One of the most important steps in installing a heating system is connecting batteries. The technology for this procedure may be different. Very often, specialists, for example, use the lower connection of radiators. This technique has its pros and cons. The lower connection of radiators, in turn, can also be made in several ways.
The main advantage of technology
Piping during the installation of the heating system is most often performed in an open way. Of course, you can hide the trunk and the walls. However, this procedure is very laborious and costly. In any case, the pipes passing right in front of the view very much spoil the appearance of the room.
The lower connection of heating radiators allows you to make the mains as invisible as possible. In this case, pipes are laid either on the very bottom of the wall, or even under the floor.
What other advantages does the technique have
In addition to the ability to make the interior of the apartment more attractive, the lower pipe laying also has the following advantages:
This technology has one more definite plus. The owner of the house usually does not need to additionally purchase a thermostat. On radiators with a lower connection, it is most often already installed initially.
The disadvantages of the method
Of course, the bottom battery connection has more than one plus point. This technique also has certain disadvantages. These can be attributed primarily:
Heat losses when using such a connection can reach 15%. This, of course, is a lot. The lower connection of heating radiators is used mainly only in forced-type systems. For gravity this technology is usually not used. It can be used in this case only in the presence of a special accelerating circuit. That is, with a lower connection in the gravitational system, an artificial elevation is created. From the boiler, the main line rises almost to the ceiling. Then it drops to window level. Next, the wiring for radiators is already in progress.
What schemes of a forced heating system can be used
In houses, basically two types of such communication systems are mounted: two-pipe and one-pipe. In the first case, having passed along the ring, the water returns to the boiler already cooled. Such systems are mainly used only for small residential houses or cottages.
In two-pipe schemes, 2 ring rings are mounted. This design allows you to heat the room with greater efficiency. In this case, 2 pipes are suitable for each battery. The lower connection of heating radiators is used in both of these schemes.
What batteries can I use
The inlet and outlet pipes of radiators with a lower connection are located, respectively, in the lower part. Universal batteries also exist on the market. They have four openings for connecting highways. Such radiators can be embedded in the system by any means. Of course, it is allowed to use them for the lower connection . The remaining two outputs in this case are simply closed with reliable plugs.
Sometimes for the lower connection, radiators designed for side tapping are also used. However, in this case, you have to additionally use a special installation kit.
Depending on the type of radiators purchased, in this way, three main technologies for their lower connection can be used. Actually, the pipes themselves in this case can be laid both directly on the wall, under the radiators themselves, and inside the latter or under the floor. When installing a heating system, radiators themselves are first attached to the walls. And only then pipes are brought to them.
Types of batteries
Radiators with a lower connection can be made of different materials. Cast iron models of this type are rare on the market. In most cases, bottom-connected batteries are made of steel or aluminum. Such models are relatively inexpensive and at the same time have a modern appearance and are reliable. However, the most popular among consumers are still bimetal heating radiators with a lower connection. Such batteries are made using both aluminum and steel. Actually, that's why they are called bimetallic. Such radiators are more expensive than steel ones. But at the same time, the price for them is usually less than for aluminum.
Steel radiators with a lower connection, as well as with one-sided or diagonal, have one rather serious drawback. Over time, they begin to rust. Aluminum models also do not last too long. In addition, such batteries cannot be used if there is a large amount of impurities in the coolant. Bimetal radiators are free from such shortcomings.
Most popular models with bottom connection
An effective heating system in the house will, of course, only if the quality equipment is selected. This also applies to radiators. Batteries with a lower connection are produced today by almost all companies specializing in the production of such products. In most cases, they deliver models of quite decent quality to the domestic market. But the best consumer reviews deserved all the same batteries with bottom connection of such brands as:
Kermi Radiators: Pros and Cons
Batteries of this brand are produced by the German company of the same name. Their undoubted advantages include excellent build quality and relatively low cost. Kermi heating radiators with bottom connection are equipped with a thermostat. Temperature controllers are not included with these batteries. Use Kermi batteries with a lower connection, usually only for tapping into two-pipe systems. You can apply them in single-tube schemes. However, in this case, the installation is carried out using special fittings. Marked are models with a lower Kermi connection as FKV.
Radiators "Rifar"
Batteries of this brand are produced by a Russian company. The Rifar radiator delivery set includes, among other things, a control thermostat. The most popular consumers are bimetallic batteries of this brand. The advantages of Rifar heating radiators with bottom connection include simplicity of installation. If necessary, you can install models of this brand without the involvement of specialists - on your own. Batteries with a bottom connection "Rifar" are marked by the manufacturer as Ventil.
Hitch Features
Radiators are attached to the wall, including those with a lower connection, usually to brackets. In this case, the construction level is used. Batteries are hung on the walls at the lower connection most often with a slight bias towards the return. This installation method allows you to more effectively remove air bubbles from the system . But you can fix the radiators on the wall and strictly horizontally.
In this case, you should focus on the recommendations of the battery manufacturer itself. Most often, companies producing such equipment are advised to install it with a slope of 3-4 mm. In this way, in most cases, aluminum radiators with a lower connection are mounted. Models of this type are very sensitive to the presence of air in the coolant. Reacting with it, aluminum begins to oxidize rapidly.
Basic installation rules
The batteries should be positioned correctly, including with the bottom connection. The standards in this case must be observed such:
The radiator should be at least 10-12 cm from the floor . This will ensure unhindered cleaning of the room, as well as the most efficient heat transfer.
The distance from the battery to the windowsill should not be less than 8-10 cm. Otherwise, it will not be possible to obtain the optimal heat flux.
The radiator should stand at least 2 cm from the wall. Otherwise, part of the heat from it will be spent on heating the wall, not the room.
Insertion into the system
In radiators “Kermi” and “Rifar” with a lower connection, the inlet and outlet openings are located on one side. In this case, hot water is supplied to the far right section. The cooled water leaves through the second section. Pipes for such radiators are located vertically - towards the floor. For universal batteries, they are usually located on both of their edges below. The nozzles are located in this case horizontally.
If the insert of a universal heating radiator is made into a one-pipe system, a bypass is additionally used. On both sides of each battery, American cranes are installed . They are mounted on horizontal nozzles. When they are blocked, water begins to flow through the bypass pipe. This allows you to replace or repair the battery if necessary without shutting down the entire system.
In a universal radiator, a Maevsky crane is also mounted in one of the upper exits. The remaining hole is closed by a plug.
Batteries with a bottom connection are simply crashed into the system with the help of lances. Bypass is not applicable. The lower connection of heating radiators in a two-pipe system in this case involves, among other things, the use of a valve. The latter joins the drive. The same scheme applies when inserting universal batteries into a two-pipe system. In a one-pipe system, as already mentioned, when using radiators with a lower connection, special fittings are used.
At the final stage, in any case, the entire system is crimped. At the same time, air is bleed through the Mayevsky cock. If leaks are detected, corrective work is carried out.