SALUS vs. Jablotron Thermostats for Underfloor Heating: Model Comparison

We are still preparing products.

But you can look at other categories.

Thermostat SALUS vs. Jablotron for floor heating: detailed model comparison

When you get to the stage of choosing a thermostat for electric floor heating during the renovation of a bathroom or living room, most people encounter two names that regularly appear in this category: SALUS and Jablotron. Both manufacturers have a long history on the Slovak market, and both deliver thermostats approved for the European market with technical parameters suitable for standard households as well as more demanding projects. Despite this, there are real differences between them that can decide which one will serve you better in a specific situation.

In this article, we will thoroughly examine five specific models – three from SALUS and two from Jablotron – from the perspective of a technician who has seen these thermostats installed in dozens of projects: from simple bathrooms in panel buildings to multi-storey family homes with heated floors in each room. We will look not only at tabular parameters, but also at what actually happens during installation, configuration, and daily use.

Overview of compared models

For clarity, let's first establish exactly what we are talking about. On the SALUS side, we have three models from the portfolio for floor heating with a fixed 230 V power supply:

SALUS RT10-230V – basic mechanical model with a knob for temperature setting
SALUS ERT20 – 230V – electronic model with an LCD display and floor sensor
SALUS ERT50 – 230V – programmable electronic model with a weekly schedule

On the Jablotron side, there are two models:

Jablotron AC-82 – electronic thermostat for floor heating with a floor sensor
Jablotron AC-83 – programmable model with a weekly schedule and floor sensor

Right from the start, it is important to emphasize: all these thermostats are primarily intended for electric floor heating (resistive mats, cables, or foils), not for hydronic systems. If you are dealing with a water-based floor heating system, the situation is a bit different, and you should read the article How to choose a thermostat for floor heating: what to pay attention to, where these differences are explained in more detail.

SALUS RT10-230V: when simplicity is not a drawback

The mechanical thermostat RT10 is essentially the most elementary device in this set. Temperature setting is done with a knob on the front panel, no display, no programming. At first glance, it might seem like a dinosaur in the age of smartphones and smart homes. Practice says something else.

This model is most often ordered for bathrooms in rented apartments, cottages, and apartments, where the owner does not want to make annual service visits because the tenant has reprogrammed some set value or the battery has run out (a battery is not present here – the device is fully powered from the grid). You will also appreciate it in situations where the elderly have access to the thermostat and do not want to remember any menus; turning the knob is enough for them.

The switching power of RT10 is standard 16 A / 3680 W at 230 V, which covers most common electric floor systems in rooms up to 20 m². The floor sensor (NTC 10 kΩ at 25 °C) is included in the package, or it can be connected via a double-pole terminal block. The adjustable temperature range is from approx. 5 °C to 40 °C, which is sufficient even for extreme situations (e.g. frost protection in a cottage).

What is missing in RT10, however, is maximum floor temperature protection as a separate setting. The values are fixed by the bimetal, which can be problematic for sensitive surfaces (laminate, vinyl floors) if the floor sensor is not properly placed. We write more about this issue in the article Setting up the floor temperature sensor: correct depth and placement.

SALUS ERT20 and ERT50: electronic generation with LCD

The ERT series is an electronic line from SALUS for fixed installation. While ERT20 is a non-programmable electronic thermostat, ERT50 offers a 7-day programmable mode with up to 6 time slots per day. Both models share the same mechanical dimensions (they fit into a standard mounting box with a diameter of 55 mm), the same type of display and identical terminal wiring.

SALUS ERT20 is the most popular model in practice for bathrooms and hallways, where the user wants to see the actual floor temperature on the display and manually adjust it, but does not need automatic programs. The regulation accuracy is ±0.5 °C, which is excellent for electric systems. The display shows both the set and current temperature, which is a practical feature during the initial setup and system tuning.

An important feature of ERT20 is the possibility to set the maximum floor temperature (Factory Limit), which protects sensitive surfaces from overheating. This value is set in the service menu and cannot be accidentally changed by the average user. In practice, this means you can buy a laminate floor with guaranteed resistance up to 27 °C, set the max. limit to 26 °C and sleep soundly, which is not as straightforward with the mechanical RT10.

