Connecting the radiator to the supply. Diagonal connection of a heating radiator: diagram, pros and cons. Schemes and connection methods

You can buy an arbitrarily powerful heating boiler, but not achieve the expected warmth and comfort in the house. The reason for this may well be incorrectly selected devices for final heat transfer. indoors, in the role which traditionally are most often radiators. But even the evaluations that seem to be quite suitable by all criteria sometimes do not justify the hopes of their owners. Why?

And the reason may lie in the fact that the radiators are connected according to a scheme that is very far from optimal. And this circumstance simply does not allow them to show the output parameters of heat transfer that are announced by the manufacturers. Therefore, let's take a closer look at the question: what are the possible schemes for connecting heating radiators in a private house. Let's see what are the advantages and disadvantages of certain options. Let's see what technological methods are used to optimize some schemes.

Necessary information for the correct choice of radiator connection diagram

In order for further explanations to become more understandable to an inexperienced reader, it makes sense to begin with considering what a standard heating radiator is in principle. The term "standard" is used because there are completely "exotic" batteries, but they are not included in the plans of this publication.

The basic device of a heating radiator

So, if you depict an ordinary heating radiator schematically, you might get something like this:

From the point of view of layout, this is usually a set of heat exchange sections (item 1). The number of these sections can vary over a fairly wide range. Many battery models allow this amount to be varied, adding and decreasing, depending on the required total thermal power or based on the maximum allowable assembly size. For this, a threaded connection is provided between the sections using special couplings (nipples) with the necessary seal. Other radiators of this possibility do not imply their sections are connected "tightly" or even represent a single metal structure... But in the light of our topic, this difference is of no fundamental importance.

But what is important is, so to speak, the hydraulic part of the battery. All sections are united by common collectors located horizontally at the top (item 2) and below (item 3). And at the same time, in each of the sections, the connection of these collectors with a vertical channel (item 4) is provided for the movement of the coolant.

Each of the collectors has two inputs, respectively. In the diagram, they are designated G1 and G2 for the upper collector, G3 and G4 for the lower one.

In the overwhelming majority of connection schemes used in heating systems of private houses, only these two inputs are always involved. One is connected to the supply pipe (that is, coming from the boiler). The second - to the "return", that is, to the pipe through which the coolant returns from the radiator to the boiler room. The other two entrances are closed off with plugs or other locking devices.

And that's what is important - the efficiency of the expected heat transfer from the heating radiator depends on how these two inputs, feeds and "return" are located mutually.

Note : Of course, the diagram is given with significant simplification, and in many types of radiators it can have its own characteristics. For example, in the well-known cast-iron batteries of the MC-140 type, each section has two vertical channels connecting the collectors. And in steel radiators there are no sections at all - but the system of internal channels, in principle, repeats the shown hydraulic diagram. So everything that will be said below applies equally to them.

Where is the supply pipe, and where is the "return"?

It is quite clear that in order to correctly optimally position the inlet and outlet to the radiator, it is necessary at least to know in which direction the coolant moves. In other words, where is the supply, and where is the "return". And the fundamental difference may already be hidden in the very type of heating system - it can be one-pipe or

Features of the one-pipe system

This heating system is especially common in high-rise buildings, and is quite popular in single-storey individual construction. Its widespread demand is primarily based on the fact that significantly fewer pipes are required during creation, volumes are reduced installation works.

To explain it as simply as possible, this system is a single pipe running from the supply pipe to the boiler inlet pipe (as an option - from the supply to the return manifold), on which the heating radiators connected in series are "strung".

On a scale of one level (floor), it might look something like this:

It is quite obvious that the "return" of the first radiator in the "circuit" becomes the supply of the next - and so on, until the end of this closed loop. It is clear that from the beginning to the end of a single-pipe circuit, the temperature of the coolant is steadily decreasing, and this is one of the most significant disadvantages of such a system.

The location of a single-pipe circuit is also possible, which is typical for buildings of several floors. This approach was commonly practiced in the construction of urban apartment buildings. However, it can also be found in private houses of several floors. This, too, should not be forgotten if, say, the owners got the house from the old owners, that is, with the already installed wiring of the heating circuits.

Here two options are possible, shown in the diagram below, respectively, under the letters "a" and "b".

Prices for popular heating radiators

Option "a" is called a riser with an upper supply of the coolant. That is, from the supply header (boiler), the pipe rises freely to the highest point of the riser, and then successively goes down through all the radiators. That is, the supply of hot coolant directly to the batteries is carried out from top to bottom.
Option "b" - one-pipe wiring with bottom feed. Already on the way up, along the ascending pipe, the coolant bypasses a series of radiators. Then the direction of flow is reversed, the coolant passes through the string of batteries until it enters the "return" collector.

The second option is used for reasons of saving pipes, but it is obvious that the disadvantage of a one-pipe system, that is, the temperature drop from radiator to radiator along the flow of the coolant, is expressed to an even greater extent.

Thus, if a one-pipe system is mounted in your house or apartment, then in order to select the optimal radiator connection diagram, it is imperative to clarify in which direction the coolant is supplied.

The secrets of the popularity of the "Leningradka" heating system

Despite the rather significant disadvantages, one-pipe systems still remain quite popular. An example of this - which is described in detail in a separate article on our portal. And one more publication is devoted to that element, without which one-pipe systems are not able to work normally.

And if the system is two-pipe?

A two-pipe heating system is considered more advanced. It is easier to operate and lends itself better to fine adjustments. But this is against the background of the fact that more material will be required to create it, and the installation work is becoming more ambitious.

