Frequently Asked Questions

1) What voltage do the cables operate at?

Alcatel® cables will operate on any voltage from 120 to 240 volt. It is important to remember the wattage output is considerably less at 120 volt. If you use 120 volt you will need more cable at closer spacing. Therefore it is important to state what voltage you will have available when ordering.

2) Can I cut the cable to make it fit the room?

Alcatel® cable sets are manufactured to supply a specific wattage. Cutting the cable alters the wattage output and therefore damages the cable. Carefully measure the square footage you want to cover and use the sizing formula to determine the spacing for the cable you have. The cables cannot be cut. They must be made to fit by altering the spacing.

3) How thick does the covering need to be?

Alcatel® cables differ from the matts in that they need to be embedded in a mortar set. This can be as low as 1/4" if special self-leveling compounds are used. More covered is generally better. Figure on an half inch plus your tile. In slabs, the cables can be left on the bottom of the slab and cover with the three to four inches of concrete. back to top

4) Can the cables be installed on an existing slab?

If the existing slab is insulated, the cables can be insalled on the slab. In older slabs it is unlikely there is insulation. Therefore it is very important to use insulating board on the slab, then install the cables and cover. Otherwise the heat will go down. back to top

5) Does the thermostat have to be in the room?

If your cable system is for floor warming only, the thermostat will operate off a floor sensor. In this case the thermostat can be mounted remotely. If the cables are to be primary heat the thermostat must be in the room it is controlling. back to top

6) Can one thermostat control two seperate rooms?

It is better to control seperate rooms with individual thermostats. Each room may have it's own heat requirements. Individual thermostats allow for more flexibilty in control. back to top

7) Which is the best thermostat to use?

Oj Elektronics® thermostat model MTW-1191 has a preprogrammed nine degree setback with two setbacks per day. This thermostat allows for "set it and forget it" control. The floor is warm every morning and evening without the need to adjust the control. back to top

8) How much does it cost to operate a floor warming system?

An Alcatel® floor warming system will require about 10 to 12 watts per square foot. If you have a 50 square foot bath you will install 500 to 600 watts or one half a kilowatt. Depending on your electric rate, this means anywhere from .04 to .06 cents per hour of operation. As the cables will not run continuously it is safe to say Alcatel® floor warming systems cost pennies per hour to run. A small price to pay for warm comfortable floors every morning. back to top

9) How long will the cables last?

Alcatel® cables have been manufactured in Europe for forty years by the leading producer of electrical cables. The material, design, and manufacture are well understood using the best material available. In addition, Alcatel® cables are used in snow and gutter melting applications, very harsh conditions! The cable is used in both residential and commercial applications.

All of which, is to say, you can expect your Alcatel® cable to last indefinitely! In fifteen years of importing and distributing Alcatel® cables nationwide we have never had a cable failure when installed properly. Simply stated, use the finest cables available and enjoy decades of comfort! back to top