Which heating battery connection diagram is better - connection options and methods, advantages and disadvantages. Methods for connecting radiators

The above review describes methods for installing radiators in apartments, private houses, office and commercial premises. The article is useful for both project customers and installers. After careful reading, you will be able to make the right choice of diagram, draw up an accurate estimate and assign a clearly defined task to specialist installers.

The type and model of heating radiators become unimportant if they are incorrectly connected to the heating system. To achieve efficient operation of radiators and heating comfort, it is necessary to competently use the existing technical capabilities of a particular room.

IN apartment buildings with a centralized heating system, the connection is made into a common riser, which limits the possibility of autonomous regulation of temperature and pressure hot water. In private homes, the possibilities are wider, but the costs are also higher. heating equipment. To make the optimal choice of scheme, you need to understand the basic concepts and general terminology of this issue.

Single-pipe

Standard view of the system multi-storey buildings With centralized heating. Most economical option, requires laying one pipe around the entire perimeter. With a one-pipe system, radiators are connected in series. It is possible to regulate the heat level only in the entire overall assembly. Each radiator is powered from the previous one, respectively, the water temperature decreases in each subsequent connection.

The circulation of hot water in such a system usually occurs naturally. But given the difficulty of water passage in series connections, it is possible to use a booster pump. This system is quite suitable for heating small (up to 70 sq. meters) apartments.

In a two-pipe system, each radiator is supplied with hot water through one pipe, and the cooled water is transported to the heating equipment through the second. Such a system is more efficient than a single-pipe system, since each radiator is supplied with hot water autonomously. With this connection, it is possible to regulate the temperature of each radiator individually.

But the material consumption for installing such a system doubles. For both heating systems, different connection schemes for the radiator itself are suitable. The way in which hot water is supplied will determine the efficiency of the radiator. Eat various ways with varying effectiveness, we will describe each of them in detail.

Methods for connecting radiators

Correct connection of heating radiators in single-pipe and two-pipe systems. Systems, in turn, are divided into vertical and horizontal. At vertical connection The radiators are connected from top to bottom; in the case of horizontal radiators, they are connected in series from the riser.
There are only three connection diagrams:

  1. lower
  2. lateral
  3. diagonal

The rest are derivatives from them.


Bottom connection

The bottom connection is the simplest and does not raise any questions. On the one hand, the radiator is fed with hot water, on the other hand, cooling water is removed to feed the next radiator or return to the heating system. This connection of the heating battery is considered the least efficient. The advantage of this scheme is that only one pipe is used, which can be easily hidden in the wall or under the baseboard.


The figure shows how to connect a heating battery in an apartment with a single-pipe system using the bottom connection.

A jumper at the bottom of the battery (bypass) allows air pockets to be released on a separate battery and facilitates the movement of water in the general circuit.

Side connection

A lateral or one-sided connection is usually made for ease of installation to vertical riser pipes in multi-storey buildings. This method should be used as a last resort since there is a possibility of heating only the part of the radiator adjacent to the pipes. In a radiator with a side connection to a single-pipe circuit, the top connection is used for hot water, and the bottom connection is for discharging cooled water.


The figure shows how to correctly connect a heating radiator in an apartment with a single-pipe system using a side connection diagram.

The bypass jumper device will also allow air to be released and stabilize the water pressure in the general circuit.

Diagonal connection

When connecting diagonally, manufacturers conduct test tests of radiators. Water passes throughout the radiator evenly and as intensively as possible. Due to this, all zones warm up equally quickly. This is one of the most effective schemes. Diagonal connection of a heating radiator with a single-pipe system.
In a diagonal connection diagram for heating radiators, hot water enters through the upper inlet and uniformly heats the entire battery. You can use a bypass (jumper) in this case as well.

How to connect a heating radiator in an apartment in a diagonal pattern to a one-pipe system is shown in the figure.

Below is a diagram of how to properly connect heating batteries in an apartment to a single-pipe system with maximum efficiency. The Leningradka circuit has been tested by long practice, and as time has shown, this is the most effective connection in this case.