As can be seen from the illustration, both the supply pipe and the return pipe are essentially manifolds to which the corresponding pipes of each of the radiators are connected. The obvious advantage is that the temperature in the supply pipe-collector is kept practically the same for all heat exchange points, that is, it almost does not depend on the location of a particular battery in relation to the heat source (boiler).

This scheme is also used in systems for houses with several floors. An example is shown in the diagram below:

In this case, the supply riser is plugged from above, like the "return" pipe, that is, they are turned into two parallel vertical collectors.

It is important to correctly understand one nuance. The presence of two pipes near the radiator does not mean at all that the system itself is already two-pipe. For example, with a vertical layout, the following picture may appear:

Such an arrangement can mislead the owner inexperienced in these matters. Despite the presence of two risers, the system is still one-pipe, since the heating radiator is connected to only one of them. And the second is a riser that provides the upper supply of the coolant.

Aluminum radiator prices

aluminum radiator

It's a different matter if the connection looks like this:

The difference is obvious: the battery is cut into two different pipes - supply and return. That is why there is no bypass jumper between the inputs - it is completely unnecessary with such a scheme.

There are other two-pipe connection schemes. For example, the so-called collector (it is also called "ray" or "star"). This principle is often resorted to when they try to place all the pipes of the circuit wiring secretly, for example, under the floor covering.

In such cases, a collector unit is placed in a certain place, and from it is already underway separate pipes supply and "return" to each of the radiators. But at its core, it is still a two-pipe system.

Why is all this being told? And to the fact that if the system is two-pipe, then in order to choose a radiator connection diagram, it is important to clearly know which of the pipes is a supply collector and which is connected to the "return".

But the direction of flow through the pipes themselves, which was decisive for a one-pipe system, no longer plays a role here. The movement of the coolant directly through the radiator will depend solely on the relative position of the branch pipes in the supply and in the "return".

By the way, even in the conditions of not the largest house, a combination of both schemes may well be used. For example, a two-pipe one was used, however, in a separate area, say, in one of the spacious rooms or in an annex, several radiators are located, connected according to a one-pipe principle. This means that to choose a connection scheme, it is important not to get confused, and individually evaluate each point of heat exchange: what will be decisive for it - the direction of flow in the pipe or the relative position of the pipes-collectors of the supply and return.

If such clarity is achieved, it is possible to select the optimal scheme for connecting radiators to the circuits.

Diagrams for connecting radiators to the circuit and assessing their effectiveness

All of the above was a kind of "prelude" to this section. Now we will get acquainted with how you can connect radiators to the pipes of the circuit, and which of the methods gives the maximum heat transfer efficiency.

As we have already seen, two radiator inputs are involved, and two more are muffled. What direction of movement of the coolant through the battery will be optimal?

A few more introductory words. What are the "incentives" for the movement of the coolant through the radiator channels.

This is, firstly, the dynamic head of the liquid created in the heating circuit. The liquid tends to fill the entire volume if conditions are created for that (there are no air locks). But it is quite clear that, like any stream, it will tend to flow along the path of least resistance.
Secondly, the difference in temperatures (and, accordingly, density) of the coolant in the radiator cavity itself becomes the "driving force". The hotter streams tend upward, trying to displace the cooled ones.

The combination of these forces ensures the flow of the coolant through the radiator channels. But depending on the connection scheme, the overall picture can be quite different.

Prices for cast iron radiators

cast iron radiator

Diagonal connection, top feed

This scheme is considered to be the most effective. Radiators with such a connection show their capabilities to the fullest. Usually, when calculating a heating system, it is she who is taken as a "unit", and one or another correction factor will be introduced for all the rest.

It is quite obvious that the coolant cannot meet any obstacles a priori with such a connection. The liquid completely fills the volume of the pipe of the upper collector, evenly flows along the vertical channels from the upper collector to the lower one. As a result, the entire heat-exchange area of \u200b\u200bthe radiator heats up evenly, the maximum heat transfer of the battery is achieved.

One-way connection, top feed

Very widespread scheme - this is how radiators are usually mounted in a single-pipe system in risers of high-rise buildings with an upper supply, or on descending branches - with a lower supply.

In principle, the circuit is quite effective, especially if the heatsink itself is not too long. But if a lot of sections are collected in the battery, then the appearance of negative moments is not excluded.

It is quite probable that the kinetic energy of the coolant will be insufficient in order for the flow to pass fully through the upper collector to the very end. The liquid is looking for "easy ways", and the bulk of the flow begins to pass along the vertical internal channels of the sections, which are located closer to the inlet pipe. Thus, it is impossible to completely exclude the formation in the "peripheral zone" of the stagnation area, the temperature of which will be lower than in the area adjacent to the side of the inset.

Even with normal dimensions of radiators in length, one usually has to put up with a loss of heat power by about 3 ÷ 5%. Well, if the batteries are long, then the efficiency can be even lower. In this case, it is better to apply either the first scheme, or use special techniques for optimizing the connection - a separate section of the publication will be devoted to this.

One-way connection, bottom feed

The scheme can in no way be called effective, although, by the way, it is used quite often when installing one-pipe heating systems in multi-storey buildings, if the supply is from the bottom. On the ascending branch, all the batteries in the riser are most often installed by builders in this way. and, probably, this is the only at least somewhat justified case of its use.

For all the seemingly similarities with the previous one, the shortcomings here are only exacerbated. In particular, the occurrence of a stagnant zone on the side of the radiator remote from the inlet becomes even more likely. This is easy to explain. Not only will the coolant look for the shortest and most free path, the difference in density will also contribute to its aspiration upward. And the periphery can either "freeze" or the circulation in it will be insufficient. That is, the far edge of the radiator will become noticeably colder.

