Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: CAsparky, Location: San Diego
Asked on: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 1:19 am EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:40 am EDT
Question: A friend of mine has heated tile in his bathroom. When the heat is on and he turns on his faucet he gets a slight shock and he is barefooted. My helper and me took a quick look and could not feel the shock on our fingers. We touched our cheek to the faucet and could feel the tingle. I guess the the owner has sensitive lady fingers since he can feel the shock that way. The pipes are properly grounded. The shock only occurs when the heat is on and the water is running.The heating system is low voltage with a transformer in the attic. It has the thermostat with the built in gfi. I think it is the mat type that unrolls and is under the thin set. Then the tile is laid. Any suggestions?
Possible Causes
Electrostatic Discharge
Friction between bare feet and the heated tile can generate static electricity, which can discharge into the faucet when you touch it.
Capacitive Coupling
The heated tile can act as a capacitor, storing charge. When you turn on the faucet, the water creates a path to discharge the capacitor, causing a shock.
Induced Voltage
The electrical field generated by the heated tile can induce a voltage in the plumbing pipes, which can create a shock when you touch the faucet.
Troubleshooting Steps
1.
Check the Grounding
Verify that the plumbing pipes are properly grounded. Use a voltage tester to measure the voltage between the faucet and the ground. It should be 0 volts.2.
Use a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI)
Install a GFI on the electrical circuit supplying the heated tile. A GFI will trip if a current imbalance occurs, such as when a person gets shocked.3.
Increase Insulation
Apply a layer of additional insulation between the heated tile and the thin set to reduce electrostatic discharge and capacitive coupling.4.
Use a Humidity Monitor
Low humidity can increase static electricity buildup. Install a humidity monitor and maintain a comfortable humidity level (40-60%).5.
Contact a Qualified Electrician
If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, consult a qualified electrician who specializes in radiant heating systems. They can further investigate and identify the source of the problem.
Additional Considerations: Ensure that the heated tile system is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Avoid standing barefoot on the heated tile for extended periods. Wear non-conductive shoes when using the bathroom. Flag for review