- Floor finish, laid over the slab.
- Concrete slab, which stores and releases the warmth.
- Electric heating cable (Safe-t-SLAB), fixed to the slab mesh before the pour.
- Ground below the slab.
What is heating cable?
Heating cable is an electric heating element made for laying within a floor build-up or a concrete slab. When switched on, it warms the surrounding material, which then gives off radiant heat. Cable selection, length and output are specified for each project.
CBS works with electric heating only. It does not supply or install hydronic (water-based) heating, pipes or boilers.
Four uses
- Under tiles. Under-tile heating cable is laid in the sand-cement screed beneath new tiles.
- Under low build-up floors. Ultra-thin floor cable is covered by the bedding layer of the floor finish, where the finish suits it.
- In concrete slabs. In-slab heating cable is fixed to the slab mesh before the pour, and the slab stores and releases warmth.
- Cold-store floors. Slab heating can be specified for cold-store floors to help prevent frost heave. The design depends on the cool room and its temperature range.
Compared with a portable heater
A portable heater can be added without changing the floor. Heating cable is built into the floor and must be planned with its construction.
Once the floor is finished, the cable is out of sight and warms the area it was specified for.
Planning a cable project
- Early timing. Slab cable must be in place before the pour, and screed cable before the tiles.
- Specified quote. Cable selection, layout and controls are set out for each area.
- Electrical work. A licensed electrician connects the system, with Ron's technical guidance.
- Running costs. These depend on the area, insulation, your tariff and how the system is controlled.