Losses of heat transfer efficiency with such a connection can reach 20 ÷ 22%. That is, it is not recommended to resort to it unless absolutely necessary. And if circumstances leave no other choice, then it is recommended to resort to one of the optimization methods.

Bilateral bottom connection

This scheme is used quite often, usually for reasons of maximum concealment of the piping from the visibility. True, its effectiveness is still far from optimal.

It is quite obvious that the easiest way for the coolant is the lower collector. Its distribution along vertical channels upwards occurs exclusively due to the difference in density. But this flow becomes a "brake" by the counter flows of the cooled liquid. As a result, the upper part of the radiator can warm up much more slowly and not as intensely as we would like.

Losses in the overall efficiency of heat transfer with such a connection can reach 10 ÷ 15%. However, such a scheme is also easy to optimize.

Diagonal connection with bottom feed

It is difficult to imagine a situation in which one would have to resort to such a connection. Nevertheless, consider this scheme as well.

Prices for bimetallic radiators

bimetallic radiators

The direct flow entering the radiator gradually dissipates its kinetic energy, and may simply not “finish off” along the entire length of the lower collector. This is facilitated by the fact that the flows in the initial section rush upward, both along the shortest path, and due to the temperature difference. As a result, on a battery with large comic sections, it is likely that a stagnant area with low temperature under the branch pipe in the return line.

Approximate loss of efficiency, despite the apparent similarity with the most optimal option, with such a connection are estimated at 20%.

Two-way connection from above

Let's be honest - this is more for an example, since applying such a scheme in practice will be the height of illiteracy.

Judge for yourself - a direct passage through the upper manifold is open for liquid. And in general, there are no other incentives for spreading over the rest of the radiator. That is, only the area along the upper collector will actually be heated - the rest is “out of play”. It is hardly worth evaluating the loss of efficiency in this case - the radiator itself turns into an unequivocally ineffective one.

The upper two-way connection is not often used. Nevertheless, there are such radiators - pronouncedly high, often simultaneously acting as dryers. And if you have to supply pipes in this way, then various ways of converting such a connection into an optimal scheme are necessarily used. Very often this is already incorporated in the design of the radiators themselves, that is, the upper one-way connection remains so only visually.

How can you optimize the radiator connection diagram?

It is quite understandable that any owners want their heating system to show maximum efficiency with minimum energy consumption. And for this you need to try to apply the most optimal tie-in schemes. But often the piping is already available and you don't want to redo it. Or, initially, the owners plan to lay the pipes so that they become almost invisible. What to do in such cases?

On the Internet, you can find a lot of photos when they try to optimize the sidebar by changing the configuration of the pipes suitable for the battery. In this case, the effect of increasing heat transfer should be achieved, but outwardly some works of such "art" look, frankly, "not very".

There are other methods for solving this problem.

You can buy batteries that, while outwardly no different from ordinary ones, still have in their design a feature that turns one or another method of possible connection as close to optimal as possible. In the right place between the sections, a partition is installed in them, radically changing the direction of movement of the coolant.

In particular, the radiator can be designed for bottom two-way connection:

All the "wisdom" - in the presence of a partition (plug) in the lower manifold between the first and second sections of the battery. The coolant has nowhere to go, and it rises along vertical channel of the first section up. And then, from this upper point, further distribution, quite obviously, is already going on, as in the most optimal diagram with diagonal connection with feeding from above.

Or, for example, the case mentioned above, when it is required to bring both pipes from above:

In this example, the baffle is installed on the upper manifold, between the penultimate and last radiator sections. It turns out that the entire volume of the coolant has only one way - through the lower inlet of the last section, vertically along it - and further into the return pipe. Eventually " route of movement»Liquid through the channels of the battery again becomes diagonal from top to bottom.

Many manufacturers of radiators think over this issue in advance - whole series go on sale, in which the same model can be designed for different tie-in schemes, but in the end an optimal "diagonal" is obtained. This is indicated in the product passports. In this case, it is also important to take into account the direction of the insertion - if you change the flow vector, then the whole effect is lost.

There is another possibility to improve the efficiency of the radiator using this principle. To do this, special valves should be found in specialized stores.

They must be sized according to the selected battery model. When such a valve is screwed in, it closes the transition nipple between the sections, and then into its internal thread the supply or return pipe is packed, depending on the scheme.

The inner baffles shown above are intended more to improve heat dissipation when the batteries are connected on both sides. But there are ways for one-sided tapping - we are talking about the so-called flow extenders.

Such an extension is a pipe, usually with a nominal diameter of 16 mm, which is connected to the radiator bore and, when assembled, ends up in the manifold cavity along its axis. On sale you can find such extensions for the required thread type and required length. Or, a special coupling is simply purchased, and the tube of the required length is selected separately.

Prices for metal-plastic pipes

metal-plastic pipes

What is achieved by this? Let's take a look at the diagram:

The coolant entering the radiator cavity, through the flow extension, enters the far upper corner, that is, to the opposite edge of the upper collector. And from here, its movement to the outlet pipe will already be carried out again according to the optimal scheme "diagonal from top to bottom".

Many master practice and self-production similar extension cords. If you look at it, there is nothing impossible in this.

As the extension cord itself, it is quite possible to use a metal-plastic pipe for hot water, 15 mm in diameter. It remains only from the inside to pack the fitting for metal-plastic into the through-plug of the battery. After assembling the battery, the extension cord of the desired length is in place.

