This is determined by the flow direction of the valve with some radiator valves being bi-directional which means that they can be installed on the flow or return pipes of the radiator horizontally or vertically.
What are the different types of radiator valves?
This is pretty simple there are two main types of radiator valve, these are manual and thermostatic and, for safety, there is also a lockshield valve.
What is a bidirectional TRV?
The Danfoss family of thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) has a new addition with the launch of the RTW bi-directional TRV with built-in sensor.RTW also benefits from Danfoss’ flow selectable, bi-directional design which means it can be installed horizontally or vertically, in flow or return.
Does it matter which way water flows through a radiator?
Pipes from one radiator lead to another and do not cross, so you orient the radiator the same way as the other radiators on the same floor are oriented. If you only have one radiator, you will need to get into your neighbor’s apartment to figure out which way the pipes are going.
Are all TRV bidirectional?
The vast majority of new TRV’s are bidirectional and can be fitted to either the flow or return, but it is always good practice to fit them to the flow side. If a non bidirectional TRV is fitted on the return side it will create a vibrating sound as the water tries to flow though it.
How do I know what type of radiator valve I have?
Anywhere your radiator has to make a 90° connection on the vertical plane, an angled radiator valve is needed. A quick rule of thumb is this: If the right angle is up and in, you need an angled valve. If the right angle is out (i.e. protrudes towards you) and in, you need a corner valve.
How do I know which valve is which on a radiator?
Valves are located on the bottom of the radiator where the pipes come into and exit the radiator. These are normally situated at the bottom left and right of the radiator, but some radiators have valves that come into the centre of the radiator, again at the bottom.
Is Danfoss TRV bidirectional?
Danfoss’s ‘flow selectable’ bi-directional TRV can be installed horizontally or vertically, in flow or return.If water flows the wrong way through a partially open TRV it will slam shut in the same way.
How do you balance a radiator with TRV on return?
If the valve at the return end is a TRV it may have an internal balancing adjustment screw. If it does, adjust it to the half closed position. If the TRV has no internal balancing screw, you will have to balance the radiator using the lockshield valve at the other end of the radiator, even though it is on the flow end.
What do the symbols on radiator valves mean?
Radiator valves have numbers or symbols to represent how much heat the radiator is putting out. Normally, these numbers range from 1 6. Turning the valve to 3 should give you a room temperature around 20°C. Each number above or below then represents a single degree.
Can a radiator be installed backwards?
A word about installation: It is possible to install an engine fan backwards.That is, if a correctly installed fan draws air through the radiator, an incorrectly installed fan still draws air through the radiator it does not blow air through the radiator. Here is a picture of a fan correctly installed on its drive.
Can you put a radiator on the wrong way round?
If you fit the radiator in the wrong orientation it can result in a reduction of output, noise from the heating system, or even in extreme cases you can end up with a radiator that doesn’t do anything other than take up wall space.While this doesn’t cause any damage to the system it is very annoying.
Do you bleed a radiator when it is on or off?
Turn off your heating. You can’t bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator.
What is the quickest way to balance your radiators?
How To Balance Radiators
- Turn off your heating.
- Open all radiator valves.
- Note the speed each radiator heats up.
- Allow your heating to cool down.
- Turn your heating back on.
- Adjust the fastest radiator.
- Repeat for other radiators.
Why does one of my radiators not get hot?
If just one (or a few) of your radiators aren’t heating up, the most common reason for this is trapped air. If you’ve just turned the heating back on after the summer, air can become trapped in your radiators, causing them to be warm at the bottom but cold at the top.Your radiator should soon be nice and warm.
How can you tell an outlet and inlet on a radiator?
Finding out where the valve inlets are located on your radiator is fairly straight forward and is defined by the type of radiator you have. For example, you tend to find the valve inlet on a towel rail radiator located underneath the bottom of the radiator.
Do both radiator valves need to be open?
You should open both of the valves on all of your system’s radiator when you are starting the radiator balancing process. You will most likely need to use pliers to open the lockshield valve.Once this is done your radiator system should be fully balanced and your radiators should heat up evenly and efficiently.
Are all radiator valves the same?
You not only need to choose which radiator valves you want because your pipework isn’t the same as everyone elses, but neither is your taste in interior decoration. You get to choose exactly which radiator valves match: your radiator, the angle/direction of your pipework and of course, your room’s decor.
Are radiator valves universal?
The connection between your valve and the radiator is standard across all moderns radiators and valves. The size differences listed above refers to the width of your pipes that the valves will slot onto.
What position should radiator valves be in?
Many modern homes will have TRVs Thermostatic Radiator Valves attached to most of the radiators on the opposite side from the lockshield valves. A TRV should always be fitted to the inlet on the radiator and the LSV to the outlet.
What are the 2 valves on a radiator?
One valve accounts for the amount of hot water that enters the radiator. The other valve, referred to as the lockshield valve, balances the system by regulating how much heat the radiator gives off.
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