From above

Press, 12 June 1984, Page 28

From above

The M.E.D believes a plaster-board ceiling heating system is one of the ideal ways to heat a building with electricity. The plaster board, known as plasterglass, contains special electric wires set in the liquid plaster mix during manufacturing. The system is attached to the standard household electricity supply and produces wavelengths of radiant heat. This strikes floors, walls, furniture and people and is partly absorbed and partly reflected. But, the manufacturers say, the heat will not penetrate glass, so it will not be lost through windows. The system is called Panectric. The plasterglass sheets are put up in panels. The number of panels required depends on heating needs. The panels can be installed over an existing ceiling by the use of adhesive, or they can be put in to an existing ceiling after a section has been cut out.

The panels can be papered, painted or spray textured as any normal ceiling, but they must be dry before any decorating work is undertaken. Panels have a minimum thickness of 8 mm and carry a 500 watt wire element. The wire is enclosed in a high-temperature plastic coating. Installation with batts above the ceiling is necessary. The manufacturers say the radiant heat produced is similar to that felt in a sheltered spot on a mountain on a clear day, when the sun’s radiant heat can be felt, although the surrounding air may be near freezing. The system is controlled thermostatically, and the materials are non-combusti-ble. With this heating method in operation, rooms should be almost as warm at floor level as they are at the ceiling.