As can be seen from the foregoing, it is almost always possible to find a solution to turn an ineffective battery insertion scheme into an optimal one.

What about the one-way bottom connection?

They may ask perplexedly - why the article has not yet mentioned the diagram of the lower connection of the radiator on one side? After all, it is quite popular, as it allows to carry out hidden piping to the maximum extent.

And the fact is that the above considered possible schemes, so to speak, from a hydraulic point of view. And in their alternating with one-way bottom connection there is simply no place - if at one point both supply and take off the coolant, then no flow through the radiator will happen at all.

What is commonly understood under the bottom one-way connection in fact, it only involves supplying pipes to one edge of the radiator. But the further movement of the coolant through the internal channels, as a rule, is organized according to one of the optimal schemes discussed above. This is achieved either by the features of the device of the battery itself, or by special adapters.

Here is just one example of radiators specially designed for piping. one side below:

If you look at the scheme, it immediately becomes clear that the system of internal channels, partitions and valves organizes the movement of the coolant according to the principle already known to us "one-way with supply from above", which can be considered one of the optimal options. There are similar schemes, which are also supplemented with a flow extension, and then the most effective pattern "diagonal from top to bottom" is generally achieved.

Even an ordinary radiator can be easily converted into a model with a bottom connection. For this, a special kit is purchased - an external adapter, which, as a rule, is immediately equipped with thermal valves for thermostatic regulation of the radiator.

The upper and lower branch pipes of such a device are packed into the sockets of a conventional radiator without any modifications. As a result - a ready-made battery with a bottom one-way connection, and even with a thermal control and balancing device.

So, we figured out the connection diagrams. But what else can affect the heat transfer efficiency of a heating radiator?

How does the location on the wall affect the efficiency of the radiator?

You can purchase a very high-quality radiator, apply the optimal scheme for connecting it, but in the end you will not achieve the expected heat transfer, if you do not take into account a number of other important nuances of its installation.

There are several generally accepted rules for the location of batteries in a room relative to the wall, floor, window sills, and other interior items.

Most often, radiators are located under window openings. This place is still unclaimed for other objects, and besides this, the streams of heated air become a kind of thermal curtain, which largely limits the free spread of cold from the window surface.

Of course, this is just one of the installation options, and radiators can be mounted on the walls, regardless of the presence on those window openings - it all depends on the required number of such heat exchange devices.

If the radiator is installed under a window, then they try to adhere to the rule that its length should be about ¾ the width of the window. This will provide optimal heat transfer and protection against cold air penetration from the window. The battery is installed in the center, with a possible tolerance to one side or the other up to 20 mm.
The battery should not be installed too high - the window sill overhanging it can turn into an insurmountable obstacle for ascending convection air currents, which leads to a decrease in the overall efficiency of heat transfer. They try to maintain a clearance of about 100 mm (from the upper edge of the battery to the lower surface of the "visor"). If you cannot set all 100 mm, then at least ¾ of the radiator thickness.
There is a certain regulation and clearance at the bottom, between the radiator and the floor surface. Too high an arrangement (more than 150 mm) can lead to the formation of a layer of air along the floor covering that is not involved in convection, that is, a noticeably cold layer. Too small a height, less than 100 mm, will introduce unnecessary difficulties during cleaning, the space under the battery can turn into an accumulation of dust, which, by the way, will also negatively affect the efficiency of heat transfer. The optimal height is within 100 ÷ 120 mm.
The optimal location from load-bearing wall... Even when installing brackets for the battery canopy, take into account that there must be a free gap of at least 20 mm between the wall and the sections. Otherwise, dust deposits may accumulate there, normal convection will be disrupted.

These rules can be considered indicative. If the radiator manufacturer does not give other recommendations, then you should be guided by them. But very often in the passports of specific battery models there are diagrams in which the recommended installation parameters are specified. Of course, then they are taken as the basis for the installation work.

The next nuance is how open it turns out installed battery for complete heat transfer. Of course, the maximum performance will be with a completely open installation on a flat vertical wall surface. But, quite understandably, this method is not used so often.

If the battery is under a window, the window sill can interfere with the convection air flow. The same, even more so, applies to the niches in the wall. In addition, radiators often try to cover, or even completely closed (with the exception of the front grille) covers. If these nuances are not taken into account when choosing the required heating power, that is, the heat output of the battery, then it is quite possible to face the sad fact that it is impossible to achieve the expected comfortable temperature.

The table below shows the main possible options installation of radiators on the wall according to their "degree of freedom". Each of the cases is characterized by its own rate of loss of overall heat transfer efficiency.

Illustration	Installation Option Operational Features
	The radiator is installed so that nothing is overlapped from above, or the window sill (shelf) protrudes no more than ¾ of the battery thickness. In principle, there are no barriers to normal air convection. If the battery is not covered with blackout curtains, then there is no interference with direct heat radiation. In the calculations, such an installation scheme is taken as a unit.
	The horizontal "visor" of the window sill or shelf completely covers the top of the radiator. That is, a rather significant obstacle appears for the upward convection flow. With a normal clearance (which was already mentioned above - about 100 mm), the obstacle does not become "fatal", but certain losses in efficiency are still observed. The infrared radiation from the battery remains in full. The total loss of efficiency can be estimated at about 3 ÷ 5%.
	A similar situation, but only on top is not a canopy, but a horizontal wall of a niche. Here, the losses are already somewhat greater - in addition to simply having an obstacle to the air flow, some of the heat will be spent on unproductive heating of the wall, which usually has a very impressive heat capacity. Therefore, it is quite possible to expect heat losses of 7 - 8% applied.
	The radiator is installed as in the first version, that is, there are no obstacles to convection flows. But from the front side it is covered over its entire area decorative lattice or a screen. The intensity of the infrared heat flux is significantly reduced, which, by the way, is the defining principle of heat transfer for cast iron or bimetallic batteries. General losses of heating efficiency can reach 10 ÷ 12%.
	A decorative casing covers the radiator from all sides. Despite the presence of slots or gratings to ensure heat exchange with air in the room, the indicators of both heat radiation and convection are sharply reduced. Therefore, we have to talk about the loss of efficiency, reaching 20 ÷ 25%.

