length varies according to the System size, and can be calculated by dividing the square footage by 1.66. The Mat is only 1/8 of an inch thick.
Does the Thermostat have ground fault protection (GFCI) built in?
Yes, the OJ Microline Thermostats have a Class A GFCI built in. If you purchased an OJ Microline Thermostat, then no GFI breaker is required at the board. It is advisable not to have two GFI's on one circuit as they may interfere with one another.
My Thermostat is displaying an E2 Error, what does it mean?
The E2 Error indicates that External Sensor (Floor Sensor) is defective or not connected. In the event of a Floor Sensor not being installed, the Thermostat program can be set to use its built-in Air Sensor (also known as Ambient or Room Sensor).
How do I connect the Floor Sensor?
To connect the Floor Sensor, loosen the screw at the bottom of the Thermostat face plate, remove the face plate and connect the Sensor to Terminals (c) & (d).
I need a Distributor ID to set up my WiFi Thermostat - what is it?
The Distributor ID is 20060.
I have forgotten the password for my WiFi Thermostat - what can I do?
If you have forgotten your password, you can reset this yourself by heading to https://mythermostat.info and entering your Username (which is the email you used to set up the account) and select "Forgot password?".
When will I receive my Order?
Orders placed Monday through Friday before 12:00 PM are shipped the same day, while orders placed in the afternoon are shipped out the next business day. Orders placed on the Weekend or Holidays are shipped the next business day. Transit time is usually 2-3 days.
What is your Return Policy?
We have a 100-day FREE returns policy. To qualify for a full refund all products must be in their original condition, refer to terms and conditions.