Considering under carpet heating? Floor heating is a modern and affordable way of heating your entire home or just those particular rooms that you may find yourself spending the most time in. It is silent, safe and offers lasting, gentle warmth from the ground up.

Electric floor heating is an incredibly versatile heating solution and can be applied under almost any floor covering. However, when it comes to installing these heating systems under carpet there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the effective and safe operation of your system.

Important safety measures to take when installing under carpet electric heating:

Although most Australian cables comply with AS/NZS 60335Part2.96: Particular requirements for flexible sheet heating elements for room heating, many fail to meet the second approval standard, AS/NZ 60335.2.106: Particular requirements for heated carpets and for heating units for room heating installed under removable floor coverings.  We are not aware of any direct-acting under-carpet heater in Australia that complies with both standards, yet these systems continue to be installed directly under the carpet or underlay despite the increased safety risk. This means the cables are more exposed to damage endured from the surface of the carpet which could lead to an electrical safety risk resulting in carpet burns or worse yet, a house fire.

Under Carpet Heating Alternative

An alternative solution to installing under carpet electric heating for ensuring the safety of your system is in slab heating, or placing the cables into a concrete slab, screed or self-levelling bed. This is to protect them from damage while also ensuring the even distribution of heat throughout the entire floor space. Again, be sure that your system meets the relevant approval standards for embedded cable installations.

A typical installation requires 20-25mm of screed over fixed heating cables or 12mm of self-levelling compound over mats to provide a thermal mass and protection from the nails and smooth edges. The floor heating warms the surrounding screed or levelling bed which then warms the floor covering above.  This heat then radiates from the carpet upwards into the rest of the room.

It is imperative to consult your floor heating supplier and/or builder before pursuing the installation of electric underfloor heating directly under a carpet floor covering to ensure they adhere to the above mentioned standards. If you are an end-user who is concerned that your floor heating was installed incorrectly under your carpet and are concerned about any risk, please contact us for a free assessment.

Ensuring optimum performance of your floor heating system:

Insulation is highly recommended to prevent heat loss downwards into the ground and should be installed under the floor heating cables or mats to ensure optimum efficiency. Always consult with an expert before you consider installing under carpet electric heating to get the best advice, performance and ensure safety standard compliant work.

Devex Systems is Australia’s leading brand of high quality underfloor heating solutions. Offering a full range of high performing, long-lasting, floor heating products, Devex sets the standard for one of the most respected names in heating Australian homes and businesses.

To speak with one of underfloor heating specialist please call 1800 636 091 or email [email protected]