So, we examined the basic diagrams for connecting radiators to the heating circuit, analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Information has been obtained on the applied methods of optimization of circuits, if for some reason it is impossible to change them in other ways. Finally, recommendations are given for placing batteries directly on the wall - the risks of loss of efficiency that accompany the selected installation options are indicated.

Presumably, this theoretical knowledge will help the reader to choose correct scheme proceeding from the specific conditions for creating a heating system... But it would probably be logical to end the article by giving our visitor the opportunity to independently evaluate the necessary heating battery, so to speak, in numerical terms, with reference to a specific room and taking into account all the nuances discussed above.

Do not be afraid - all this will be easy if you use the proposed online calculator. And below will be the necessary brief explanations for working with the program.

How to calculate which radiator is needed for a particular room?

It's pretty simple.

At first, the amount of thermal energy that is needed to warm up the room, depending on its volume, and to compensate for possible heat losses, is calculated. Moreover, a rather impressive list of versatile criteria is taken into account.
Then the obtained value is adjusted depending on the planned radiator insert scheme and the peculiarities of its location on the wall.
The final value will show how much power a radiator is needed to fully heat a particular room. If a collapsible model is purchased, then you can at the same time

First you need to decide which steel radiator you need to connect - with a side or bottom connection.

A steel panel heating radiator is connected in the same way as aluminum and bimetallic radiators. A steel radiator with a bottom connection has two outputs at the bottom - supply and return, which cannot be confused.

Radiator side connection diagrams

There are three main schemes for connecting pipes to a radiator:

1. Diagonal connection - the most preferable option for maximum heat transfer. In this scheme, the supply pipe must be connected to the upper pipe of one side, and the discharge pipe to the lower pipe of the other side of the radiator. In this case, the heat output at the radiator is maximum. With the reverse connection - the supply pipe from the bottom, and the return - from the top, the heat transfer of the radiator will decrease by 10%.

This scheme is preferable for long radiators and radiators with more than 12 sections. The best option from an aesthetic point of view, there will be an option for laying suitable pipelines in the wall (in a groove, or behind a false wall).

2. Side one-way connection - the most common case in apartments. In this embodiment, the supply pipe is connected to the upper branch pipe, and the return pipe is connected to the lower one, on the same side of the radiator. In this case, the maximum power is less than in the case of a diagonal connection by 2%. By reconnecting the suitable and return lines, the power is reduced by another 7%.

3. Bottom connection... This option for connecting a radiator is most often used when laying trunk pipelines in the floor or along the wall, when there is no way to hide the pipes in the gates.

The maximum heat dissipation of the radiator is 7% less than with a diagonal connection.

Steel panel radiator connection with bottom connection

Steel radiators with a bottom connection must be classified as a one-way connection, because all wiring (upper and lower branch pipe) is made inside it.

It must also be remembered that when tying a steel radiator with a bottom connection, the supply and return must not be interchanged... The return pipe is always the first from the near corner (see figure).

All steel radiators with bottom connections are universal, that is, they can be connected through the lower pipes or the second option, plug the lower pipes with plugs and unscrew the upper built-in thermostatic valve. Connect the supply pipeline to the valve location, and connect the return pipeline to one of the lower side connections.

How to connect a steel radiator

A steel radiator with side connection is mounted in the same way as any sectional radiator. In most cases, it has an outlet with a 1/2 inch female thread, into which: a plug, a Mayevsky valve and control valves are screwed.

Steel radiators with bottom connection are in most cases tied with copper, metal-plastic pipes or cross-linked polyethylene. To connect the pipes to the radiator, as well as to cut off the radiator from the system, the lower connection nodes (angular or straight) are used.

The nut is tightened by 3/4 the external thread of the radiator, the pipe is connected to the lower connection unit through a 3/4 eurocone.

On some steel radiators, the inlet fittings have a 1/2 inch female thread; to connect such a radiator to the bottom connection unit, you must use special 1/2 x 3/4 nipples for Eurocone.

In addition, such radiators can also be connected using conventional thermostatic valves.

Summer is a traditional season not only for vacations, but also for the installation of heating systems. In our latitudes, reliable heat supply is the first question in the construction and reconstruction of a house. It is solved in the following order:

choice of heating system;
determination of places;
selection of a connection diagram for heating radiators;
choice of class, type and model of devices.

There are two ways of water heating device: one-pipe and two-pipe. Let's consider them in more detail.

Model one

In a one-pipe heating system, the coolant heated in the boiler rises, and, displacing the column cold water, enters in turn all heating devices. And then it goes down, entering the boiler for subsequent heating. An economical method, often used for heating multi-storey buildings.

Pros and cons

The advantages of this scheme are ease of installation and low pipe consumption. However, there are significant disadvantages:

when several radiators are connected in series, the temperature difference between the first and the last will be significant;
heat supply is not regulated. The heat transfer of a one-pipe system is determined by the design rate laid down in the project;
only the bottom battery connection is possible.