The connection diagram for a heating radiator to a two-pipe system differs only in that the heating radiators are connected via two parallel circuits, one of which supplies the radiator with hot water, and the second delivers cooled water to the heating system.

As can be seen from the figure, there are no fundamental differences in installation.

The choice is determined by financial capabilities and the desire to give the installation a more or less aesthetic appearance by hiding the tubes in the floor or wall.

Conclusion

Knowing basic fundamentals And existing schemes installation of a heating system, you will be able to make the right choice and monitor the proper execution of the work. With some skills, it is possible to assemble any circuit with your own hands.

Connecting heating radiators in a private house allows you to use any of the above schemes. The main advantageous difference from connecting heating radiators in an apartment building is the ability to regulate the temperature and pressure of the incoming hot water.

Are you planning to change your heating appliances? own home? For this, knowledge about the types of battery wiring, methods of connecting and placing them will be useful. Agree, because the correctness of the selected connection diagram for heating radiators in a particular house or room directly determines its effectiveness.

Correctly connecting the batteries is a very important task, because it can provide all rooms with a comfortable temperature at any time of the year. It’s good when fuel consumption is minimal and your home is warm on the coldest days.

We'll help you figure out what you'll need to get the most out of it. efficient work radiators. In the article you will find a lot useful information about methods of connecting batteries and their implementation without the involvement of specialists. Diagrams and videos are provided that will help you clearly understand the essence of the issue.

An efficient heating system can save money on fuel costs. Therefore, when designing it, you should make informed decisions. After all, sometimes the advice of a neighbor in the country or a friend who recommends a system like his is not at all suitable.

It happens that there is no time to deal with these issues yourself. In this case, it is better to turn to professionals who have been working in this field for at least 5 years and have grateful reviews.

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The first option involves using physical laws without purchasing and installing additional devices. Suitable when the coolant is water. Any non-freezing agent will circulate worse in the system.

The system consists of a boiler that heats the water, an expansion tank, supply and return pipelines, and batteries. The water, heating up, expands and begins its movement along the riser, visiting the installed radiators in turn. The cooled water from the system flows by gravity back to the boiler.

With this circulation option, the horizontal pipeline is installed with a slight inclination towards the movement of the coolant. This system is self-regulating, because depending on the temperature of the water, its quantity also changes. The circulation pressure increases, allowing the water to heat the room evenly.

With natural circulation, two-pipe and one-pipe schemes with upper wiring, two-pipe with lower wiring are used. Such methods of connecting radiators to the heating system are beneficial for small rooms.

It is important to equip the batteries with air vents to remove excess air or install automatic air vents on the risers. It is best to place the boiler in the basement so that it is lower than the heated room.

For houses with an area of ​​100 m2 or more, the coolant circulation system will have to be changed. In this case, you will need a special device that stimulates the movement of water or antifreeze through the pipes. We are talking about . Its power depends on the area of ​​the heated room. The use of a pump for forced circulation allows the use of antifreeze as a coolant. In this case, you need to install expansion tank closed type so that fumes do not harm the health of the residents of the house

The circulation pump is used in two- and one-pipe circuits with horizontal and vertical system connection of heating devices.

The efficiency of the heating system primarily depends on the correct choice of the heating battery connection diagram. Ideally, if fuel consumption is low, radiators are capable of generating maximum amount heat. In the following material, we will talk about what types of connection diagrams there are for heating radiators in an apartment building, what are the features of each of them, as well as what factors should be taken into account when choosing a specific option.

Factors affecting radiator efficiency

The main requirements for a heating system are, of course, its efficiency and economy. Therefore, its design must be approached thoughtfully so as not to miss all sorts of subtleties and features of a particular living space. If you do not have sufficient skills to create a competent project, it is better to entrust this work to specialists who have already proven themselves and have positive feedback from clients. You should not rely on the advice of friends who recommend certain methods of connecting radiators, since in each specific case the initial conditions will be different. Simply put, what suits one person may not necessarily suit another.

However, if you still want to install pipes to heating radiators yourself, pay attention to the following factors:

  • the size of radiators and their thermal power;
  • placement of heating appliances inside the house;
  • connection diagram.

