In this article, we'll simply explain what underfloor heating actuators are - more precisely, electric actuators for underfloor heating manifold valves.
An underfloor heating manifold actuator is a small electrical device mounted on manifold valves, whose task is to automatically open or close water flow in individual heating circuits. This happens automatically - when the room temperature drops below the set value, the actuator opens the respective circuit, allowing warm water flow - thus activating heating for that particular room.
When the room temperature (set by us on the room controller) is reached, the actuator closes the valve, stopping the flow. This makes the underfloor heating system work efficiently and precisely, ensuring thermal comfort and energy savings. Actuators are key components in modern installations where each circuit is controlled individually. Thanks to them, manual control isn't necessary - the system will automatically turn on heating in rooms where it's needed, even if each room requires a different temperature setting.
An electric actuator on an underfloor heating manifold operates through an electrical impulse that triggers its valve opening or closing mechanism. Most commonly it works with a room thermostat - when the thermostat detects that room temperature has fallen below the set level, it sends a signal to the actuator. The actuator heats a thermal element or activates a small motor that presses the valve stem, opening the flow of warm water through a specific heating circuit (which is typically responsible for delivering heat to a particular room). When the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat interrupts the signal, and the actuator closes the valve, stopping hot water flow. Of course, the floor remains warm for some time afterward, with the system operating efficiently without our intervention.
The entire process happens automatically, allowing precise temperature control in each room. These actuators typically operate in NC system (normally closed) or NO (normally open), depending on the installation type and user preferences.
As mentioned - underfloor heating manifold actuators come in two basic versions: NC (Normally Closed) and NO (Normally Open). The difference between them lies in the default valve state when the actuator isn't powered.
✅ NC actuators are the most commonly used solution. Without power, the valve remains closed, meaning it doesn't allow water flow. Only after receiving an electrical signal (e.g., from a thermostat) does the actuator open the valve and enable warm water flow through the heating circuit. This solution is safe and energy-efficient - if the system is turned off or power fails, circuits automatically close, preventing uncontrolled overheating.
NO actuators work oppositely - in resting state (without power) the valve remains open. It only closes when receiving a signal. This type of actuator is used less frequently, mainly in specific installations where maintaining continuous water flow during power outages is necessary.
Choosing the right actuator type depends on the installation design, control system type, and preferences of both user and installer. Most residential underfloor heating systems use the NC version - but consult with the professional who will install your underfloor heating system.
☑️✅ Very important - what you need to know to properly select actuators for your underfloor heating manifold.
When selecting an actuator for an underfloor heating manifold - you must pay attention to several key features that determine its compatibility, durability and reliability - otherwise the actuator might not fit your specific manifold. You should:
A well-chosen underfloor heating actuator will ensure efficient system operation, precise temperature control, and long lifespan of the entire installation.
Actuators for underfloor heating manifolds are generally reliable, with failures being rare. However, some operational issues may appear over time. One of the most common is actuator not responding to thermostat signals, which might result from damaged wiring, power failure, or actuator malfunction. This problem can be minimized by using proven, quality products and ensuring proper electrical connections during installation.
Another typical issue is valve stem jamming, especially if the system hasn't been used for a long time. In such cases, the actuator can't open or close the valve, leading to either no flow or constant flow. To prevent this, it's recommended to periodically activate the system, even outside heating season, and use actuators with automatic "exercise" function.
Avoiding problems primarily requires correct installation according to manufacturer's instructions, plus regular system checks and control system monitoring. Professional installation and using brand-name components significantly extend actuator trouble-free operation.
This might surprise some, but not necessarily - unless you choose the cheapest underfloor heating manifold actuators, Asian no-name products etc. Most actuators work properly and reliably, provided they're not from the lowest price range - as with most products, you can't expect long-lasting quality from the cheapest options.
Brand-name underfloor heating actuators may be more thoroughly tested and often include additional features like valve position indicators or anti-jamming protection - but practitioners often believe failure rates are similar for most brands (excluding the cheapest ones). In this case, it's better to focus on actuator-manifold compatibility - mainly regarding thread matching.
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