Installation requirements for radiators

It is important to note that the radiator outputs listed in the manufacturers brochures are derived from tested outputs obtained under specific test Conditions. Therefore outputs may vary depending on the installation and heating design requirements of the room in question.

Calculations to accurately size a radiator to provide enough heat output to satisfy your individual comfort conditions, is dealt with in the heating system design section - see Specifying efficiency in domestic heating systems.

Siting radiators

Whilst the location of radiators under windows is recommended to reduce cold down drafts, the length of curtains, which could adversely affect the distribution of heat when closed should be considered.The location of radiators at the entrances to a property is particularly important to offset the ingress of cold air into the building. The reduced accessibility and the safety of the occupants, especially the young and infirm, due to radiator siting should also be taken into consideration.

Clearances

When siting radiators it is important to remember to leave adequate clearances for heat circulation and valve installation. The recommended height from the floor to the base of the radiator is 150mm.

Connections - tappings

Top Bottom Same End (TBSE) or Top Bottom Opposite End (TBOE) connections are often used in commercial and elderly applications where top valve mounting is advantageous. A further advantage is that the radiator can be mounted either way up.

Will take place to a greater or lesser extent in all domestic central heating systems. Just how severe it is will depend on many factors including the types of metal in the system; the degree to which air can be drawn into the system; the nature of the supply water. Even the quality of the installation work can have an effect. On completion of the installation the system should be properly flushed and filled in accordance with the British Standard Code of Practice for the Treatment of Water in Domestic Hot Water Central Heating Systems BS 7593. This will remove flux residues and installation debris, which might promote corrosion and damage within the system. If it is decided to apply a corrosion inhibitor to maximise the working life of the system, it should be applied in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and should be suitable for the particular metals within the system.

Further information regarding the problems of Scale and Corrosion can be obtained by following this link to the water treatment section.

Nickel plated brass radiator extension tubes are available from Stelrad in 20mm, 30mm and 40mm sizes. These enable the engineer to replace imperial sized radiators to a metric size without draining down the system. Variable radiator extention tails are also available from most plumbing merchant stockists.

Deep hanging slots and equidistant lug positions ensure greater stability. Plastic inserts designed to seat the radiator precisely, are essential to minimise expansion and contraction noises.

These are the Achilles heal of any radiator. Sacrificial nickel plated plugs and vents enable replacement, as a component part of the radiator, unlike roll top radiators which have the vent welded into the radiator as an integral part.

Where top grills are specified ensure that they have no joins or seams along the top upper surface, thus ensuring a safe top/upper surface which will not catch dusters or cut small hands.

Radiators should be high pressure tested to 152.3 PSI (10.5 bar) to perform at a maximum working pressure of 116 PSI (8 bar) at a maximum temperature of 95°C. This enables that whatever the heating application from conventional pressurised domestic to high rise installations or commercial projects the radiator can be specified with confidence.

Warranty

A manufacturers warranty of at least 5 years should be obtained, however, check that the radiator is date stamped to provide clear date evidence. Some manufacturers rely on paper inserts which need to be retained by the installer.

BS EN 442

Radiators sold in the UK have to conform and have outputs verified to BSEN442 the European standard for radiators. All radiator literature needs to display BSEN442 compliance, this enables specifiers to show compliance with the European construction products directive.

Aesthetics

New 33.5 mm presses give a higher definition and more accurate dimensions. The pitch of each complete waterway should have connector fins welded onto the waterways. This ensures maximum efficiency, lower running costs (due to low water content) and fast heat up time.

Paint

Two coat, powder paint finish is more scratch resistant than traditional paint or resin finishes. Electrophonetic base coat with powder coat finish, gives a better, more even coverage in a warmer white RAL 9010. No further painting is required and the finish remains white and does not discolour.

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