The LuxHeat Floor Heating Cable with Uncoupling Membrane provides one of the quickest, easiest ways to install a floor heating system in your home. LuxHeat Floor Heating Cables are guaranteed to yield luxurious, comfortable warmth to any indoor floor area for decades to come.
LuxHeat Floor Heating Cables offer a versatile floor heating solution with easy custom installations, while the included Uncoupling Membrane provides a premium cable fixing system, allowing for unlimited layout flexibility, while protecting your floor through crack isolation, load support and waterproofing.
We also provide in-depth video guides on the following:
- How to install a floor Heating mat system
- How to measure for heating floors
- How to install floor heating cables with fixing strips
- How to install uncoupling membranes
N.B. This is a basic overview of how to install floor heating cables with uncoupling membrane. We strongly recommend thoroughly reading and familiarizing yourself with our provided Installation Manual before proceeding with your floor heating cable installation.
1. Measure your Heated Area:
Before your heating cable installation, it is very important to accurately measure the area where the floor heating cable will be installed. Accuracy is crucial because the cable cannot be cut or shortened. Identify and mark the placement of any permanent fixtures, excluding these areas from your calculations. Avoid installing the heating cable under fixtures unless there is a minimum 4-inch air gap beneath them. After marking fixtures, measure the remaining area, considering the following perimeter setbacks:
- Maintain a 3-inch distance from any walls or fixtures.
- Maintain a 6-inch distance from the center of a toilet bowl.
- Maintain an 8-inch distance from HVAC registers or other heat sources.
It is recommended to measure your heated area before ordering to ensure you select the correct size LuxHeat heating cable. However, it is advisable to measure correctly again prior to installation as the cable cannot be cut or shortened if it is too large for your area.
2. Test the Heating Cable:
Ensure the rated voltage for the floor heating cable matches your supply voltage (120V or 240V). Use a multimeter to test the resistance and continuity of the cable, following the instructions provided in the Installation Manual. Record the test results in the test log. These tests are essential and must be conducted and logged at each of the following stages of the installation:
- Prior to the heating cable installation
- After lacing the heating cable
- After covering the cable with thinset or self-leveller
- After installing the flooring
3. Test the Floor Sensor:
Before installation, it is essential to test the floor temperature sensor following the guidelines in the Installation Manual. If the heating cable or floor sensor do not pass all the tests, please contact us immediately and do not proceed with installing the floor heating cable.
4. Prepare your Floor Area:
Before installing radiant floor heating, ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and free of debris. If necessary, level the subfloor to create a smooth, even surface. LuxHeat cables are compatible with both plywood and concrete subfloors. When installing on a concrete subfloor, consider using an insulating underlayment to minimize downward heat loss.
5. Install the Uncoupling Membrane:
Roll out the uncoupling membrane on your floor and measure and cut sections of the heat membrane to cover your floor area. The uncoupling membrane can be installed right to the edges of the room and will typically cover more area than your heater coverage1. Apply thinset to your subfloor and attach the sections of uncoupling membrane to the floor – making sure to properly align the sections so that the channels all match up. Firmly push down on the membrane with the included wooden float to ensure it securely bonds to the subfloor.
1We include additional uncoupling membrane in our kits.
6. Plan the Thermostat Position and Cable Layout:
Choose an easily accessible location for your thermostat, ensuring it is away from any shower openings and not behind any doors. Plan to start laying the cable at the room's edge, making sure the cold lead can reach the thermostat.
7. Connect the Installation Monitor:
Route the cable's cold lead up the wall conduit to the thermostat junction box, then attach the provided LuxHeat installation monitor alarm to the leads. This alarm monitors the continuity of the heating cable and alerts you if any damage occurs to the wires during installation. After each test, reattach the installation alarm to the cable.
8. Install the Floor Heating Cable:
Installing a heating cable with uncoupling membrane is a breeze. Beginning at the Thermostat, run the cable in the membrane channels spacing your runs three studs apart. Use the wood float to press the cable firmly between the membrane studs.
N.B. The heating cable runs must NEVER touch, cross, or be closer than 2” to each other.
9. Install the Floor Sensor:
Place the floor sensor probe at least one to two feet into the heated area, ensuring it is positioned directly between two heating cable runs. This positioning ensures that the sensor gets an accurate reading of the floor temperature. Carefully route the sensor wire up the wall conduit to the thermostat box, making sure it does not touch or cross any heating wires.
10. Cover the Floor Heating Cable:
Perform another test to ensure the system is functioning properly, then prepare to cover the heating cables with thinset or a self-levelling underlayment. Follow these steps based on your chosen method:
- When using a self-leveling underlayment, pour the underlayment over the heating cables until the entire surface is completely covered.
- When using thinset, evenly spread the thinset over the heating cables with a float, ensuring all cables are fully covered. Take care not to damage any cables during the application process.
11. Install your Floor Covering:
After covering the cable, perform another test. Then once the thinset or self-leveler has hardened, install your floor covering. When installing tiles, do this with utmost care to avoid dislodging or damaging any heating wires.
12. Install your Thermostat:
After completing the flooring installation, perform a final test to ensure the heating cable is undamaged. Connect the heating cable and floor sensor to the thermostat according to the instruction manual. Allow the floor adequate time to cure before powering on the system. Ensure that a qualified electrician handles all electrical connections, following the relevant building and electrical regulations in your area.
13. Set your Thermostat:
Once everything is complete and the floor has adequately cured, adjust the thermostat to your preferred temperature, and enjoy the luxury of your comfortable, warm floors!