The modern consumer has a variety of models of heating devices to choose from - these include mounted radiators from various materials, and baseboard or floor convectors. The difference between them is not only in size and appearance, but also in the methods of liner, as well as the degree of heat transfer. All these factors will influence the choice of options for connecting heating radiators.

Depending on the size of the heated room, the presence or absence of an insulating layer on external walls building, power, as well as the connection type recommended by the radiator manufacturer, the number and dimensions of such devices will vary.

As a rule, radiators are placed under windows or in the walls between them if the windows are located at a great distance from each other, as well as in corners or along a blank wall of a room, in a bathroom, hallway, storage room, and often on staircases apartment buildings.

To guide thermal energy from the radiator into the room, it is advisable to attach a special reflective screen between the device and the wall. Such a screen can be made from any heat-reflecting foil material - for example, penofol, isospan or any other.


Before connecting the radiator to the heating system, pay attention to some features of its installation:

  • within the same residential premises, the level of placement of all batteries must be the same;
  • the fins on convectors must be directed vertically;
  • the middle of the radiator must coincide with the center point of the window or can be shifted 2 cm to the right or left;
  • the total length of the battery should be 75% of the width of the window opening;
  • the distance from the window sill to the radiator must be at least 5 cm, and there must be at least a 6 cm gap between the device and the floor. It is best to leave 10-12 cm.

Please note that from the right choice How to connect heating radiators in an apartment building will depend not only on the heat transfer of the battery, but also on the level of heat loss.

There are often cases when apartment owners assemble and connect a heating system, following the recommendations of friends. In this case, the result turns out to be much worse than expected. This means that errors were made during the installation process, the power of the devices is not enough to heat a particular room, or the scheme for connecting the heating pipes to the radiators is inappropriate for a given house.

Differences between the main types of battery connections

All possible types heating radiator connections differ in the type of pipe routing. It may consist of one or two pipes. In turn, each of the options involves division into systems with vertical risers or horizontal mains. Horizontal wiring of the heating system in an apartment building is quite often used, and it has proven itself well.

Based on which option for connecting the pipes to the radiators was chosen, the diagram of their connection will directly depend. In heating systems with one-pipe and two-pipe circuits, the bottom, side and diagonal method of connecting radiators is used. Whatever option you choose, the main thing is that the room gets sufficient quantity heat for its high-quality heating.


The described types of pipe routing are classified as a tee connection system. However, there is another type - this is a collector circuit, or beam distribution. When using it, the heating circuit is laid to each radiator separately. In this regard, collector types of connecting batteries have a higher cost, since such connections will require quite a lot of pipes. In addition, they will pass through the entire room. However, usually in such cases the heating circuit is laid in the floor and does not spoil the interior of the room.

Despite the fact that the described manifold connection diagram assumes the presence of a large number of pipes, it is increasingly used during the design of heating systems. In particular, this type connecting radiators is used to create a water-heated floor. It is used as an additional heat source, or as the main one - it all depends on the project.

Single-pipe scheme

A single-pipe heating system is a heating system in which all radiators, without exception, are connected to one pipeline. In this case, the heated coolant at the inlet and cooled down at the return moves through the same pipe, gradually passing through all heating devices. In this case, it is very important that the internal cross-section of the pipe is sufficient to perform its main function. Otherwise, all heating will be ineffective.

A heating system with a single-pipe circuit has certain pros and cons. It would be a mistake to think that such a system can significantly reduce the cost of laying pipes and installing heating devices. The fact is that the system will function effectively only if it is properly connected, taking into account a large number of subtleties. Otherwise, it will not be able to heat the apartment properly.


Cost savings when installing a single-pipe heating system do occur, but only if a vertical supply riser is used. In particular, in five-story buildings this type of wiring is often practiced in order to save materials. In this case, the heated coolant is supplied upward through the main riser, where it is distributed to all other risers. The hot water in the circuit gradually passes through the radiators on each floor, starting from the top.

As the coolant reaches the lower floors, its temperature gradually decreases. To compensate for temperature differences, radiators with a larger area are installed on the lower floors. Another feature of a single-pipe heating system is that it is recommended to install bypasses on all radiators. They allow you to easily remove batteries if repairs are necessary without stopping the entire system.

