Type of Wire UF or THWN-2

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batwing

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I am preparing to install under floor heating film (Calorique Warm Floor). The instructions say: Type UF single conductor or equivalent (to use between panels (single conductor, solid 12 AWG). I have THWN-2 wire, would anyone consider that equivalent, or can you think of a reason I would not want to use it?
 
He's asking if it's the equivalent [or better.] Good question. My read is that THWN-2 might be a better conductor, and meet requirements, but it's not my call.

As for the link, interestingly, their pic shows a fine-stranded wire, and the chart shows all sizes are a single-strand (solid.)
 
UF is rated for direct burial.

THHN/THWN needs to be installed within a wiring method. Will it work, maybe, but is not what it was rated for.
 
I have always designed my floor heat so that 2 panels would be feed directly to the T-stat. I don't know what design you have but you can almost always set it up so that both ends with the feed can be installed to the T-stat.

Are you using mats or cable kits?
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I have always designed my floor heat so that 2 panels would be feed directly to the T-stat. I don't know what design you have but you can almost always set it up so that both ends with the feed can be installed to the T-stat.

Are you using mats or cable kits?
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Dennis, he is using a system that the non-heating leads need to be field installed.

OP, THWN-2 is definitely not acceptable for this. You need to use single conductor UF.
 
batwing said:
I am preparing to install under floor heating film (Calorique Warm Floor). The instructions say: Type UF single conductor or equivalent (to use between panels (single conductor, solid 12 AWG). I have THWN-2 wire, would anyone consider that equivalent, or can you think of a reason I would not want to use it?
Click to expand...

Call the manufacturer. Type UF single conductor or equivalent. Maybe they can tell you what that meant...
 
I don't understand the system. It seems strange that they don't have a quick connect and a cord that was suitable between the panels... I also can't imagine use thhn or thwn, thwn-2 or any of those products without a raceway
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I don't understand the system. It seems strange that they don't have a quick connect and a cord that was suitable between the panels... I also can't imagine use thhn or thwn, thwn-2 or any of those products without a raceway
Click to expand...

That is why the instruction require using UF. It can be run without a raceway.

Back in the late 80's I used to install a lot of ceiling heat. It was a product similar to what was in this thread. It came in 16" and 24" wide rolls which get cut to length in the field. A special connector got crimped to the buss on each side of the product. The connectors were listed for 1 or 2 #12 wires. You could loop between the panels from one end or crimp connectors on the opposite end to continue a run. Type UF wire was used from the thermostat to the heat panels and between the heat panels.

The electrical supply houses didn't stock the UF so purchased it from an irrigation supply house since they stocked 14 and 12 UF for irrigation control. Now the irrigation supply houses stock a similar looking wire but it only listed for low voltage use. I'm guess they save a couple $1 a roll for not having to build it to 600 volt specs.
 
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