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.

 

 



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