Chapter 5.2.8.1 - Application and Characteristics

The design methodology and materials used for floor warming are similar to those
used in radiant panel design except that the sole objective is heat transfer for the
purpose of maintaining the floor surface temperature at a predetermined skin contact
comfort minimum rather than radiantly heating occupants or space.The use of
various ceramic and masonry flooring materials has spawned an interest in ensuring
that these floors are comfortable for bare feet whether the central system is heating
or cooling.

The main panel design constraint, other than temperature performance, is use of
the noncombustible base or screed for element encapsulation without structural
design alteration or an increase in architecturally constrained thickness. Inasmuch as
foot comfort is the prime objective, the use of low-temperature constant-wattage
terminated cable sets or thin-wire mats, which easily fit in designated bathroom floor
sections where heat is desired, will facilitate installation as designed (Fig. 2.24).

Heat transfer cable is used for many applications, some of which are not radiant
panels.The cable is manufactured in a broad range of element specifications, sheathings,
and coverings.The insulating jacket temperature tolerance range, combustibility,
pattern-bending radius, conformation memory, and mass tolerance temperatures
are among the important input design factors to be considered.

Use of heat transfer cable extends to very large areas such as may be encountered
for snow melting or large-area slab-on-grade industrial heating panels. Heat
transfer cable is also used for novel applications. Maintenance of athletic field
ground temperatures suitable for the growth of grass throughout the winter eliminates
artificial turf, which turned out to be unpopular with players and fans alike.
Some other common nonradiant applications include aircraft hangar door freeze
prevention, frost heave control, and roof deicing.

Mineral-insulated (MI) cable should be included in cable selection analysis due
to long life and ability to withstand the installation field abuse that may be encountered
in large-scale radiant floor and heat transfer applications. Mineral-insulated
cable installations do not always require ground fault interruption and could offer
greater flexibility for termination box location.The MI cable is also flame-resistant
and appropriate for use where high temperatures may be encountered.

Self-regulating cable is used for heat transfer applications where heat output regulation
by the cable may be accomplished within the specified application design
limits. Self-regulating cable is not commonly used for radiant heating panels. The
energy consumption characteristics of self-regulating cable in relation to the application
should be carefully analyzed. Low-level output generally continues in the
absence of external on-off control at varying levels that may or may not be productive
or cost-effective.

The design methodology and materials used for floor warming are similar to those
used in radiant panel design except that the sole objective is heat transfer for the
purpose of maintaining the floor surface temperature at a predetermined skin contact
comfort minimum rather than radiantly heating occupants or space.The use of
various ceramic and masonry flooring materials has spawned an interest in ensuring
that these floors are comfortable for bare feet whether the central system is heating
or cooling.

The main panel design constraint, other than temperature performance, is use of
the noncombustible base or screed for element encapsulation without structural
design alteration or an increase in architecturally constrained thickness. Inasmuch as
foot comfort is the prime objective, the use of low-temperature constant-wattage
terminated cable sets or thin-wire mats, which easily fit in designated bathroom floor
sections where heat is desired, will facilitate installation as designed (Fig. 2.24).

Heat transfer cable is used for many applications, some of which are not radiant
panels.The cable is manufactured in a broad range of element specifications, sheathings,