Incorrect Sensor Connection/Placement

Schluter recommends that 2 sensors are installed underneath the tile.  Not because sensors have a tendency to be bad (very rare to get a bad sensor), but because a sensor may unintentionally be installed in an area close to a heat source.  Installing a sensor close to a heat source will cause the thermostat to think that the floor is already warm.  It is a good idea to install the sensors in an open area of the floor where there will be no throw rugs, sunlight, HVAC/heat registers, etc.  Sensors must be installed between the heat wire of 3 puck spacing (do not install the sensor between 2 puck spaced wire in a tiled application).




Occasionally we get calls about sensor errors (E2 Sensor Error) or floors reading incorrect temps - or not heating at all.  This can be the result of the sensor being installed in the incorrect ports, or as shown below, where the two sensors are twisted together and installed in the correct ports.  Although C & D are the input ports for sensors, twisting the sensors together and securing in the correct ports  will confuse the thermostat and cause it to malfunction.  

  • Untwist the pairs.
  • Tuck sone set in the back of the junction box behind the thermostat to be used as a back-up.
  • Connect the other set in port C & D.  There should only be one wire in C and one wire in D.
  • Perform a factory reset of the thermostat.


IF A SENSOR WIRE HAS BEEN INSTALLED UNDER TILE IN AN AREA WHERE THERE IS A THROW-RUG OVER THE TILE AND SENSOR

The rug will trap the heat and the floor immediately underneath that rug will heat quicker than the rest of the floor.  This will cause the thermostat to reach goal temp quicker and shut off before the rest of the floor can reach goal temperature - thus the homeowner may feel like the floor is cooler or the DITRA-Heat system is not functioning correctly .  If both sensors are installed, unplug sensor 1 that is under the rug area, and connect sensor 2.  Hopefully sensor 2 will be in a section of the floor that is not covered with a rug.


WHERE THROW-RUGS ARE AND THEY ARE NOT COVERING SENSOR WIRES

The whole floor will eventually reach goal temp, however, areas covered with a rug (or anything laying flat on tile) will heat substantially more than the rest of the floor.  Depending on the R-Value of the object, floors may reach 130 F or more (example photo below is heated kitchen island where books were set).  Overheating may lead to the melting of the conductor insulation within the heat wire and cause a safety ground fault.


Regarding installation and placement of sensor wires, the DITRA-Heat Installation handbook states:

 

  • The temperature sensors need to be threaded either inside the same conduit as the cold lead, or in a separate conduit.

  • Do not place furniture or mats over the floor temperature sensor. They can act as insulation and raise the floor temperature reading at the thermostat. This may cause the heating to turn off before the remainder of the floor reaches the desired temperature.

  • Area rugs are not recommended over the DITRA-HEAT system, but if used, they shall have an insulating R-value not greater than 1 (Rsi not greater than 0.18). The area rugs shall not be located on top of where the floor temperature sensor is placed, as it will otherwise reduce the heat efficiency.

  • Futons, mattresses, floor-level furniture, pillows, etc. must not be placed directly onto the heated floor. Placement of items directly onto the heated floor will prevent heat diffusion (i.e., air circulation) and could result in damage.

  • The type and thickness of floor covering materials used with this product must not exceed a thermal insulation “R” value of 1. Example “R” Values: Ceramic/Mosaic Tile 0.25" thick = R0.15; Natural Stone 1" thick = R0.38-0.114; Porcelain Tile 0.25" thick = R0.024; Vinyl/LVT/LVP/WPC/SPC 0.25" thick = R0.4; Engineered Wood (glued) 0.5" thick = R0.25; Engineered Wood (floating) 0.5" thick + 1/8" padding = R0.5; Laminate Flooring 0.38" thick + 1/8" padding = R0.62.

  • Two sensors must be installed in the floor assembly. We recommend installing each of the thermostat sensors at a different location on the floor, evenly spaced between two cable runs, and ideally towards the middle of the heating cable layout. However, a minimum of 12" (305 mm) into the cable layout is recommended to obtain satisfactory temperature readings.

  • When continuously alternating 3-2 stud spacing is used, install the thermostat sensors in the middle of a 3 stud cable spacing section when flooring material is ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles. When AFC's (see AFC section on page 18) are used, install temperature sensors in the middle of a 2 stud cable spacing section. Mark the sensor location on the DITRA- HEAT and cut the matting to recess the sensor. It is recommended to temporarily remove the heating cable from the area while cutting the matting. It may be necessary to temporarily secure the sensor to the floor with thin-set mortar or adhesive (e.g., KERDI-FIX or hot glue). Embed the sensor wire in the matting without overlapping or crossing the heating cable.

