What is this equipment, the name of which appeared in our everyday life relatively recently? A collector cabinet is a device in which coolant flows are distributed along heating and water supply circuits. Most often they are installed in boiler rooms or in rooms where a warm floor is arranged. The most vulnerable in such systems are the junction points. That is why, when installing heating and water supply systems, many experts try to minimize the number of pipes, and, accordingly, their connections.
Types of manifold cabinets
People who are professionally engaged in the installation of water supply and heating systems know that regardless of the type of pipe and the type of their connections, it is necessary to provide free access to the entire system. For this purpose, a manifold cabinet is used. The wiring diagram in it allows you to provide the ability to connect any consumer in the house to the water supply and heating through their individual pipes. As a rule, there are no connections at the section from the collector to the consumer, or their number is minimal. The most optimal option is when there are only 2 connections: the collector pipe and the consumer pipe. This device connects the entire system in one place.
The manifold cabinet may be located in the riser shaft. Its wiring allows specialists to quickly and selectively shut off the supply of hot or cold water to a specific apartment without the need to turn off all other residents. In the case when the collector cabinet performs the function of supplying water through individual pipes, for a complete shutdown, simply turn the
shut-off valve. This equipment is difficult to install technically in old houses, and it’s costly, since a complete reconstruction of the water supply and heating systems will require a lot of time, materials and funds. Most often, collectors are installed in new buildings.
Manifold cabinet for underfloor heating
Recently, more and more people have been installing underfloor heating in their homes. In this case, the collector cabinet will be located in the room itself. It will hide the entire heating system. At the same time, the cabinet design allows you to place all the hot and cold water meters in it. Also, all shut-off valves and the necessary electrical equipment are installed in it.
Cabinet Types
Different companies produce a wide range of products that differ from each other in shape and size. Many of them offer consumers a manifold cabinet built-in and outdoor (wall-mounted). The former are in great demand, since they are hardly noticeable, do not spoil the general appearance of the room, and are convenient in operation. An external (wall-mounted) manifold cabinet needs additional space, therefore, in ordinary apartments it is most often not installed. It can have special openings in the rear panel and extendable legs, with which it is attached to the floor and wall. When installing this equipment, it is necessary not only to carefully install it, but also to choose the right place for it.
Wall cabinets are painted white with powder paint, while the built-in cabinets are decorated with only a removable (front) panel. High-quality locks are installed on the doors, preventing unauthorized access to the collector system.