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FAQ 
 
 
 

Radiators

Q. When do I need to use Low Surface Temperature radiators? 
Q. What is the difference between a direct and an indirect system? 
Q. Can I fit decorative covers over my radiators? 
Q. What should I use to secure the radiator to the wall? 
Q. Will old twin entry radiator valves fit new radiators? 
Q. What are the Correction Factors in the radiator data chart? 
Q. What is the hydraulic pressure drop across a radiator? 
Q. Why are my radiators hot at the top and cold at bottom? 
Q. Do my radiators need venting? 
Q. Can I remove and refit my radiators for decoration purposes? 
Q. What clearances do I need above and below my radiator to ensure maximum efficiency? 
Q. Can I drill out & re-tap bleed valves on old radiators? 
Q. What allowance should I make for pipe centres from the edge of the radiator? 
Q. Can I curve or bend radiators to fit into an existing bay window? 
Q. Are Myson products suitable for one-pipe systems? 


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Q. When do I need to use Low Surface Temperature radiators?

LST radiators are advisable for areas where a person may injure themselves if left in contact with a traditional radiator.  Such applications are generally hospitals, nurseries and homes for the elderly and infirm but they can also be used in children's rooms or other higher-risk areas of the house.

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Q. What is the difference between a direct and an indirect system?

A direct system is one where the tap water actually mixes with the water in the radiators.  An indirect system separates the tap water from the radiator water.  Myson radiators must only be fitted to an indirect system.

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Q. Can I fit decorative covers over my radiators?

Decorative covers can be utilised, however they will significantly reduce the output of a radiator.  The amount of heat reduction is dependent on the actual design of the cabinet so we cannot give an exact heat reduction figure.  Thermostatic radiator valves should not be fitted inside these radiator covers.   


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Q. What should I use to secure the radiator to the wall?

Radiators are heavy items and should be securely fastened to the wall.  Specific care should be taken to identify the construction of the wall and use the appropriate fasteners to secure the radiator bracket.  Each radiator bracket has several positions for screws.


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Q. Will old twin entry radiator valves fit new radiators?

These older valves are identified by having both pipe connections in one radiator valve at one side of the radiator.  They are not suitable for modern radiators.  If new radiators are being fitted it may be advisable to also renew the radiator valves.

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Q. What are the Correction Factors in the radiator data chart?

We display radiator outputs in accordance with European Standards, at a radiator to air temperature differential of 50°C.  However the hotter the radiator is above the room’s air temperature, the more heat it will emit.  A typical UK heating system has an average radiator temperature of around 75°C and, if a room temperature of 20°C is required, there is a temperature difference between the radiator and the air of 55°C.  Simply look at the technical data of the required radiator and apply the correction factor for 55°C to the heat output shown to ascertain the correct heat output of the radiator.  The data chart shows correction factors for a wide range of radiator to air temperature differentials.

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Q. What is the hydraulic pressure drop across a radiator?

The pressure drop across a single panel radiator is similar to that of an equal length of 15mm copper tube.  For a double panel radiator, assume the radiator is two lengths of 15mm pipe connected in parallel. For pressure losses across other radiators in the Myson range, consult the relevant technical brochure.


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Q. Why are my radiators hot at the top and cold at bottom?

This indicates that the radiator may have an insufficient flow of water to heat it effectively.  Large radiators need a higher water flow than small radiators.  There may be several reasons for this such as incorrect balancing, incorrect pipe sizes or an under-performing or under-sized pump.  A heating engineer should be called to carry out further investigations.

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Q. Do my radiators need venting?

If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, the radiator needs venting.  Simply turn off the heating system and slightly open the air vent (some radiators will require a radiator vent key, others may need a small screwdriver) until water is noted at the air vent.  Take care to protect decorated surfaces with a cloth prior to opening the air vent. Gently close the vent and switch the system back on.  If the radiators need venting frequently, there may be a fault with the system and a heating engineer should be called.

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Q. Can I remove and refit my radiators for decoration purposes?

This can be easily achieved on most traditional “open vented” systems, however it can be more complex for sealed systems.  An open vented system has a feed and expansion tank, with a ball valve and overflow, located at high level in the property. A sealed system should have a pressure gauge located in, or near, the boiler.
For open vented systems switch the heating system totally off and allow it to cool.  Close the radiator valves at each side of the radiator, making a note of how many turns each valve is open.  Place a receptacle under one radiator connection (not the valve to pipe connection) and loosen it until water slowly drains.  Some radiator valves have an integral drain point that makes this task easier.  Once the water has drained from the radiator, loosen the other radiator connection and remove it.  To refit, replace the radiator, re-attach the radiator valves and open the valves to their previous setting.  The air vent at the top of the radiator will need to be opened until the radiator is full of water.

For sealed systems it may be prudent to contact a heating engineer.


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Q. What clearances do I need above and below my radiator to ensure maximum efficiency?

We recommended that clearances of 50mm above and 100mm below be left so heat from the radiator can be effectively distributed.

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Q. Can I drill out & re-tap bleed valves on old radiators?

If your radiator is a Myson Premier two tapping radiator, manufactured before June 2003, the air vent is in line with the rounded top of the radiator.  This vent may be re-tapped with a No.10 32UNF tap (4.1mm drill size).   For all other radiators, please contact the Myson Customer Services Office who can supply a new vent assembly that simply screws into the radiator.

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Q. What allowance should I make for pipe centres from the edge of the radiator?

This obviously depends on the style and brand of radiator valve, however a rough guide would be to assume that the pipe center is approximately 50mm from the edge of the radiator connection.

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Q. Can I curve or bend radiators to fit into an existing bay window?

Myson Column radiators can be curved to fit most applications or alternatively, use smaller radiators to make up the total length of the bay.

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Q. Are Myson products suitable for one-pipe systems?

Myson Radiators are only suitable for two-pipe systems.  The circulation of heat from the one pipe loop to the radiator is promoted by gravity circulation.  Modern radiators generally have high hydraulic resistance pipe connections, which would prevent effective water circulation between the pipe and the radiator.

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