Center distance parameters in heating radiators

Maintaining a comfortable room temperature directly depends on the size of the heating batteries and the center distance of the radiator. In case of violations during installation regarding the recommended distance between the radiator and the wall, the heating efficiency is noticeably reduced. To prevent possible problems, it is recommended to study in advance the peculiarities of installing batteries and find out which parameters are considered acceptable for heating devices of various types.

Description of the characteristics of the center distance of the radiator

The center-to-center or inter-nipple distance of the radiator is a value that denotes the gap between the central parts of the outlet and inlet collectors of the entire battery or each of its sections. It is indicated in the specification for the radiator, where its main characteristics are presented, and is denoted by numbers and the model name of the device. This indicator is of particular importance in private houses, where water is naturally contained in the heating system. If the gap is large, liquid will not stagnate in such a radiator, due to which the efficiency will begin to increase.

Values ​​with a value of 300, 350 and 500 mm are considered standard, many modern manufacturers produce batteries of this type. There are models with other intervals, for example, 200, 400 or 600 mm, in designer batteries this value reaches 2000 mm. For radiators with the same center distance, the mounting height can be different and depends on the design features of the battery, the material from which it is made, as well as the design and brand. These values ​​should not be confused, which is especially important when installing radiators in openings under windows or niches.

In houses of the Soviet or post-Soviet type, devices were more often installed with an interval of 500 mm, for this reason, options with such an indicator are still more popular in Russia.

Dimensions of radiators

By the type of material, radiators can be bimetallic, steel, aluminum or cast iron. The dimensions, general parameters and weight of the batteries directly depend on this, which must be taken into account when choosing the appropriate option.

Bimetallic

In appearance, bimetal batteries resemble aluminum devices, while their outlet and inlet manifolds, as well as vertical heat-conducting channels are made of stainless steel with an aluminum case placed on the top. Devices of this type are not subject to rust, they are resistant to water hammer, therefore they are often installed in apartments that are connected to a central heating system. The list of advantages includes a high level of strength, reliability, resistance to environmental influences, compatibility with all heating systems.

Section dimensions:

• Center distance: 200 mm, 350 mm, 500 mm.
• Height: 415 mm, 570 mm.
• Width: 80 mm.
• Depth: 75mm, 85mm, 90mm, 100mm.

Radiators have a high heat transfer, do not require a large number of heat carriers, the period of their operation reaches 20-25 years. They also have their drawbacks, for example, a creak arising from the difference in the expansion coefficients of steel and aluminum. Vertical channels can become clogged, so their cleanliness must be monitored separately, in addition, bimetallic ones are more expensive than analogues made from other materials.

Aluminum

Radiators of this type can be extrusion or cast, the second option is more popular, since such devices are highly durable and do not corrode. Aluminum batteries provide optimal heat dissipation, are easy to install and transport due to their low weight, and they are able to heat up as quickly as possible.

The models are available in various designs and represent the optimal combination of cost and heat efficiency. Of the minuses, the potential for damage due to water hammer is noted. There are devices on the market with an axis gap of 200 to 800 mm, the most popular are 350 and 500 mm.

It is possible to operate aluminum units only in the absence of an oxidized medium in the heat carrier, therefore they are not recommended to be installed in buildings with a central heating system.

Steel

Devices made of steel, including those with side connections, are tubular or panel. Panel-type radiators are a system of 1, 2 or 3 panels with fins made of special U-shaped plates or without them. Each panel includes a pair of channel steel sheets that are welded together. The advantages of such radiators include increased heat dissipation, convenient installation, damage resistance, safety, acceptable cost and spectacular design.

Tubular radiators consist of inlet and outlet headers, which are connected to each other by means of several rows of tubes with a thickness of at least 1.0-1.5 mm. All parts are connected by welding, which does not leave seams. The list of advantages of tubular radiators include accelerated heating, resistance to aggressive environments and mechanical loads, water hammer, the ability to choose the shape and color of the battery, safety and environmental friendliness, no problems during operation.

The distance between the centers of the radiator fittings is 300 or 500 mm. The depth of the product section is from 40 to 115 mm. The thickness of the steel does not exceed 1.5 mm.

Panel gauges may not withstand water hammer during system checks and are prone to corrosion. Among the disadvantages of tubular radiators, a reduced heat transfer, the formation of leaks in the welding areas and a high cost are noted.

Cast iron

Cast iron batteries are still popular due to their good high temperature resistance, no corrosion problems and durability. In devices of this type, there are widened channels that ensure ideal circulation of the heat carrier even during clogging. Cast iron radiators have an accumulating effect and remain warm for a long time after the coolant supply is stopped.

Such devices also have their drawbacks, for example, large sizes compared to similar options from other metals, as well as significant weight, due to which cast-iron radiators are equipped with supports. Due to the low heat output of cast iron, batteries of this type slowly warm up the room. Many models have sections of complex shape, which is why taking care of the device takes longer.

The height of the radiator section is from 400 to 900 mm, the depth is from 100 to 200 mm. The distance between the centers of the nipple holes is within 300-800 mm.

Advantages and disadvantages of radiators

Modern radiators of domestic production are made taking into account the peculiarities of Russian heating systems. Each device has its own pros and cons, depending on its type. The most popular in Russia are cast iron and aluminum batteries. Cast iron devices are chosen because of their strength, ability to withstand operating pressure within 6-9 atm and coolant temperature up to 130 degrees. Among their disadvantages, they note increased thermal inertia, instability to hydraulic shocks, difficulties in installation due to the large weight of the batteries, and not too aesthetic design.

Aluminum appliances are in second place in popularity.Designed for pressure within 6-25 atm and temperature of the heat carrier up to 130 degrees. Their list of advantages includes high heat dissipation and a good heating rate, economical energy consumption, the ability to regulate the room temperature, compact size and no problems during installation, combined with a striking modern design. Of the disadvantages of such units, it is worth noting the low convection ability, increased gas formation and a high probability of leakage.

Installation features

The installation process for any type of radiator consists of a number of standard steps. First of all, they dismantle the old batteries, if any, and determine the places for placing the fasteners, on which the brackets are then fixed. At the second stage of installation, you need to prepare and hang the battery itself and install shut-off valves, then connect the pipes, observing the center-to-center distance in the radiators for heating. It is important to correctly select the size of heating batteries and install them correctly, regardless of size.

Radiators are placed strictly horizontally or with a slight slope, taking into account the direction of flow of the heat carrier. In the second case, when clogged, it will be easier to remove air plugs.

The batteries can be connected to the line from the bottom, from the side or diagonally; a separate valve and Mayevsky valve are placed on each device, which makes it possible to repair the radiator without the need to completely turn off the entire system. Appliances should be dimensioned in advance to determine their available power.

Manufacturer's choice

When choosing a brand, it should be borne in mind that many foreign radiators may not correspond to the features of Russian heating systems, therefore experts recommend giving preference to domestic batteries.

The list of the most suitable options includes models from Apriori, Elsotherm, Rifar, Faral and Konner. These are Russian brands that have proven themselves well when working in various conditions.

From foreign manufacturers, experts advise giving preference to batteries from Kermi, IRSAP, Zehnder or Guratec. The devices of these brands are of high quality, made of durable materials and comply with international standards.