non plumbed in rad

[REDSAW]

i have a vertical rad that needs installing in a kitchen but to wet plumb one in is a bit of a job.
the rad will only be used as an auxiliary unit for an hour in the mornings or occasional.

i was wondering if any one has done one of those rad elements types before and can give some guidance please as this seems the best option.:ciappa:

 

[fuzzy]

rad elements? do you mean an oil filled one?

 

[andyg0507]

or do you mean electrical element?

 

[tamz]

If you are thinking of sticking a electric element in a sealed rad be careful what you do. Electric radiators are oil filled because the oil (unlike water) expands very little when heated.

 

[fuzzy]

If you are thinking of sticking a electric element in a sealed rad be careful what you do. Electric radiators are oil filled because the oil (unlike water) expands very little when heated.

didnt know it could even be done tamz

 

[tamz]

Not a clever idea with a rad filled with water. There are ways to do it but it is a trade secret :lol:

 

[Dannypipe]

I've done it loads of times. You just need to leave room for expansion in the radiator. In other words, don't fill it to the brim. The MI will tell you to leave the vent open when you first heat it, so any water can bubble out as it heats up. I do that, but I ensure I buy the correct power element for the radiator and don't over fill it. So I don't end up with water bubbling out on the floor, and I have plenty of room for expansion. Remember to add a dram of inhibitor to it. Sentinal do a tiny bottle just for this purpose.

You will get instructions with the element.

 

[tamz]

Ah you wasted it Danny :lol:

 

[REDSAW]

thanks danny,
thats the way i was thinking.
they sell them in skufuxclan with controller and element for around £80.
do you need to top then up at all?

 

[WaterTight]

Ah you wasted it Danny :lol:

Well I'm an idiot and I worked out how you'd do it so it can't be that much of a trade secret!

 

[WaterTight]

Never seen it done though. I'll be looking out now. Now I won't look stupid when I go to a leaking rad which isn't piped up.

 

[Dannypipe]

You shouldn't need to top them up. It's gonna have to lose a lot to drop below the element.

I get my elements and controllers from Toolstation or Screwfix.

Try to match the element to the size of the towel tail. The manufacturers can help you with this, but if you're wary, just stick to a small 150watt one. It'll still get nice and warm.

So now the cats out the bag (sorry Tamz!!!)

 

[REDSAW]

would it work equally as well in a 6 foot coulumn rad too?...or will 200 watt be better?

 

[Dannypipe]

For anything above 1600, I would use 200 watt.