Overcoming gaps

There are a number of techniques to compensate for the disadvantages of a one-pipe system:

each subsequent unit must consist of more sections than the previous one;
you can increase the number of batteries in the room;
be the first to connect the premises with the highest heat loss;
install valves for diagonal connection of radiators;
equip the system with a circulation pump.

Second model

With a two-pipe system, hot water is supplied through one pipe, and cooled down through the other. In this type of circuit, heating devices are connected in parallel.

pros

The advantages of such a connection scheme are the following factors:

all heating devices heat up equally;
in front of the radiators, it is possible to install valves to regulate the amount of the supplied heat carrier.

There are only two drawbacks of the system: more pipes are required for the installation of risers and piping, and, accordingly, the labor costs for installing the system are higher.

Placement

The exact number of radiator sections is determined during the heat engineering calculation. A correctly performed calculation will make it possible to make up for heat losses and increase energy efficiency. The main data for the calculation are the value of heat loss for each individual room and the heat transfer capacity of the battery section.

Consider the calculation of sections using the example of Condor radiators

The overall heat dissipation of the batteries must compensate for the heat loss. Also, during the calculation, the required pipe section is determined for each section of the system. There are typical options for the placement of heating devices.

Accommodation principles

It will be correct to place additional batteries in the corner rooms and on the extreme floors: the heat loss in these rooms is much higher than in the middle of the building. This is due to the presence of surfaces in contact with the external environment: cold walls of corner rooms, floor and ceiling of the outer floors.

The traditional arrangement of radiators is under windows, the main sources of heat loss. This creates a shield (shield) from cold air.

The heat escaping through the skylights as a result of air exchange is immediately replenished, thereby preventing drafts and significant temperature changes.

Parameters

Does not affect how the batteries are positioned: they are installed according to building codes. The main thing is to ensure efficient air circulation around the battery. This will transfer more heat from the coolant to the room.

The parameters of the location of the radiators in the niche, ensuring normal air circulation:

10 cm from the bottom of the windowsill;
12 cm from floor level;
5 cm - the gap between the unit and the wall or thermal insulator layer.

Circulation

The heat carrier of the heating system - water - can circulate naturally or forcibly. occurs due to the displacement of a cold coolant by a column of warm water - this happens according to the laws of physics.

Natural circulation

This is the right solution where power outages are frequent, as it is non-volatile. The length of the branches of the natural circulation system is limited. For the operation of a forced heating system, it is necessary to install a pump near the heating boiler or to have a pump in its very structure.

Forced circulation techniques

The connection of heating radiators depends on the length of the heating main and the characteristics of its passage. In the presence of a circulation pump, the following schemes can be applied:

one-sided;
sitting;
diagonal;
bottom.

First type

Lateral or one-way connection assumes that the inlet pipe (supply) and the outlet pipe (return) are mounted on one side of the radiator (to the same section). Lateral connection is effective when the number of sections is no more than 15. The disadvantage is poor circulation in the distant sections, as well as fast clogging, which will further aggravate the situation.

Diagonally

Diagonal connection of heating radiators is capable of providing heat to batteries with a large number of sections. Feed is from above, retraction is diagonal from below. This scheme ensures uniform distribution of the coolant inside the radiator and maximum heat transfer. A plug is mounted in the lower branch pipe of the section into which water is supplied, and a Mayevsky tap is mounted diagonally.

Heat loss with diagonal connection does not exceed 2%. When indicating the battery power, this type of connection is meant. The only drawback of the diagonal connection is the appearance: the pipes fit on both sides and are difficult to hide.

Sidelny

Side connection of heating batteries is carried out in cases where the heating pipeline is hidden under the floor. The supply and return pipes are connected from different sides to the lower branch pipes of the sections. The disadvantage of this option is the uneven distribution of the coolant, and, as a result, low heat transfer.

Despite significant heat losses - 10-15% - such a connection is used quite often due to the ability to hide almost all pipes. The bottom connection is similar to the seat one, but the supply and return pipes are located next to each other at the bottom of the radiator. The effectiveness of this scheme is even lower than the previous one.

Application

All of the above schemes can be applied in a private house. If desired, you can use two sources of heating: a boiler mounted in the oven and a gas or electric boiler, which is connected in parallel.

Installation

Consider the correct installation sequence for a one-pipe heating system in a private house:

installation of a heating boiler;
wall decoration in places where the battery is installed, thermal insulation if necessary;
installation on the walls of radiators;
determination of pipe attachment points and tie-in bends;
filling the system with water and carrying out a test run.

Connection of heating radiators can be flow-through and with closing sections. The first method is simpler, requires less materials and labor, and is used for small systems. The second method allows you to regulate the supply of coolant for each individual radiator, but requires the installation of additional bypass sections - bypasses. Also, additional shut-off valves are required here.

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The heating system is created in order to provide heat to everyone who lives or is in a residential building, apartment or building, while the connection of heating radiators must be done correctly. The air temperature in the room in the range from 18 ° С to 25 ° С is considered to be comfortable. The power of heating devices must be such that it compensates for heat losses through walls, doors, windows and other protective structures facing the street.

The scheme that determines the connection of heating radiators in your own house is selected at the design stage of the building before starting execution construction works... True, measures for the improvement or repair of the heating structure can be carried out even during the use of the premises.

Of course, if there is a central heating main in the settlement, the best solution to the issue of heat supply is to connect to it. In the absence of centralized heating, the arrangement of an autonomous heating system becomes relevant.

