Correct cable selected
Check the model, output, cable length and intended floor construction against the project design.
Electric underfloor heating installation
How to Install Undertile Heating Cable
Plan the complete cable route and keep the designed spacing consistent across the free heated area.
Loose cable is useful around irregular edges and obstacles, but it must be secured using the approved method and protected through testing, covering and final electrical connection.
PREPARATION
Before You Start
Confirm the design, floor build-up and electrical plan before the cable is unrolled or fixed.
Heated area marked
Exclude permanent floor-level units and other areas where heat cannot dissipate safely.
Subfloor approved
Confirm it is sound, clean, dry and prepared for the specified fixing and covering materials.
Electrical route agreed
Confirm supply, RCD protection, load, thermostat, sensor and cold-tail routes before covering.
Test equipment available
Arrange the required resistance and insulation tests at every specified stage.
Installation record ready
Keep the product label, readings, plan and photographs for support and warranty records.
INSTALLATION RECORD
Tests to Record
Record results before installation, after the cable is fixed and again after it has been covered. Compare each result with the product label and the tolerances in the supplied manual.
| Checkpoint | Cable resistance | Insulation resistance | Recorded by / date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before installation | _____ Ω | _____ MΩ | ________________ |
| After the cable is fixed | _____ Ω | _____ MΩ | ________________ |
| After covering / before connection | _____ Ω | _____ MΩ | ________________ |
Before installation
- Cable resistance
- _____ Ω
- Insulation resistance
- _____ MΩ
- Recorded by / date
- ________________
After the cable is fixed
- Cable resistance
- _____ Ω
- Insulation resistance
- _____ MΩ
- Recorded by / date
- ________________
After covering / before connection
- Cable resistance
- _____ Ω
- Insulation resistance
- _____ MΩ
- Recorded by / date
- ________________
Step-by-Step Installation
Follow the supplied manual for the exact cable, fixing method, spacing, covering materials and electrical test requirements.
Confirm the layout
Mark the free heated area, exclusions, start point, cold-tail route and thermostat-sensor position before opening the cable.
Prepare the subfloor
Remove dust, loose material and sharp projections. Repair unevenness, then prime and add compatible insulation or backer board where specified.
Complete the first tests
Test and record the cable before installation. Compare the results with the product label and manual.
Set out the fixing method
Install the specified tape, clips or other approved fixing system so the designed cable spacing can be maintained.
Position the cold tail and joint
Place the cold-tail route and factory joint where the approved floor build-up can accommodate them without stress or sharp bends.
Lay the heating cable
Work methodically across the marked area, maintaining the designed spacing. Keep runs clear of one another and do not force tight bends.
Install the floor sensor
Position the sensor in a suitable conduit between two parallel cable runs, away from other heat sources, so it can be replaced if required.
Secure and inspect the layout
Check spacing, fixings, joint positions, excluded areas and the routes to the thermostat before anyone walks over the cable.
Test and photograph before covering
Repeat the required tests, record the results and take clear photographs showing the entire layout.
Cover the cable carefully
Use only compatible materials and the minimum cover specified in the product and floor-finish instructions. Avoid voids and tool damage.
Complete final tests and connection
Test after covering, then give the records to the electrician for final connection, thermostat setup and commissioning.
Allow the floor to cure
Do not energise the heating early. Use the longest cure time stated by the covering and floor-finish manufacturers.
FINAL CHECK
Protect the Installation and Keep the Records
A complete as-built record protects the cable, supports the warranty and helps with any future floor work.
Product label and model
All three sets of test readings
As-built cable and sensor plan
Photographs before covering
Electrician certification and settings
Product and floor-finish instructions
UNDERTILE CABLE INSTALLATION ADVICE
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions before the cable is covered.
Can I shorten an undertile heating cable?
No. The heating cable length is fixed and must never be cut or shortened. If it does not fit the designed area, stop and check the product selection with Uheat.
How close can I space the cable?
Use the spacing specified by the product manual and approved layout. Do not reduce the spacing simply to use surplus cable, because this can change output and create local overheating.
Can the cable cross itself?
No. Heating-cable runs must not cross, touch or overlap.
When can the floor be switched on?
Only after the adhesive, levelling compound and floor finish have fully cured and the electrician has completed the required checks and commissioning.