SALUS ERT50 adds to ERT20 full weekly programming. You can set up a schedule of "work week / weekend" or each day separately, define hourly periods with different temperatures. A typical scenario: you work outside the house from 7:00 to 17:00, so you leave the thermostat at 18 °C, set it to 22 °C between 5:30–7:00 in the morning (the bathroom is warm when you get up), and to 16 °C during the night. Annual savings compared to the manual model in a bathroom range in the tens of euros, and even more in a larger room. A more detailed comparison of programmable vs. non-programmable thermostats can be found in the article Electronic vs. programmable thermostats for underfloor heating: which one is worth it.

Jablotron AC-82 and AC-83: Czech quality for underfloor heating

Jablotron is a company that the Slovak market mainly knows from the field of security systems, but their climate and regulation division (AC series) has an equally solid reputation. Thermostats AC-82 and AC-83 are specifically designed for electric underfloor heating and their construction really shows in a closer look.

Jablotron AC-82 is a non-programmable electronic thermostat with a floor sensor, regulation accuracy of ±0.5 °C and switching power of 16 A / 3680 W. The display is clear, the font is larger than in most of the competition, which is appreciated by older users or people with impaired vision. Navigation is two-button, which some consider too simplified, others ideal – it depends on the installation context.

What AC-82 does differently from ERT20: minimum floor temperature protection. The thermostat can keep the floor above a set minimum even if the room temperature is sufficient. This is relevant for marble or stone floors in hallways, where you want the floor to never feel cold to the touch, even if the air in the room is warm. This feature is not standard in all models.

Jablotron AC-83 is a programmable version with a 7-day weekly program. Compared to AC-82, it has an extended menu and the possibility to set up to 4 temperature periods per day (Comfort, Eco, Night and Antigel – frost protection). The Antigel function keeps the temperature at a minimum of 7 °C even when heating is off, which is a lifesaver for cottages and garden houses, where there is a risk of pipe freezing or floor damage due to frost.

From practical experience: we have installed AC-83 in several family house projects, where the investor wanted to have one standardized system in all rooms including the entrance and technical room. The programming is intuitive, and the first setup takes about 15 minutes even without the manual (though with the manual it takes 5 minutes), which is an above-average result for thermostats of this type. You can read about the entire installation process in the article Installation of a thermostat for underfloor heating: step by step.

Switching power and dimensioning: where are the limits

All five compared models have a declared switching power of 16 A at 230 V AC, which corresponds to 3680 W. This is the maximum power of the appliance that the thermostat can switch directly. In practice, this means that an electric floor mat or cable with a power consumption of up to 3680 W can be connected directly to the thermostat terminals without an external contactor.

Where the problem arises: larger areas. If you have a bathroom of 8 m² with a mat power of 150 W/m², you have 1200 W – no problem. But if you are dealing with a living room of 30 m² with a power of 100 W/m², it is 3000 W, which is still within the limit. However, if you have an installed power of 200 W/m² (which is done in bathrooms for quick heating up), or a combination of multiple circuits, you may exceed the limit. In that case, it is necessary to install a contactor/contactor between the thermostat and the heating element, and the thermostat serves only as a control device. A detailed calculation procedure can be found in the article Switching power of a thermostat for underfloor heating: how to determine it correctly.

Floor sensor: what is the difference in practice?

All five models work with an NTC thermistor with a nominal value of 10 kΩ at 25 °C, which is effectively an industry standard for this category. The sensors are mutually compatible – if you need to replace the sensor from AC-82 with a sensor from the SALUS series (for example, in case of a fault), it works without calibration. Of course, you need to use a sensor from the same or a compatible manufacturer and check the actual characteristics.

The length of the sensor cable is standard 2–3 meters, which is sufficient for placing the sensor in a protective housing in the floor with enough reserve when the installation is planned properly. If you need a longer run (e.g., the thermostat is on the opposite side of the room from the active heating zone), you can extend the sensor cable with standard twin-core cables with a maximum cross-section of 0.5–1 mm² – the cable resistance has minimal impact on the measurement for lengths up to 20 meters.