Factors affecting heating efficiency

The efficiency of the heating structure depends on several factors:

Layout of heating system elements... The degree and uniformity of heating the room depends on the correctness of this work, and, accordingly, the amount of money spent on heating a house or apartment.
Selection of heating equipment... Everything that is needed to create a heating system is acquired on the basis of a professionally performed calculation of technical and financial indicators. The fact is that the decision on how to properly connect heating radiators and the choice of appropriate equipment contributes to achieving maximum heat transfer with minimum fuel consumption. Read also: "".
Installation method main pipelines, heating boiler, circulation pump, connection of heating batteries, regulating and shut-off elements. Incorrectly executed installation of any of the links of the heating structure can result in the failure of the entire system.
Availability of special knowledge and skills carrying out work related to the design and installation of heat supply structures. Professionals in the field of heating technology should perform calculations and determine the heating scheme of a house, including the option of how to connect heating radiators in a particular case. Despite the fact that the involvement of specialists will lead to an increase in the cost of arranging heating, you should not save on this. Read also: "".

Choosing a connection diagram for heating batteries

When the choice of the type of heating boiler is completed, the connection diagram of the heating batteries in the house is determined. It can be one-pipe or two-pipe.

The very connection of the radiators is done in one of three ways:

bottom;
lateral;
diagonal.

If, when deciding how to connect the heating battery, a one-way piping was planned, then the number of sections on one device should not exceed 12 for gravitational heating networks and 24 for systems equipped with a circulation pump.

If it is necessary to install a larger number of sections, it is necessary to use a versatile piping to the heating radiators. When installing heating devices, one should not forget about the throughput of the straight pipe and return pipe, which depends on their diameter and the roughness coefficient.

Effective heat transfer can be achieved under the condition of optimal placement of the batteries, or rather, observing the installation distance of the devices in relation to the walls, flooring, window and windowsill.

The installation instructions and how to properly connect a heating radiator provide for the following standards:

the device should be at a distance of 10 - 12 centimeters from the floor;
it should be installed no closer than 8-10 centimeters to the windowsill;
the back panel should not be placed closer than 2 centimeters from the wall;
when installing batteries, it is necessary to provide for the regulation of the degree of their heating, both in manual and automatic modes. For this, special thermostats are purchased (in more detail: "");
for the purpose of repairing or replacing the radiator, valves, valves and manual taps should be provided. They will allow you to disconnect the product from the heating system;
on the devices you need to put Mayevsky taps, such as in the photo. With their help, the air trapped in the system is removed.

Installation of steel or other types of radiators is performed in a specific sequence:

carry out preliminary marking for the placement of brackets that are attached to the wall;
mayevsky's taps are mounted on devices;
install various shut-off and other elements - valves, plugs, taps and regulators;
before connecting the heating radiator, it is placed on the brackets and aligned horizontally;
the device is connected to the pipeline using transitional shims;
pressurize and test water run.

Series connection of heating radiators

With this method, the batteries are connected using one pipe. Most often, if a series connection of heating radiators is required, then in order to increase the power of the heating devices and ensure a sufficient degree of heating of the room, it is necessary to increase the number of sections towards the end of the line.

The series connection method is characterized by an uneven distribution of heat output. As a result, the first of the radiators heats up much more than the subsequent ones, and the device that is the last in the circuit will be barely warm.

Despite a number of inconveniences, this method is in demand due to its simplicity, and the required degree of heat transfer is adjusted by building up several sections of batteries in different places of the heating structure. Read also: "".

Examples of connecting heating radiators in the video:

Content

To provide a private house with heat, it is necessary to carefully consider the design of the heating system. It is important not only to correctly select the boiler power and select high-quality batteries, but also to correctly connect the heating radiators. At the same time, the choice of the heating system and the direction of movement of the coolant through the internal channels of the battery affects the amount of heat supplied in the form of infrared radiation and convection heating of air masses. Consider which of the schemes for connecting heating devices are considered the most effective in an apartment and a private mansion.

Radiator battery connection

Factors to Consider

At the design stage of the heating system, the thermal calculation of the house as a whole and of each heated room separately is performed. This allows you to install a boiler of the required power and select a heating device for each room, the heat transfer of which is sufficient for high-quality heating even on frosty days. It doesn't matter what material the radiator is made of - it can be steel, cast iron, aluminum or bimetallic.

However, the type of battery affects the ease of use of the heating system - cast iron radiators take a long time to cool and heat up, not allowing flexible regulation of the indoor climate. It is also worth paying attention to the presence of panel-type steel radiators with bottom connection - they are connected to the pipeline in the only possible way.

In order for the heating system to provide the house with heat, operating in optimal mode, without unnecessary fuel consumption, it is necessary to take into account:

type of heating system;
location of batteries (their heat transfer is affected by the installation location - protruding structures and decorative screens reduce the performance by 3–20%);
the length and specifics of the heating main.

Features of the circulation of the coolant

The heat carrier in the heating system is water or antifreeze (the latter option is used in private houses with autonomous heating). It can move through the pipeline in two ways:

under the influence of the forces of gravity and thermal expansion of the liquid - the heated water rises along the booster pipe, and then moves down the pipes installed with a slope, displacing the cooled water into the boiler;
under the influence of a special pump that forms a fluid flow.

Natural circulation

Considering how to connect a heating radiator, one should take into account the type of coolant circulation, otherwise there is a risk that the batteries will not warm up well in the gravitational system.

One-pipe wiring

With one-pipe wiring, the heating devices are connected to the system in series, as a result, the hot coolant passes through all the batteries in turn, and then enters the return line, through which it is transported to the boiler.

