Finding the right underfloor heating system

Wavin Plastics advice on how to choose and install underfloor heating systems - Part 4 of 4: how to select controls and balance your UFH system to achieve optimum performance.

In a 4 part series, Karly Taylor, market manager for Wavin Plastics, gives advice on how to choose and install underfloor heating (UFH) systems, whatever the floor type, shape or size of room.

Wavin Plastics, a leading UK provider of water management solutions, has developed a number of clever UFH solutions to suit all applications.

This week in the final part, Karly is offering advice on how to select controls and balance your UFH system to achieve optimum performance.

Karly discusses OMSA UFH's three controls - Thermostats, Single zone control and Multi-zone control, as well as hints on how to balance systems for multiple circuits.

The last stages in underfloor heating (UFH) installation include control selection and balancing.

OSMA UFH offers three controls depending on the nature of the system installed.

Thermostats.

Thermostats may include units for network (programmable) control or individual room or zone control and are available in 12V or 230V mains unit options.

All thermostats should be installed out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources within the control area and around 1.5m above floor level.

Single zone control.

This is a water mixing unit, linked to room thermostat, to control flow temperature into a single circuit.

The single zone control should be connected to the primary circuit or existing radiator branch.

Multi-zone control.

These controls are linked via wiring centres to either of two programmable and remote thermostats - the 12V mains system uses an UH-1 Control Centre and the 230V mains uses a UH1-M Control Centre.

Both may include integrated control connections to radiators, towel rail and domestic hot water.

For the 12V system, a suitable cable is required for network accessories such as the OSMA Master Touchpad control unit to allow for data transfer.

Cables recommended by OSMA UFH are Cat 5e for runs up to 30 metres and Belden 9538 for runs up to 100 metres.

Balancing systems.

Karly offers hints on how to balance systems for multiple circuits:.

1] Start Up.

* Do NOT start the pump until the system is completely full of water.

* Ensure the water from the boiler to the manifold is above the required UFH flow water temperature.

* Open mixing valve for required flow water temperature e.g 5 = 53degC (see chart within pack).

2] Check FLOW Temperature.

* Check flow temperature strip on flow (lower) arm of manifold.

* Adjust by using mixing valve at a maximum of 60degC for screeded floors.

3] Set Valves.

* Note pipe length of each circuit and then locate valve setting chart (included with the manifold assembly pack).

* Start with longest circuit - use small straight-blade screwdriver to turn Return valve cone gently clockwise until fully closed, then open it 2 full turns.

* To set other Return valves, read down the relevant column of chart for longest circuit.

* The number of turns from closed is shown, according to the length of each circuit.

* When all Return valves are set, the system is balanced.

Fit the bases and attach the actuators.

To discover the winning formula for intelligent UFH, visit www.genius-ufh.co.uk For straightforward support or to have questions answered, contact the OSMA UFH helpline on 01392 444 122 or via email at info@osmaufh.co.uk.

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