Where the models differ: some models allow switching between floor sensor and air sensor, or combining both. AC-83 allows this via a menu setting, ERT50 as well. This is relevant for rooms where you do not want to control the floor temperature, but the air temperature in the room (e.g., a living room with underfloor heating as the only heat source). This topic is discussed in more detail in the article Floor sensor thermostat vs. air sensor: difference and when to use which.

Installation and wiring: what troubles installers

In terms of installation, all models are designed for a standard 55 mm mounting box (so-called "device" or Legrand box). The box depth should be at least 42 mm, ideally 50 mm, to provide enough space for the terminal block and wiring. This rule applies to all compared thermostats without exception.

The terminal blocks are of the screw type in all models, which installers appreciate for repeated inspections. The Jablotron AC series has a terminal block with a higher nominal conductor temperature rating (105 °C for insulation), which is an advantage in installations in confined boxes with multiple conductors, where insulation thermal stress is a risk.

Important warning from practice: never route the sensor cable in parallel with power conductors over a long distance. Interference induced from power conductors can cause the sensor to show incorrect temperature readings. The sensor cable should always be routed separately or twisted (twist) and in the installation box routed along a different path. This is one of the most common causes of strange thermostat behavior – apparently "false" floor temperature readings, about which we write in more detail in the article Common thermostat faults for underfloor heating and how to eliminate them.

Ergonomics and user comfort: who is better in everyday life?

This is an area where SALUS and Jablotron really differ, even though the tables do not show it. Jablotron AC-82 and AC-83 have a traditional design with a square cover and larger buttons, making them suitable for people who are not technically skilled. Navigation is linear – you press "up/down" and confirm, no nested submenus. That is why we often see them in devices for seniors, in social care homes or in accommodation facilities, where the staff need to quickly understand what the thermostat is showing.

SALUS ERT series has a more modern, slim design with an aluminum front, which fits into current interiors with minimalist electrical installations (Legrand Valena, ABB Busch-Jaeger and similar). The LCD display is larger and more informative on the ERT50 – it shows the current temperature, set temperature, time, active program and heating indicator simultaneously. This is a plus for people who want an overview at a glance.

ERT50's weakness compared to AC-83: setting up the program is a bit more complicated, the menu has more steps and at first programming without the manual can be confusing. In practice, we have observed that installers who install thermostats in small batches (1–3 pieces per customer) occasionally complain that they forgot the programming procedure for SALUS ERT50, while Jablotron AC-83 "sticks" after the first job and the procedure is remembered intuitively.

When to choose SALUS and when Jablotron: practical recommendations

After years of experience with both brands, we dare to formulate these rules:

Choose SALUS RT10-230V when:

you are solving simple seasonal or recreational heating without comfort requirements
the customer is technically illiterate and wants only a knob – nothing more
price is the primary criterion and functionality is secondary
the installation is in an area where there is no permanent stay (warehouse, technical room, cottage for occasional use)

Choose SALUS ERT20-230V when:

the customer wants digital temperature display, but does not need a weekly program
floor maximum temperature protection is important (sensitive surfaces: laminate, vinyl, parquet)
price vs. functionality should be optimal for bathrooms and corridors

Choose SALUS ERT50-230V when:

the customer has a regular daily/weekly schedule and wants to save on energy
the room is regularly ventilated (e.g. corridor, office) and heating should be intelligent
modern appearance of the thermostat is important (minimalist design, dark green or white front panel)
the customer wants to have air and floor sensor in one

Choose Jablotron AC-82 when:

you need a simple electronic thermostat with floor minimum temperature function
the customer is older or less technically skilled – large buttons, clear display
you are installing into stone or marble tiles, where floor minimum and maximum are important
accommodation facility, where staff need to quickly read the temperature

Choose Jablotron AC-83 when:

you want a programmable thermostat with antigel function (cottages, garden houses)
the customer has an irregular weekly schedule and wants automatic regulation
the installation is in a house with children (keyboard lock for children is important)
technical parameters are a priority, design is secondary

Electric energy consumption: comparison of thermostats' own consumption

This is a topic that is rarely mentioned in marketing materials, but has a real impact on long-term running equipment. The thermostat's own energy consumption (powering its electronics) is in the range of 1–3 W for all models, which amounts to 8–26 kWh per year – at an electricity price of 0.18 €/kWh, this is annual costs in the range of 1.4–4.7 €. The difference between models is therefore negligible in terms of own consumption.