This option is usually used in apartment buildings as the most economical for installation. Moreover, there are two main methods of connection:

a riser passes through each heated room of the apartment, to which the heating device is connected;
supply and return pipes are installed in each apartment, and heating devices of all rooms are connected in series to them.

One pipe system

In private houses, the outlet of the radiator is also connected to the inlet of the next heating device, and the outlet of the latter is connected to the return pipe. The disadvantages of serial wiring are:

Insufficient heating of the last batteries farthest from the boiler. To ensure sufficient heating of the room, it will be necessary to install heating devices with a higher heat transfer due to the increased number of sections or the size of the panels.
Lack of ability to regulate heat output radiators to create an optimal microclimate for each of the rooms separately.

Two-pipe wiring

The two-pipe wiring option involves connecting the input of the batteries to the supply pipe, and the output to the return. Parallel connection:

Provides uniform heating of heating devices, regardless of their distance from the boiler.
It makes it possible to change the heat transfer from each radiator separately using a thermostat, including in automatic mode.

The disadvantages of a two-pipe system include high material consumption - the length of the pipeline is actually doubled. But the financial costs of installation are paid off by simple balancing of the system, ease of operation and fuel economy when using thermostats.

Two-pipe system

Two-pipe connection is mainly used in private houses, but it can also be found in multi-apartment buildings.

Battery Connection Principles

It will be necessary to decide how to correctly connect the heating battery in the apartment if supply and return pipes are inserted into it, and the principle of connecting the radiators will have to be chosen by the residents themselves. In Soviet-built multi-storey buildings and in many modern buildings, a one-pipe system with a riser in each room is used - in such a situation there is no need to choose, the battery must be installed according to the standard design.

The connection diagram for heating radiators in a private house is selected in accordance with the preferences of the owners or the decision of the developer, the type of wiring of the heating system. To understand what the advantages and disadvantages of each of the battery connection schemes are, you need to understand how the radiator works.

The design of the radiators is similar, despite the differences in material and appearance. Two parallel collectors (upper and lower), located horizontally, are connected by channels that act as vertical bridges. A heated liquid moves through the channels, giving off thermal energy to the metal body.

How are batteries connected in an apartment building

Heaters designed for lateral mounting are equipped with threaded connections at the ends of the collectors. Two nozzles are used to connect the battery to the pipeline, the remaining two are plugged. Instead of one of the top plugs, a manual air vent is usually installed.

A number of manufacturers offer steel panel radiators, which are conveniently connected to a pipeline hidden under the floor or skirting board. Such heating devices are equipped with two branch pipes with an external thread located in the lower part of the body.

The connection diagram for heating radiators with a two-pipe and one-pipe system is selected taking into account the heating efficiency of the battery case when the coolant moves through its internal channels.

Side connection (one-way)

One-way side connection with top feed... This option is used in apartment buildings, where one radiator is connected to the risers on each floor. The outlet pipe (bottom) is also connected to the supply riser (one-pipe system) or to the return riser (two-pipe system).

Side connection

The advantages include compactness. This type of connection has proven itself well for small length heating devices - up to 10 sections. In the case of installing an extended battery, it is necessary to use a special pipe (flow extension), which is inserted into the upper collector and supplies the heated coolant to the distant sections, otherwise they will not warm up and the heating device will not be able to operate at full capacity.

One-way side connection with bottom feed... It is used in one-pipe systems with the supply of the heating agent through the riser from the bottom up. The heated liquid tends to pass through the channels closest to the nozzles, therefore the far part of the battery does not warm up enough - the power loss of the radiator can exceed 20%. In order for the battery to work in optimal mode, a flow extension is mounted inside the lower collector, which contributes to the supply of heated liquid to the distant channels.

Diagonal connection (crossover)

Diagonal connection with top feed... This option is the most effective, it is this connection scheme that is taken as the basis for calculating the thermal power of batteries with side connection. The supply pipe is connected to the upper branch pipe, and the outlet pipe is connected to the lower one on the opposite side. The coolant enters the upper collector and all the bridging channels, evenly heating the heater body over the entire area.

Diagonal connection

Bottom feed diagonal connection... If you connect the supply pipe to the radiator using the lower pipe so that the coolant flows through the heating device diagonally from bottom to top, its power will decrease by about 20% relative to the best option connections. The coolant rises along the channels closest to the inlet and flows through the collector into the pipe connected to the upper branch pipe. As a result, the bottom corner of the battery does not warm up. This option is not recommended due to extremely low efficiency.

Bottom connection, saddle

In private houses, hidden installation of the pipeline is popular - communications are located in the floor or behind the baseboard. Accordingly, the heating batteries are connected from below.

Bottom connection... This term is used to refer to steel panel radiators that have closely spaced piping connections.

Bottom saddle connection

Saddle connection... This option of connecting the radiator implies the use of the lower pipes of the standard model with side connection. The advantages include aesthetics - pipes do not remain in sight. The disadvantage is the loss of thermal power by 10-15% due to the fact that the main part of the coolant moves directly along the lower collector, and only part of the heated liquid rises up through the channels, heating the radiator body.

The intensity of movement of the heated liquid in the absence of a pump is not enough to warm up the radiator, therefore, the installation of heating devices with a bottom or saddle connection is allowed only in systems with forced circulation.

Conclusion

Most correct option connecting a heating device in a private house - diagonal with top flow. If you correctly select the speed of movement of the coolant in a system with a circulation pump, you can minimize heat loss with the lower connection method. Other types of battery connection in autonomous heating systems are not used so often, since their efficiency is noticeably lower. Lateral connection is practiced in apartment buildings.