cutting ribbon cable matting

[splinter65]

Hi. I have purchased approx 3.5m2 of ufh, the cable being of the ribbon type. Can the matting be cut to fit the room (bathroom) and the ribbon cables routed accordingly. Every instruction I have looked at does not seem to show this type of UFH matting being cut to fit. I hope i haven`t bought the wrong UFH!

cheers
splinter.

 

[bighen]

Hi.
As a general rule of thumb, the ribbon type of heating is made to measure, ie you send a dimensioned floor layout to the supplier and they supply a floor to suit, pre-wired.
All you do is lay the Depron, tape the joints, unroll the heating ribbon, tape down DPM and lay the laminate.

However, B&Q and the likes now supply a ribbon kit that you cut to suit - this is more expensive and wasteful than the made to measure variety. You trim to length and insulation tape the cut end. Voila!

Who manufactured the ribbon??? It should state on the instructions the manner as to which it is to be laid. Failing that check the manufacturers web site.

 

[splinter65]

It is a `Living Heat` mat, by AHT. Does this mean that I definately cannot cut the matting? Nowhere on their website does it mention a method of cutting so perhaps I am in the with this one! Thanks for your reply.

splinter

 

[bighen]

Hi

You cannot cut that type as you are cutting out the return path for the electrical feed, therefore nullifying the mat.
You need to purchase to matts to suit the room length.

If you follow the attached link you can download videos to see for yourself as to how to install. I know it's a different maufacturer but the principles remain the same.

Electric Underfloor Heating by Rayotec - Installation

Any problems, pm me

Andrew

 

[splinter65]

Thanks Big. I had already looked at this video and as there was no mention of cutting the mat i feared the worse. I suppose it would be possible to separate the mat from the ribbon and loop it round for a return run but i suspect the arc needed to swing the ribbon cable would be far to big to be practical. I assume as long as the ribbon is not broken then I would still have a complete circuit to connect the two cold leads.
Anybody want 3.5m2 0f ribbon matting for £30!
Thanks again for your time.

splinter