Real savings from choosing a programmable model (ERT50 or AC-83) over a non-programmable one comes from the ability to lower the temperature during absence. If the bathroom is unused for 9 hours during the day and the thermostat heats it up only 30 minutes before arrival (from 18 °C to 24 °C), consumption is reduced by 30–50 % compared to maintaining 24 °C constantly. For a bathroom with an installed power of 1000 W, this is a saving in the range of 200–400 kWh/year, i.e. 36–72 €/year. A programmable model therefore pays for itself in the first year of operation.

Warranty conditions and service support

SALUS and Jablotron provide the legal warranty of 24 months for consumers and both companies have an authorized service on the Slovak market. Jablotron also has a strong network of authorized technicians thanks to its security division, which can be an advantage if you need a quick repair or replacement.

Spare parts (especially NTC sensors) are available for both brands in stock at most Slovak electrical distributors, including category of thermostats for underfloor heating. With careful handling, thermostats are commonly used for 8–15 years, with the most common reason for replacement being either mechanical damage to the display or sensor failure (not the thermostat electronics itself).

Most frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I use a sensor from a SALUS thermostat in a Jablotron thermostat?

Technically yes – both systems use a NTC thermistor 10 kΩ at 25 °C with the same characteristics. In practice, however, we recommend using the sensor from the original manufacturer or a sensor from a manufacturer that explicitly states compatibility. With replacement sensors, there is a risk of slight deviation in the characteristics, which can cause a systematic measurement error of ±1–2 °C. For critical applications (sensitive floor surfaces), this can be problematic.

Which model do you recommend for a laminate floor?

We unambiguously recommend a model with an adjustable maximum floor temperature limit – that is ERT20, ERT50, AC-82 or AC-83. The maximum allowed floor temperature for most laminates is 27 °C (according to EN 14041), the recommended maximum operating temperature is 26 °C. You set it in the thermostat's service menu and protect the floor from overheating regardless of the set room temperature. RT10 does not have this limit, so we do not recommend it for laminate.

What is the difference between programmable Jablotron AC-83 and SALUS ERT50 in terms of programming?

Both offer a 7-day program, but differ in the number of time slots per day and the philosophy of navigation. ERT50 allows setting up to 6 different time slots per day (each with its own temperature), AC-83 works with 4 standard preset modes (Comfort, Eco, Night, Antigel) with adjustable values and times. ERT50 is therefore more flexible, AC-83 easier to use. For a typical household, 4 slots are fully sufficient, 6 slots will be appreciated by a more technically oriented user with a very detailed daily schedule.

Can I connect the thermostat directly to the heating mat under vinyl or SPC flooring?

Yes, these thermostats are commonly used with heating mats. It is important to check the total power of the mat: the power must not exceed 3680 W (16 A at 230 V). If you install a mat, for example, under 4 mm thick SPC vinyl, the maximum floor temperature should be set to 27 °C according to the recommendations of most SPC manufacturers. Different rules apply for mats under carpets (max. 40 °C for some manufacturers, but carpet is a thermal insulator, so the mat works differently). Details on sensor placement can be found in the article Setting up the floor temperature sensor: correct depth and placement.

Do I need an external relay if I have a larger underfloor heating area?

If the total installed power of your underfloor heating exceeds 3680 W, yes – you need an external relay (contactor). The thermostat in this case controls the contactor coil (low-current circuit) and the heating element itself is powered directly from the circuit breaker via the contactor. This principle is the same for all compared thermostats. Detailed calculation and diagrams can be found in the article Switching power of the thermostat for underfloor heating: how to determine it correctly.

Is any of these thermostats suitable for a hydronic underfloor heating system (hot water)?

Not directly – all the compared models are designed for electric resistance heating with switching at 230 V / 16 A. For hydronic systems (hot water in the floor), you would need a thermostat that controls a servo valve on the manifold (24 V or 230 V servo valve). Some models from the broader portfolio of SALUS and Jablotron have this function, but not the models discussed in this article. If you are dealing with a combination of electric underfloor heating + hydronic underfloor heating, we recommend consulting – in the category ther

Do you have a question about this topic?

Having trouble deciding or dealing with a specific situation in your home? Write to us – we are happy to help.