 

 



POPULAR POSTS

2024 Illustrated Price List Update

Pricelists for each new year will be physically and digitally available each year in March. Price increases (if there will be any) will take affect with the new price book for that release year every April 1st. As of now, I am currently unaware of any price increases. That is not to say there will not be any; I am just not yet informed as to what will be released. Schluter is moving toward a greener initiative by promoting the Schluter APP and the downloaded-able PDF with integrated navigational links (my personal choice). These two options will always be the fastest/earliest to access, and always up to date. In March, a limited/monitored number of physical copies (hard and spiral bound) will automatically be allocated and shipped to each distributor and Schluter Authorized Dealer (ASD). Customers may request a physical copy from their distributor or dealer of choice, or contact csrusa@schluter.com to request a copy. Sales reps may of course provide them as well. Please feel free to r
Read more

Exterior Applications | Introduction to Pedestals/TROBA-Level

Image
A NEW APPROACH TO EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS. Due to our harsh climate in the intermountain region (either baked by the Sun, or vulnerable to freeze/thaw conditions - or even both) tile assemblies see limited success. In fact, it’s safe to say that it’s not if an assembly is going to show distress - but when . As such, Schluter has implemented a process to protect the installer, end user and ourselves by evaluating exterior requests on a case by case basis and thus eliminating high risk jobs. Exterior applications need time to study, plan, specify, estimate and install. They cannot be rushed, and ‘best’ assemblies cannot be assumed.  The LETTER OF EXPLANATION will lay out what Schluter will require before we can work towards creating a detail specific to a respective application. The CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST has bullet points that must be addressed. This document must be signed and dated by the respective parties involved (i.e. contractor, GC or/and home owner). The EXTERIOR PRICELIST  is
Read more

INVITATION - Washoe Club Ghost Tour & Dinner

Image
This invitation is only valid if you received this from an invited and participating Reno area Schluter distributor or dealer.   Spooky season is upon us! The year is almost gone, and Schluter would like to thank you for your long hours and hard work. Join us for a a recharge with a ghost tour at the famous Washoe Club in Virginia City followed by food and drinks at the bar on conclusion!   Sean Carse (Regional Manager), Chris Hill (Territory Manager) and Ian Zavala (Architectural Manager) will be present.    Everyone will be responsible for their own transportation up and down the mountain. I have not had luck with any ride shares wanting to bring me off the mountain at night. Thus, drink responsibly. 🙃     Washoe Club Ghost Tour & Dinner 112 S C Street Virginia City, NV 89440 Tour Start 6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Please be at the club and ready for the tour by 5:45 PM. Another group may be scheduled to start following our tour. A prompt start means a full tour.    Justin Seagraves
Read more

Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve

Image
Join us for a day in the field hunting pheasants at Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve! An Orvis endorsed hunting ground. Hunts begin at 9:00 AM.   Arrive 30 minutes early to sign release forms and attend the safety meeting. Pleasant Valley Hunting Preserve 3733 W 10000 S Myton, UT 84052   pvhunting.com   RSVP (required) Chris Hill 801-834-0744 chill@schluter.com   IMPORTANT Drive is a little over two hours from Salt Lake Valley. Winter driving conditions can be hazardous through both Parleys/Strawberry and Highway 6/Indian Canyon routes.  Plan additional time if needed. Bring your own gun(s) and shells. Wear hunter/safety orange (hat, vest or jacket). PVHunting gear also available to purchase from lodge. Bring drinks/snacks to fuel while hunting. Hunts could cover up to 5 miles walking. Dress warm. Fall weather can turn cold fast, and winter speaks for itself! There are 4 birds per person. Birds will be released the morning of the hunt. Fly away birds are goners, but we may have fly aw
Read more

UPDATE: 2024 Price List/Price Increase Information

Image
    The 2024 price lists are here!    Customer notification dates are listed below: February 28th           Distribution Partners March 6th                   Schluter Authorized Dealers March 13th                Dealers and all others   Prices in the new 2024 price books will take affect on April 1st.    Despite ongoing inflation and rising costs, we've limited the price increase to just 2.5% across all products, except DITRA (including DITRA-XL), KERDI waterproofing membrane, and both SCHIENE and JOLLY profiles and accessories in all finishes which will not increase in price.    There will be no changes to the freight program located in the back of the book.   I will update this post with the link to download the digital copies from Schluter's website as soon as they become available. PHYSICAL COPIES ARE BEING PROCESSED NOW AND WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHIP TO EACH DISTRIBUTOR LOCATION. Spiral bound copies are for sales teams/order desks. Hard bound copies may be distributed to y
Read more