| Source: | UFTO |
|---|---|
| Date: | 2/16/97 Record No.: 10432 |
| Contact: | Georges Selvais, General Manager, domotecK, Inc., Streamwood, IL 1-800-875-5285 http://www.domoteck.com |
Electric Carpets II -- Radiant Floor Heating
Recalling the UFTO New Year's note about Electric Carpets in Japan, we tried a number of avenues of inquiry, but the Japanese have proven impenetrable on this subject. Even trade officials here in San Francisco come up empty handed. These products are strictly for domestic use in Japan, and absolutely not for export. There must be an interesting story behind it, but we may never know.
In the meantime, however, similar products just now being introduced in the U.S. by domotecK, Inc., a local subsidiary of a Israeli company, DK Heating Systems.
Radiant subfloor heating is a well known idea. One traditional form is hydronic, with pipes carrying hot water encased inside a slab floor. There are also electric systems, usually with a heavy electrical cable embedded into a thick layer of cement on top of the subfloor.
DK's new technology uses a much thinner cable (less than 1/8 inch) based on electric blanket technology which is laid into the thin-set cement which fastens the tile or other flooring materials. They have 10's of thousands of installations throughout Europe, and are now getting established in the U.S. market. They have complete U.L. approvals.
DK also has a line of mat-type products designed to go under carpeting. One of these, the "SHE 200 FS", is already on the market. It is for use under permanently installed wall-to-wall carpet, and costs about $7/sq. ft. In typical installations, the product is installed in selected areas of the room, for example a seating area.
In addition, the U.S. subsidiary will soon begin promoting some new products.
- Stand alone small heated carpets (18"x30" and 24"x36"), e.g. for use under a desk
- Heated Carpet Underlay pad for use under area rugs
- Heated Rubber Mat (20"x20") for tougher environments, e.g. outdoors, or a cashier stand
The U.S. subsidiary, domotecK, Inc., Streamwood, IL (outside Chicago) is soon to become an independent company, WarmSense, Inc, under a management buy-out, and may be open to joint ventures and new investment for expansion in the U.S.
domotecK has a very well done web site with complete product information and the ability to respond on line with quotes when furnished with a floor plan. http://www.domoteck.com
| Topics: | END USE |
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