A modern electric ceiling heating system works by using the ceiling as a low temperature large surface area radiator. This allows it to gently warm the surfaces of the room, and then the air within the room, using primarily radiant heat rather than heating the air directly like more conventional heating systems. This gentle, natural heat provides superior levels of comfort at a lower air temperature. The importance of the radiant effect can be shown by the difference in apparent temperature between standing in the sun or the shade on a cool spring day.
The ESWA Element:
Originally designed in 1939 ESWA Ceiling heating elements have undergone several changes and evolutions over the last 70+ years. The elements now consist of a metal foil of less than 0.2mm in thickness cut in such a way that it produces a continuous meander pattern of current carrying strips. This is then sandwiched between two layers of plastic and hermetically sealed. The plastic "envelope" is a material with a higher melting point than the metal element itself, eliminating fire risk from exposed conductors. Finally a patented connection box that enables simple and easy connection to the wiring is fitted and the element tested and sent out as a fully factory finished element ready to be installed. The elements come in standard sizes and wattages, which are shown on a plan for the guidance and instruction of the installer, enabling the installation to be checked easily.
Installation:
ESWA elements are normally fitted to the underside of the ceiling support, be they wooden joists or battens or metal grid. The ceiling face, normally plasterboard (but other alternatives are possible please contact us for further information), is then fixed to the supports, taking care to fix through the reinforced fixing area of the element. In situations where a double layer of plasterboard is required the ceiling heating element must be sandwiched between the two layers of board with a spacing strip between the element and first layer of board.
If the ceiling is accessible from above it is possible to install the ESWA element on top of the existing ceiling board before the insulation is put in place. The element is rolled out along the gap between the joists, the surface of the board must be clean, smooth and free of obstructions and fibreglass insulation laid back in close contact with the rear of the element.