I’m in the process of designing a kitchen in a existing 1979 penthouse condo with electric radiant heated ceilings.
#1 I would like to install can and pendant lighting. Is there a way to test where the radiant wires are located, so i can avoid accidently cutting into the wire.
#2 What are the does and don’ts with this type of system.
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Replies
#1 I would like to install can and pendant lighting. Is there a way to test where the radiant wires are located, so i can avoid accidently cutting into the wire.
Many yrs ago I had my first exposure to electric plastered in radiant-Depending on the layout and centers of the wires, you might be real limited in where you can put 'anything".
I would think an infrared camera might be one way to find the location. A picture taken quickly b/4 the heat spreads might work.
#2 What are the does and don'ts with this type of system.
The don'ts are-don't drill, cut nor look at it crooked.
Assuming there's a box in the ceiling already.
you could utilize low voltage cable or track systems. Small hole to fasten the hangers-if you can find no heat wire there.
Perimeter cove lighting to fill the room, undercab task lighting.
radiant heat in ceiling
I am definitely doing the under counter and the above cab lighting it always looks great!
When you did that job was the wire laid out sporadically or was it on 6" centers.
Would a ticker tester work? can you rent the heat sensor?
A long time ago in this case was the late 70's...........
I think I remember who was president.
Might very well have been closer centers and if the memory just moves a bit more-under the base coat of plaster, so imbedded about 3/8's.
There is a temp reading tool that HVAC'ers use-that MIGHT do it. The infrared camera I think would do more to pinpoint the lines.
radiant heat in ceiling
I am definitely doing the under counter and the above cab lighting it always looks great!
When you did that job was the wire laid out sporadically or was it on 6" centers.
Would a ticker tester work? can you rent the heat sensor?
Yeah, an IR camera, a non-contact circuit tracer, or, preferably, both. Fully trace out all the wires before you do anything.
If you are doing the designing ... design accordingly for the recessed cans. Locate them and the radiant heat so you can cut into the drywall w/ confidence. The radiant heat matt I've seen doesn't leave much room for doing anything really ... particularly cutting 6-8" holes in it. Consider going to plan B for lighting as others have mentioned.
Other comments ... don't do it. Radiant heat in the ceiling is not a very good option as heat or radiant goes. Not that it doesn't have it's place. Certainly not for e.g. minimizing energy use or cost. I assume that isn't your primary motivator. You sure this is your best option?
You can crank up the heat and mist it with a water bottle. The water will evaporate quickly where the wires are. I did this before painting my ceiling and I don't remember if the water left any kind of spotting on the ceiling. I wanted to hang a ceiling fan but couldn't find a good spot in the center of the room. I think the wires were about 6 inches apart.
George
electric radiant ceiling
It could be done BUT
from a practical side - do not even consider it.
You probably find wiring exactly at the spot where you want to install your new lighting. Moving it to another location might look out of place and/or not giving you the task light performance you wish to accomplish.
Worst case scenario: you ruin the radiant heating wires and fixing that will be expensive (remove drywall panels, connections, attic insulation, vapor barriers, re-install all that, then painting - you get the drift?)
If you still want to go ahead, maybe building small fake beams under the ceiling and install the potlights in the fake beam
I definitely would not mess with the heating wiring