If heating with a single-pipe circuit is carried out according to a horizontal wiring scheme, the movement of the coolant can be parallel or dead-end. This system has proven itself in pipelines up to 30 m long. In this case, the number of connected radiators can be 4-5 pieces.

Two-pipe heating systems

Inside a two-pipe circuit, the coolant moves through two separate pipelines. One of them is used for the supply flow with hot coolant, and the other is used for the return flow with cooled water, which moves towards the heating tank. Thus, when installing heating radiators with bottom connection or any other type of insert, all batteries are heated evenly, since water enters them at approximately the same temperature.

It is worth noting that a two-pipe circuit when connecting batteries with bottom connections, as well as when using other circuits, is the most acceptable. The fact is that similar type connection provides minimal amount heat loss The water circulation scheme can be either associated or dead-end.


Please note that if you have a two-pipe wiring, it is possible to regulate the thermal performance of the radiators used.

Some owners of private houses believe that projects with two-pipe types of radiator connections are much more expensive, since more pipes are required for their implementation. However, if you look in more detail, it turns out that their cost is not much higher than when installing single-pipe systems.

The fact is that a single-pipe system requires the presence of pipes with a large cross-section and a radiator large sizes. At the same time, the price of thinner pipes required for a two-pipe system is much lower. In addition, in the end, excess costs will be recouped due to better coolant circulation and minimal heat loss.

With a two-pipe system, several options are used for how to connect aluminum heating radiators. The connection can be diagonal, side or bottom. In this case, the use of vertical and horizontal joints is allowed. From an efficiency point of view, a diagonal connection is considered the best option. In this case, the heat is evenly distributed throughout all heating devices with minimal losses.

The lateral, or one-sided, connection method is used with equal success in both one-pipe and two-pipe distributions. Its main difference is that the supply and return circuits are embedded on one side of the radiator.

Lateral connection is often used in apartment buildings with a vertical supply riser. Please note that before connecting a heating radiator with a side connection, it is necessary to install a bypass and tap on it. This will allow you to freely remove the battery for washing, painting or replacement without disconnecting the entire system.

It is noteworthy that the efficiency of one-sided insertion is maximum only for batteries with 5-6 sections. If the length of the radiator is much longer, there will be significant heat loss with such a connection.

Features of the option with bottom pipe connection

As a rule, connecting a radiator with a bottom connection is carried out in cases where unpresentable heating pipes need to be hidden in the floor or wall so as not to disturb the interior of the room.

On sale you can find a large number of heating devices in which manufacturers provide a lower supply to the heating radiators. They are available in various sizes and configurations. At the same time, in order not to damage the battery, it is worth looking at the product passport, which describes the connection method for a particular model of equipment. Typically, the battery connection unit is equipped with Ball Valves, which allow you to remove it if necessary. Thus, even without experience in similar works Using the instructions, you can connect bimetallic heating radiators with a bottom connection.


The circulation of water inside many modern radiators with a bottom connection occurs in the same way as with a diagonal connection. This effect is achieved due to an obstacle located inside the radiator, which ensures the passage of water throughout the heating device. After this, the cooled coolant enters the return circuit.

Please note that in heating systems with natural circulation, it is not advisable to connect radiators from the bottom. However, significant heat losses from such a wiring scheme can be compensated by increasing the thermal power of the batteries.

Diagonal connection

As we have already noted, the diagonal method of connecting radiators has the lowest heat loss. With this scheme, the hot coolant enters from one side of the radiator, passes through all sections, and then exits through the pipe from the opposite side. This type connection is suitable for both single- and two-pipe heating systems.


Diagonal connection of radiators can be done in 2 options:

  1. The hot coolant flow enters the upper hole of the radiator, and then, having passed through all sections, exits the lower side hole on the opposite side.
  2. The coolant enters the radiator through the lower hole on one side and flows out from the top on the opposite side.

Connecting in a diagonal manner is advisable in cases where the batteries consist of a large number of sections - 12 or more.

Natural and forced coolant circulation

It is worth noting that the method of connecting pipes to radiators will also depend on how the coolant circulates inside heating circuit. There are two types of circulation - natural and forced.

