Cosytoes Trademat Installation Instructions
Selecting the correct Trademat.
Simply measure the floor in sq.m and deduct 10%. the heating mat does not want to be layed under fixed objects such as kitchen units, toilets and built in wardrobes etc. So also deduct the floor area of fixed objects. Always use the Mat that is next size down from the floor area calculation. If you require assistance our customer service will draw out and specifiy for you the correct mat size and layout. Simply fax to the number shown a dimentioned sketch drawing of the room to be heated showing the proposed location of the timerstat and position and sizes of any fixtures. FAX: 0113 236 2300.
Example.
3.2 x 3.4 = 10.88sqm-10% = 9.80sqm
Less area of fixed units = 4.44sqm
Floor area to be heated = 3.36sqm
Use 5sqm Trademat (TM5)
Bathroom Installations.
The regulations require that the controls must not be sited within the bathroom and the timerstat should, therefore, be fitted on the outside of an internal wall as near to the underfloor heating as possible. If more than 2 mats are to be installed, a junction box will be required to connect up the heaters in parallel as the connections on the timerstat are too small in diameter for more cables. Run an RCD protected mains supply via a fused isolator switch taking in to account the total load requirements. A maximum of 4.8Kw of heating can be connected to a 30 milliamp RCD. (Please note that the system guarantee is only valid when connected to a correctly rated RCD protected circuit). All wiring should be chased into the wall and protected by either conduit or plastic trunking.
Preparing the sub-floor.
The most important consideration when installing a tiled floor, whether it is to be heated or not, is the preparation of the sub-floor prior to tiling. It is essential that it is sound and level and will support the weight without movement or deflection. The following recommendations are a general guide only and you should seek further advice from the Tiler and the tile and adhesive manufacturer.
Timber Floors.
The existing floorboards must first be securely fixed and level. This should then be over boarded with either a suitable tile backer board such as Marmox® construction board or 18mm W.B.P. plywood. The back and edges of the plywood should be sealed before laying and then, with plated screws, fixed to the floor joists at 200mm centres, plus additional fixings at the board edges If using a tile backer board, this should be installed following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Solid Floors.
Concrete floors should be completely dry, which, with newly laid concrete, can take many weeks to fully cure and dry. Remove all traces of old floor coverings and adhesive and ensure that the surface is smooth and level. Although the heating mats can be laid directly onto a sound, dry concrete floor, we recommend the use of insulated tile backer board for improved performance and efficiency of the heating system. For example, the worst case scenario, is to fit an under floor heating system to a ground level non- insulated concrete slab. Unless the requisite amount of insulation is included, the heater will try to heat up planet earth as well as the floor surface! To a much lesser degree, fitting an under floor heating system to a properly insulated concrete floor as per current building regulations, means the heater will need to bring the floor mass to the required temperature. The heat up time will be much slower, as will the cool down period but allowances can be made with the Timerstat.
On some older properties asphalt or bitumastic compounds were used as a damp-proof membrane. As the heat from the cable may affect the floor membrane, it would be advisable to fit an insulated tile backer board before fitting the heating system.
Timber and solid floors.
Having determined the position of the control unit and the direction in which you intend to lay the mat, it is now advisable to cut a groove in to the sub-floor to accommodate the cold power supply cables if necessary, as they are a slightly larger diameter than the heating cable. It is also worth considering cutting a groove for a conduit tube to install the floor temperature probe into, so that it may be replaced if necessary. The sub-floor should now be thoroughly cleaned to remove all dust and debris and primed if recommended by the adhesive manufacturer.
Testing the continuity and resistance.
Prior to installing the heating mat it is a good idea to check the continuity and resistance with an Ohmmeter, to ensure that there is a circuit and that the cable is not damaged. The readings should be approximately similar to that on the ratings label on the mat, or as shown in the table on the previous page. The test should also be repeated periodically during installation and prior to tiling or installing the finished floor.
Remember the mats should not be laid over or close to any existing hot water service or central heating pipes and bear in mind that all mats are nominally 0.5 metres wide and that opposing runs of cable should be laid approximately 80mm apart, equal to the cable spacing, to maintain a consistent output and avoid hot or cold spots. Remember that areas under fixed objects, such as baths, toilets, shower trays, kitchen units, cookers etc. should not be heated and thought should be given to the final fixing of kitchen units and sanitary ware etc., to avoid damage of the heating element.
Installing the heating mat.
It is a good idea to lay out the installation without securing the mat, to ensure that you have the correct size. Take care not to cut or damage the cable with sharp tools and wear soft soled shoes throughout. Never join the heating element wire or cross the cold leads or temperature sensor wire underneath or over the top of the mat.
Having already considered the route for the cold leads from each end of the mat to the timerstat, lay the mat 100mm (0.1 metre) away from the wall, roll the mat away from you to the end of the area, making any obstacle cuts that are necessary.
When you reach the end of the room, cut across the fabric (taking care not to damage the cable) and roll the mat back towards you, keeping the gap between opposing runs at approximately 80mm, until the area to be heated is completed. Note: the mat should always be laid with its flat face to the sub-floor.
Securing the heating mat.
The heating mat should now be secured to the sub floor using Cosytoes easy fix pins available separately (these are suitable for use on concrete, timber and insulated tile backer boards). We recommend 3 equally spaced across the width of the mat at 0.5 metre intervals. Drill 5mm diameter holes, at least 18mm deep and starting at the beginning of the mat, press or tap the barbed pins in to the holes, securing the mat through the fabric mesh, stretching the mat gently as you go to ensure that the mat lays flat to the sub floor.
