For our snowmelt applications, the heating elements are embedded between two layers of vinyl to ensure that the panels are protected against UV rays and other physical damages.

It is not problematic at all, Joe.  It is actually ideal to keep the system on all day, everyday throughout the heating season.  The STEP Warmfloor elements are self-regulating, meaning that when the ambient temperature rises, the electrical resistance increases and the consumption of electricity decreases. For this reason, the elements cannot overheat.

Eric,

Unfortunately, I cannot answer your question, as installations of this nature vary depending on where you live.  In many instances, a conduit is not needed.  A proper (and inspector-friendly) installation is to be made in accordance to local codes and ordinances. These codes may require special wiring or a conduit (plastic or metal) in the walls.

Todd,

Send the attachment to sales at warmfloor.com, and we will begin working on your estimate.  I wrote it the aforementioned way to avoid our email address from being picked up by spam-bots.  Replace "at" with "@".

Thanks.

Rob,

If your service panel circuit breaker is not tripping, then I would not worry about the circuit breaker for right now.  My concern is your uneven heating.  I have several questions for you:

1)  Is this a total heat or floor warming application?
2)  Did we design the layout for this installation?
3)  Is the entire floor of the room covered with Warmfloor strips?
4)  What type of insulation did you use under the floor?
5)  Are there any exterior walls, and if so, how well are they insulated?
6)  How long are the wire lengths between the 10 ft. runs and the transformer, and what gauge of wire did you use?

You mentioned that this is a new installation, so perhaps the floor needed time to warm up.  Because this issue is not specific, it may be best to contact our technical support via telephone for a faster solution.  We may be going back and forth for days on this message board.

Please note that you can contact our technical support, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CST), and our toll-free number is 877-783-7832.

Even with the transformer that you have, I would still suggest using a high magnetic circuit breaker with our system.  They will usually take care of nuisance trips.  I would also check and tighten up all the connections (on the transformer and MICROREG), particularly on the primary side.  Your transformer uses wire nuts, and they can come loose over time.  Tighten those up after about a year or so.

Is the 1000W transformer silver with an extruded aluminum casing and heat sink?  If so, the system is using one of our newer style transformers with toroidal coils.

Toroidal transformers are highly efficient transformers, but they do like to surge on startup.  For this reason, use a high magnetic circuit breaker to avoid tripping in the service panel, GE THQL1120HM or equivalent (Search with Google).  This should solve your problem, and these types of breakers should be available at your local electrical supply house.  As a dedicated circuit breaker with a 1000W transformer, your breaker size should be rated at 20 amps to allow for the surge.

Just to let you know, we are open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CST), and our toll-free number is 877-783-7832.

Dave, I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with your STEP Warmfloor system.  I have a question for you to further investigate the problem at hand.

Which circuit breaker is tripping - the service panel breaker or the transformer breaker?

Jim, thank you for your question.  One of the greatest benefits of the STEP Warmfloor product is its versatility and ease of installation.  Installing the product between joists is not a problem.  You can staple the heating elements under the floorboards; the elements are one foot wide and fit between the joists.  Do not puncture the bus braids on each side of the element.  Since heat is transmitted by conduction rather than radiation, it is very important to place insulation snug under the heating elements with no air gaps to force the heat up.

We do free quote requests (http://www.warmfloor.com/content/view/44/77/), and I would suggest sending us your dimensions so we can get started on your project.

Good morning.

The transformer used for the SYS-120 kit is a 1000 watt transformer.  Can you tell me where and how the transformer is installed?

It is completely normal for transformers in operation to have a surface temperature between 158 and 176 degrees Fahrenheit (70-80 degrees Celcius).  Also, do not place the transformer in an area where the ambient temperature is higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celcius).

Also, is the noise caused by vibration?  Good mounting points are concrete pillars, brick walls, steel girders, and wooden beams.  Rubber standoffs (between the mounting holes of the transformer and the mounting surface) will reduce vibration as well.

I hope this helps.  Give our technical support a call for more suggestions and ideas to your problem, toll-free at 877-783-7832.

Thank you for your question.  A crimped wire connector is only slightly thicker than the element thickness, which is only 3/64".  It is best to have the elements in contact with the finished wood flooring.  You shouldn't have an uneven surface bump problem, so it is not necessary to install another layer of plywood over the elements.

Thank you for your interest.

For specialty products, please contact our Engineering Department directly.

Please use the following link:
http://www.warmfloor.com/component/option,com_contact/catid,12/Itemid,3/

Chuck,

If you are referring to the MICROREG controller, it should have been packaged with a cover to fit a single gang box electrical box.

Yes, it can be accomplished as the electroplastic material is very, very durable.  If you have the warmfloor product underneath cement board, it should be very easy to replace the tile.  If the warmfloor is in direct contact with the tile (via thinset), then make sure you test the elements (after the tile has been broken up) before covering them up again.  It is okay to puncture the elements without depreciating their heating functionality.  Just avoid puncturing the bus braid wires.

Karl, thank you for your question.  You are correct about Title 24 in California.  You can use our electric heating system, but it cannot be the sole heating system in the house.

Also, you inquired about a radiant barrier on the floor.  A very good product that we recommend on slab is called Wedi board.  It is a German product, but it is distributed here in the US.

You can visit their website be clicking the following link:
http://www.wedi.de/en/

I hope this helps.  Let me know if you have any other questions.  Thanks!