Safety of under floor heating

If under floor heating is a new concept then you may have some concerns about the safety of it, but you needn’t, as long as you have it fitted by a professional.

Considering changing your heating system to an under floor heating system is a massive change and it is natural to have concerns over the safety of it. Most people are slightly wary of the idea of walking on a big heater, especially in kitchens or bathrooms where there are likely to be water spillages. However in reality it has a very good safety rate, provided it is installed by a qualified and competent company.

Underfloor heating has a safe reputation

Electric under floor heating has been widely available since the 1960’s however this gained itself a reputation for being the complete opposite of safe, with many wiring mishaps.

Much like in a cooker, the inner heating element is earth-sheathed and electrically insulated. So if it is fitted properly there should be no danger of electric shock. An under floor heating system has an added safety feature; every circuit is connected to a dedicated fuse in the consumer unit, protected by a circuit breaker.

Underfloor heating systems don’t need to be too hot. Another difference between under floor heating and a cooker is the fact that the heating cables in an under floor heating system do not need to get so hot to warm the floor. Most of the systems incorporate a floor and room thermostat. The maximum floor temperature does not normally need to be above body temperature.

Underfloor heating: use as thick wire as possible

Generally when an under floor heating system is intended for use in a bathroom, the heating cables tend to be very thin. This is to minimise the raised floor level. However these types of cable are more likely to develop ‘hot spots’ or burn out.

Typically though, an under floor heating system is generally very efficient and provide a comfortable and safe heating option.