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Radiator
12:44 PM 08/06/2012
Park Slope, NY
I would like to replace a large cast iron hot water radiator with a cast iron convector radiator. I would also like to put it in a trench with a register over it. I know this is done with copper fin radiators. I read that it is a mistake to match copper with cast iron. The rest of the house has cast iron vintage hot water radiators. Can this be done? Also can anyone recommend a plumbing that is best able to handle this kind of work?
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Brooklyn, NY
I have the 40's version of these cast iron convectors in my house. I replaced all the old, large cast iron radiators with them.
They are a "convector". By nature of the positioning (sitting about 8" off the floor), they draw in the colder low lying air under them and emit hot air above. It creates a convection. I would think if you put them in a trench, it might reduce the intended effect of heating.
because of the reduced mass of iron compared to the larger cast iron radiators, they heat up a little quicker and cool quicker. Less "radiaton" of heat.
i was a little worried my steam boiler would be cycling too quickly, but It works great. Better that the large cast radiators in my opinion.
just be sure to size them properly. John from Gateway has experience with these.7:47 PM 08/06/2012 | 0 Votes
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New York, NY
Yes I do.
You can set convectors into floor pockets with grill-type covers but you have to create a partition within the pocket to separate cool incoming air from air heated to maximize convection.
This is Beacon Morris's pre-formed model for hot water heat, but it's similar for steam heat: Floor Vector Installation Instructions (BIIFVX-3)
I maintain a 6-story home in the West Village that is heated entirely this way, with cast iron convectors in trench pockets in the floor.8:17 PM 08/06/2012 | 0 Votes
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Park Slope, NY
Pig-three and masterplumber. Thanks for your reply. My situation is different. I will be mixing one room of trench heating with a whole house of cast iron radiators. This is different the your situations. Pig three has all cast iron convectors though not trench style. Masterplumber has all BIIFux which I believe is copper fins and tube. Even if I use dielectric couplings, I will still be mixing cast iron with copper. "Experts" tell me this will be very unbalenced. The question really is this: can one get a cast iron trench system?
1:51 PM 08/07/2012 | 0 Votes
Comments (1)
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New York, NY
You're very confused. I'm not talking about mixing copper and cast iron radiators, and the ones I described are the ones in your picture made by Governale Industries. The reasons not to mix cast iron and copper fin-tube radiators have nothing to do with the reasons to use dielectric couplings. It has to do with heat output and temperature swing.
11:19 PM 08/07/2012
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