Electric Radiant Floor Heating

A kit groups the main parts in one order. For example, the CosyFloor floor heating kit C4050S pairs a 209 ft cable with a programmable thermostat for 50 sq ft at 220 V (550 W, 2.5 A); fixing strips are not included and are ordered as kit #T5278. Buying separately lets you match each part to your floor: Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables are sold in 120V and 240V by coverage, include a sensor, and snap into the DITRA-HEAT membrane with no clips and no self-leveller needed to cover them. Check whether each item is a full kit, a replacement part or an accessory before you order.

Size the cable to the heated area, not the full room. Schluter says not to buy a cable the same size as the area to be tiled, and never to cut or modify the cable. Leave these minimum clearances: 2" from walls, partitions and fixed cabinets; 4" from plumbing drains and forced-air ducts; 7" from the centreline of a toilet drain; and 8" from other heat sources. Never install under vanities or tub platforms with no air space beneath, or under cabinets and islands, and plan a buffer zone for extra cable. 3-stud spacing is standard; 4-stud is not recommended. Cables are sold by coverage, for example the DITRA-HEAT-E-HK 120V cable at 52.9 ft for 16 sq ft. Need help sizing? Contact us.

FloorBox sells floor heating cables in both 120V and 240V versions, from the 120V 52.9 ft cable for 16 sq ft up to the 240V 744.4 ft cable for 225.2 sq ft in the Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-HK line. Schluter says to consult a qualified electrician before ordering cables to get the right voltage. The DITRA-HEAT-E-WiFi thermostat supports both 120V and 240V cables.

It depends on the system, so check each product's specifications. Over concrete, the Schluter DITRA-HEAT-DUO membrane has an integrated thermal break. Per Schluter, it reduces heat loss to the substrate, with up to 70% faster heat-up over concrete, and reduces sound transmission. It has a nominal thickness of 5/16" (8 mm). Over uninsulated on- or below-grade concrete, Schluter says an alternating 3-stud/2-stud cable spacing may be desirable to raise heat output.

With the Schluter DITRA-HEAT membrane, yes: Schluter lists DITRA-HEAT as suitable with engineered wood, vinyl, WPC, LVT, LVP, SPC and laminate. See Schluter's Alternate Floor Coverings over DITRA-HEAT technical bulletin for requirements and limits, and also check the installation guide for your finished floor. DITRA-HEAT is 5.5 mm and provides uncoupling, vapour management and load support. Warranty: membranes 10-year limited; DITRA-HEAT system 15-year limited.

Choose a thermostat that works with your cable's voltage and load. For example, the Schluter DITRA-HEAT-E-WiFi thermostat has a programmable touchscreen, Wi-Fi app control, a built-in Class A GFCI and an included floor sensor. It supports 120V and 240V cables, up to two cables within the total load. Compare more floor heating thermostats and controls.