Alternatively the mat can be secured using staples, adhesive tape or hot melt glue, always taking care not to damage the heating cable. With the mat in place, remove any debris and unless the floor is to be tiled immediately, it should be covered to protect the heating cable.
Install the temperature probe.
The Temperature Probe should be installed centrally between two rows of heater cable, with its tip approximately 300mm from the wall and should be fixed in position as the heating mat. Do not allow the probe wire to cross the heater cable at any point.
If necessary the probe wire can be extended using cable of a similar specification. The probe and power supply cables can now be connected to the timerstat as per the instructions; a maximum of two heaters can be connected directly. If installing multiple heaters they should be wired via a junction box as previously described. Note: Multiple heaters must only be connected in parallel - i.e. blue wire to blue wire and black wire to black wire and
should never be wired in series to the timerstat or junction box.
Test the heaters.
Before completing the electrical installation, it is advisable to check that the heater is working correctly. This can be done by temporarily wiring the heater cable to a 13amp 3-pin plug. Connect the blue and black wires to the live and neutral terminals of the plug, they are not polarised so either can be used as positive/live, although normal practice is to make blue positive and black negative. The braided earth screen is connected to the earth terminal; the plug should be correctly fused. This can then be connected to an extension lead or convenient 13amp socket. After approximately 10 minutes the heater cable should be warm to the touch. If more than one heater is being installed, repeat the test with each heater. The heater should not be left connected for more than 15-20 minutes during this test. If all is satisfactory, the timerstat and floor probe should now be installed, following the instructions supplied. The cables are of a co-axial construction and therefore have a braided earth screen running all the way through. This is a safety feature and the earth screens must be linked together and connected to the appropriate earthing point. A single 16amp timerstat may be used to control a maximum of 3600 watts of heater load. The timerstat can now be finally connected to the previously prepared RCD protected supply and the installation completed. Always ensure that the power supply is isolated during this work. At this point and prior to tiling, it is advisable to do a sketch of the floor area, showing the position of the heating cable(s) and noting the resistance readings for the cable(s). This should be left with the homeowner for future reference.
Tile and grout.
Only use a flexible tile adhesive and grout that is suitable for use with underfloor heating systems, and always follow the manufacturers instructions. Having ensured that the heating mat is firmly fixed to the sub-floor, the mat can either be covered by a layer of flexible tile adhesive or a self levelling latex compound, which is allowed to dry before tiling, or lay the tile adhesive and tiles in one operation. Make sure that the tiling covers the whole area of the heating mat.Care should be taken not to disturb or damage the heating mat during tiling, if possible cut and trim the tiles in a separate area.Ideally, using a plastic trowel spread the adhesive in straight lines, following the run of the matting. Ensure sufficient thickness of adhesive to completely cover the heating mat and allow the tiles to be fully bedded down, without the possibility or any air gaps underneath.
If any tiles need to be lifted for adjustment, care should be taken not to damage the heating cable.Grout the floor as soon as recommended after tiling, following the manufacturers instructions. Note: the tile adhesive should be allowed to fully cure naturally, before turning on the heating, normally a minimum of 7 days. Finally set the timerstat to the desired daily program as per the instructions.
Repair.
If the heater cable is unavoidably damaged, during installation or after tiling due to a drill-through there is a cable repair kit available. Please contact Customer Services for details.
Technical Information.
Cosytoes® TRADE MAT underfloor heating mats are constructed using insulated, single core heating cable, which includes double high performance Teflon insulation, around the heater wires and a braided metal earth screen, with a further outer layer of PVC insulation. This is then interwoven into a special open weave textile mesh, with the cable spaced at 85mm. To give a regulated heating output of 160watts per square metre.
The cable has an output of 10 watts per linear metre and therefore complies with industry guidelines for safe use on timber as well as solid sub- floors. All mats have been rigorously tested and surpass all European standards requirements. The mats are normally installed under ceramic, quarry or natural stone tiles. For use under other surfaces, such as hardwood and laminate flooring, please call the technical help line to discuss your requirements.
The heating cable of each mat is terminated at both ends with a 4 metre long cold power supply cable, for connection to the combined timer/thermostat control unit. The heating cable has a fixed resistive length and must not, therefore, be shortened. There are 10 sizes of mat available, which can be used singly or in a combination to accommodate any floor area.
Controls.
16 amp combined timer/thermostat unit (Timerstat) (sold individually). Note: a 16 amp timerstat unit may be used to control a maximum of 3600 watts.
Electrical Installation.
We strongly recommend that all electrical work is carried out by a qualified electrician and must conform to current IEE wiring regulations. The heating mats should be installed in conjunction with a Cosytoes® Timerstat control and be connected via a RCD (residual current device) protected circuit.
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| TM1 |
0.5m x 2m |
1 |
0.70 |
330 |
| TM1.5 |
0.5m x 3m |
1.5 |
1.05 |
220 |
| TM2 |
0.5m x 4m |
2 |
1.40 |
165 |
| TM2.5 |
0.5m x 5m |
2.5 |
1.70 |
135 |
| TM3 |
0.5m x 6m |
3 |
2.10 |
110 |
| TM4 |
0.5m x 8m |
4 |
2.80 |
83 |
| TM5 |
0.5m x 10m |
5 |
3.50 |
66 |
| TM6 |
0.5m x 12m |
6 |
4.20 |
55 |
| TM7 |
0.5m x 14m |
7 |
4.90 |
47 |
| TM8 |
0.5m x 16m |
8 |
5.60 |
41 |
| TM9 |
0.5m x 18m |
9 |
6.30 |
37 |
| TM10 |
0.5m x 20m |
10 |
7.00 |
33 |
Want to Buy?
Please contact us or use our dealer page to find your nearest dealer. The Cosytoes Price List is available here.