electric radiant has many positives going for it, but what about safety regarding electricity and water?

if electric radiant mats or wires are installed under carpet or flooring and the floor floods somehow (toilet overflow, sink backup, etc.) and the water gets to the mat or wires, what happens? is there any possibility of being shocked or shorting?

i've always wondered since it gets used a lot in bathrooms. thanks!

Hi...
The under floor and under carpet systems, and the outdoor snow/ice melt systems that I've been exposed to, are insulated. The only issue with electric shock or related electrical problems would be if a short occurred or if the insulation of the radiant element or its connectors were damaged, particularly at electrical connections. The newer systems seem to be well insulated and I've seen a wire element that is flat and woven into a mesh mat. The flat element seems superior the blue round cable element seen in other mesh mat underfloor systems. I've also seen underfloor systems that are printed elements on a certain thickness of plastic; there's no cable element to worry about installing under carpet, the system lays very flat. Also, these are low voltage systems that are meant to warm the floor, not heat the room.