Natural circulation of liquid inside the heating circuit is achieved through the application of physical laws, while optional equipment no need to install. This is only possible when using water as a coolant. If any antifreeze is used, it will not be able to circulate freely through the pipes.

Heating with natural circulation includes a boiler for heating water, an expansion tank, 2 pipelines for supply and return, as well as radiators. In this case, a working boiler gradually heats the water, which expands and moves along the riser, passing through all the radiators in the system. Then the cooled water flows by gravity back into the boiler.


To ensure free movement of water, horizontal pipes are installed with a slight slope towards the direction of movement of the coolant. A natural circulation heating system is self-regulating because the amount of water changes depending on its temperature. When water is heated, the circulation pressure increases, which ensures uniform heating of the room.

In systems with natural circulation of liquid, it is possible to install a radiator with a bottom connection, provided there is a two-pipe connection, and also use a scheme with top wiring in a one- and two-pipe circuit. As a rule, this type of circulation is carried out only in small houses.


Please note that the batteries must have air vents through which air pockets can be removed. As an option, you can equip the risers with automatic air vents. It is advisable to place the heating boiler below the level of the heated room, for example, in the basement.

If the area of ​​the house exceeds 100 m2, then the coolant circulation method must be forced. In this case, you will need to install a special circulation pump, which will ensure the movement of antifreeze or water along the circuit. The power of the pump depends on the size of the house.

The circulation pump can be mounted on both the supply and return pipes. It is very important to install automatic bleeders at the top point of the pipeline or provide Mayevsky taps on each radiator in order to remove air pockets manually.

The use of a circulation pump is justified in both one- and two-pipe systems with vertical and horizontal radiator connections.

Why is it important to properly connect heating radiators?

Whatever connection method and type of radiator you choose, it is very important to carry out proper calculations and correctly install the equipment. It is important to take into account the characteristics of a particular room in order to choose the best option. Then the system will be as efficient as possible and will avoid significant heat loss in the future.

If you want to assemble a heating system in a large, expensive mansion, it is better to entrust the design to specialists.

For small houses, you can handle the choice of connection diagram and installation of batteries yourself. You just need to consider the quality of a particular connection scheme and study the features of installation work.

Please note that the piping and radiators must be made of similar material. For example, plastic pipes cannot be connected to cast iron batteries, as this is fraught with trouble.

Thus, provided that the features of a particular house are taken into account, you can connect heating radiators yourself. A well-chosen scheme for connecting pipes to radiators will minimize heat loss so that heating devices can operate with maximum efficiency.


To keep your home warm, it is important to properly develop a heating scheme. One of the components of its effectiveness is the connection of heating radiators. It doesn’t matter whether you are going to install cast iron, aluminum, bimetallic or steel radiators, it is important to choose The right way their connections.

The way the radiator is connected affects its heat transfer

The amount of heat that the heating radiator will emit depends not least on the type of heating system and the selected type of connection. To choose the best option, you must first understand what kind of heating systems there are and how they differ.

Monotube

A single-pipe heating system is the most economical option in terms of installation costs. Therefore, this type of wiring is preferred in multi-storey buildings, although in private buildings such a system is far from uncommon. With this scheme, the radiators are connected to the main line in series and the coolant first passes through one heating outlet, then enters the input of the second, and so on. The output of the last radiator is connected to the input of the heating boiler or to the riser in high-rise buildings.

Example of a one-pipe system

The disadvantage of this wiring method is the impossibility of adjusting the heat transfer of radiators. By installing a regulator on any of the radiators, you will regulate the rest of the system. The second significant drawback is different temperatures coolant on various radiators. Those that are closer to the boiler heat up very well, those further away become increasingly colder. This is a consequence of the serial connection of heating radiators.

Two-pipe wiring

A two-pipe heating system is distinguished by the fact that it has two pipelines - supply and return. Each radiator is connected to both, that is, it turns out that all radiators are connected to the system in parallel. This is good because the coolant of the same temperature enters the input of each of them. The second positive point is that you can install a thermostat on each of the radiators and use it to change the amount of heat it emits.

