Testing UFH - TilersForums.com

[tay1974]

Hi Everyone,

Is it possible to test UFH mats by wiring mats to a plug and connecting to a socket?

Thanks
Paul

 

[pjrich]

Wouldn't recommend it.

You should use a multimeter to obtain resistance of the heating element & an insulation resistance tester (Megger) to ensure that there are no shorts between live,neutral and/or earth.

The instructions provided with the mat should advise on test requirements

Is the mat already installed?

 

[tay1974]

Hi Aaron,

The mat is layed on the floor but not installed yet. Problem was that when we opened the packaging we found that the mat had already been cut so obvioulsy used before. I just wanted to test it before putting the SLC over the top.

I ordered a Deviguard last week, but its not arrived yet, so wondered if I could plug it in just to test quickly.

Paul.

PS, customer bought the DEVI even though I suggested the UHeat mats....

 

[david campbell]

you can pick up a cheap multimeter at b@q or screwfix for testing it,think they are about £12 will check the resistance and this will let you know if the cable has been broken

 

[faithhealer]

whilst on the subject, if I may 'but in' lads, Had to 'dig up' part of a floor today which had UFH in part of the floor. Checked the resistance then connected my newly aquired installation monitor from Uheat and left tonight knowing the mat still works!

 

[pjrich]

Hi Aaron,

Not sure if that's an insult or compliment:lol:

The mat is layed on the floor but not installed yet. Problem was that when we opened the packaging we found that the mat had already been cut so obvioulsy used before. I just wanted to test it before putting the SLC over the top.

Heating mats designed to go under tiles must NEVER be powered up when not installed in flex adhesive or SLC, the mat may burn out very quickly.

I ordered a Deviguard last week, but its not arrived yet, so wondered if I could plug it in just to test quickly.

I don't think a deviguard will tell you if the mat is good before install, it will advise if the mat is damaged during install. One of our installation monitors does the same job, if not a little betterUnderfloor Heating | Installation | Uheat

You will still need a multimeter to check resistance

Paul.

PS, customer bought the DEVI even though I suggested the UHeat mats....

Make sure you bill them for the extra hassle, wouldn't have happened if they'd bought uheat

Peter

 

[pjrich]

you can pick up a cheap multimeter at b@q or screwfix for testing it,think they are about £12 will check the resistance and this will let you know if the cable has been broken

Absolutely essential for testing of any heating mat or cable

As David has said you should be able to pick one up locally, if not give us a call and we'll sort one out for a good price.

Peter

 

[pjrich]

whilst on the subject, if I may 'but in' lads, Had to 'dig up' part of a floor today which had UFH in part of the floor. Checked the resistance then connected my newly aquired installation monitor from Uheat and left tonight knowing the mat still works!

A satisfied customer, music to our ears

 

[DHTiling]

Problem was that when we opened the packaging we found that the mat had already been cut so obvioulsy used before.

You certainly should not accept a mat that has been used or returned cut...

You/customer purchased a new mat and not a secondhand one....

Where was it purchased...A complaint is warranted here i think..

 

[Uheat]

You certainly should not accept a mat that has been used or returned cut...

You/customer purchased a new mat and not a secondhand one....

Where was it purchased...A complaint is warranted here i think..

I agree

 

[Rob Z]

Hi Paul,

I think it is the case (I'm basing this on what my Sparky has told me) that it could be possible for the mat to be connected to line voltage (energized) and with some sort of a fault in the wire, and for the mat to function and to not have the breaker trip.*

For this reason, it is always the safest and surest bet to use the MM to test for resistance and continuity as per the manufacturer's specs that came with the mat.

I agree with Dave and wouldn't accept a non-factory sealed package. This is a premium product and not a sheet of plywood that someone returned. :smilewinkgrin:

* assumes some set of circumstances for this to occur that might not always be repeatable

 

[tay1974]

The new mat was delivered this morning and I tested with a multimeter as sugested.

Mat layed now and SLC put over the top. Fingers crossed it is set so I can begin tiling tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help.
Paul

 

[faithhealer]

The new mat was delivered this morning and I tested with a multimeter as sugested.

Mat layed now and SLC put over the top. Fingers crossed it is set so I can begin tiling tomorrow.

Thanks for all your help.
Paul

Check it again Paul, before you start tiling, just for peace of mind

 

[tay1974]

I tested the mat again this morning, afternoon and then again before I left tonight. All ok so far.

Thanks
Paul