The disadvantage of such a system is that the number of pipes when laying out the system is almost twice as large. But the system can be easily balanced.

Where to put radiators

Traditionally, heating radiators are placed under windows, and this is no accident. Updraft warm air cuts off the cold that comes from the windows. In addition, warm air heats the glass, preventing condensation from forming on it. Only for this it is necessary that the radiator occupies at least 70% of the width of the window opening. This is the only way the window will not fog up. Therefore, when choosing the power of radiators, select it so that the width of the entire heating battery is not less than the specified value.

How to place a radiator under a window

And the last distance that must be maintained when connecting heating radiators is the distance to the wall. It should be 3-5 cm. In this case, rising currents of warm air will rise along the back wall of the radiator, and the rate of heating the room will improve.

Radiator connection diagrams

How well the radiators will heat depends on how the coolant is supplied to them. There are more and less effective options.

Radiators with bottom connection

All heating radiators have two types of connection - side and bottom. There can be no discrepancies with the bottom connection. There are only two pipes - inlet and outlet. Accordingly, coolant is supplied to the radiator on one side and removed from the other.

Bottom connection of heating radiators for single-pipe and two-pipe heating systems

Specifically, where to connect the supply and where the return is connected is written in the installation instructions, which must be available.

Heating radiators with side connection

With a lateral connection, there are many more options: here the supply and return pipelines can be connected into two pipes, respectively, there are four options.

Option #1. Diagonal connection

This connection of heating radiators is considered the most effective, it is taken as a standard and this is how manufacturers test their heating devices and the data in the thermal power passport for such a connection. All other connection types transfer heat less efficiently.

Diagonal diagram for connecting heating radiators with a two-pipe and one-pipe system

This is because when the batteries are connected diagonally, the hot coolant is supplied to the upper inlet on one side, passes through the entire radiator and exits from the opposite, lower side.

Option #2. Unilateral

As the name implies, pipelines are connected on one side - supply from above, return from below. This option is convenient when the riser runs on the side of the heating device, which often happens in apartments, because this type of connection usually predominates. When the coolant is supplied from below, this scheme is used infrequently - it is not very convenient to position the pipes.

Lateral connection for two-pipe and one-pipe systems

With this connection of radiators, the heating efficiency is only slightly lower - by 2%. But this is only if there are few sections in the radiators - no more than 10. With a longer battery, its farthest edge will not heat up well or will remain cold at all. In panel radiators, to solve the problem, flow extenders are installed - tubes that bring the coolant a little further than the middle. The same devices can be installed in aluminum or bimetallic radiators, while improving heat transfer.

Option #3. Bottom or saddle connection

Of all the options, saddle connections for heating radiators are the least effective. Losses are approximately 12-14%. But this option is the most inconspicuous - pipes are usually laid on the floor or under it, and this method is the most optimal from an aesthetic point of view. And so that losses do not affect the temperature in the room, you can take a radiator a little more powerful than required.

Saddle connection of heating radiators

In systems with natural circulation, this type of connection should not be made, but if there is a pump, it works well. In some cases, it’s not even worse than the side one. It’s just that at a certain speed of movement of the coolant, vortex flows arise, the entire surface heats up, and heat transfer increases. These phenomena have not yet been fully studied, therefore it is not yet possible to predict the behavior of the coolant.

Typical heating system diagrams and methods of connecting radiators

Heating systems are artificially created utility networks of various structures, the main functions of which are heating buildings in the winter and transitional seasons, compensating for all heat losses of building structures, as well as maintaining air parameters at a comfortable level.

Types of heating wiring

Depending on the method of supplying coolant to radiators, the following schemes for heating systems of buildings and structures have become widespread:

These heating methods are fundamentally different from each other, and each has both positive properties, and negative.

Single-pipe heating system diagram

Single-pipe heating system: vertical and horizontal distribution.

In a single-pipe heating system, the supply of hot coolant (supply) to the radiator and the removal of cooled coolant (return) are carried out through one pipe. All devices relative to the direction of movement of the coolant are connected to each other in series. Therefore, the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of each subsequent radiator along the riser is significantly reduced after heat is removed from the previous radiator. Accordingly, the heat transfer of radiators decreases with distance from the first device.

Such schemes are mainly used in old district heating systems multi-storey buildings and in autonomous gravity-type systems (natural coolant circulation) in private residential buildings. The main defining disadvantage of a single-pipe system is the impossibility of independently adjusting the heat transfer of each radiator separately.

To eliminate this drawback, it is possible to use a single-pipe circuit with a bypass (a jumper between the supply and return), but in this circuit, the first radiator on the branch will always be the hottest, and the last the coldest.

Multi-storey buildings use a vertical single-pipe heating system.

In multi-storey buildings, the use of such a scheme allows saving on the length and cost of supply networks. As a rule, the heating system is made in the form of vertical risers passing through all floors of the building. The heat output of radiators is calculated during system design and cannot be adjusted using radiator valves or other control fittings. With modern requirements for comfortable conditions indoors, this scheme for connecting water heating devices does not satisfy the requirements of residents of apartments located on different floors, but connected to the same riser of the heating system. Heat consumers are forced to “endure” overheating or underheating of air temperature during the transitional autumn and spring period.

Single-pipe heating in a private house.

In private houses, a single-pipe scheme is used in gravity heating networks, in which hot water circulates due to the differential densities of heated and cooled coolants. Therefore, such systems are called natural. The main advantage of this system is energy independence. When, for example, in the absence of a circulation pump in the system connected to the power supply networks and in the event of power outages, the heating system continues to function.

The main disadvantage of the gravity single-pipe connection scheme is the uneven distribution of coolant temperature across the radiators. The first radiators on the branch will be the hottest, and as you move away from the heat source, the temperature will drop. The metal consumption of gravity systems is always higher than that of forced ones due to the larger diameter of the pipelines.

Video about the installation of a single-pipe heating circuit in an apartment building:

Two-pipe heating system diagram

In two-pipe schemes, the supply of hot coolant to the radiator and the removal of cooled coolant from the radiator are carried out through two different pipelines of the heating systems.

There are several options for two-pipe schemes: classic or standard, associated, fan or beam.

Two-pipe classic wiring

Classical two-pipe scheme heating system wiring.

In the classical scheme, the direction of movement of the coolant in the supply pipeline is opposite to the movement in the return pipeline. This scheme is most common in modern systems heating both in multi-storey buildings and in private individual ones. The two-pipe circuit allows you to evenly distribute the coolant between radiators without loss of temperature and effectively regulate heat transfer in each room, including automatically through the use of thermostatic valves with installed thermal heads.

Such a device has a two-pipe heating system in a multi-story building.

Associated scheme or “Tichelman loop”

Associated heating wiring diagram.

The associated scheme is a variation of the classical scheme with the difference that the direction of movement of the coolant in the supply and return is the same. This scheme is used in heating systems with long and remote branches. Using a passing circuit allows you to reduce the hydraulic resistance of the branch and distribute the coolant evenly across all radiators.

Fan (radial)

A fan or radial scheme is used in multi-story construction for apartment heating with the possibility of installing a heat meter (heat meter) in each apartment and in private housing construction in systems with floor-to-floor piping. With a fan-shaped scheme in a multi-storey building, a collector is installed on each floor with exits to all apartments of a separate pipeline and an installed heat meter. This allows each apartment owner to account for and pay only for the heat they consume.

Fan or beam system heating.

In a private house, a fan diagram is used for floor-to-floor distribution of pipelines and for radial connection of each radiator to a common collector, i.e., each radiator has a separate supply and return pipe from the collector. This connection method allows you to distribute the coolant as evenly as possible across the radiators and reduce hydraulic losses of all elements of the heating system.

Note! When distributing pipelines in a fan pattern within one floor, installation is carried out in solid (without breaks or branches) sections of pipes. When using polymer multilayer or copper pipes all pipelines can be filled in concrete screed, thereby reducing the likelihood of rupture or leakage at the junctions of network elements.

Types of radiator connections

The main methods of connecting heating system devices are several types:

  • Lateral (standard) connection;
  • Diagonal connection;
  • Bottom (saddle) connection.

Side connection

Lateral radiator connection.

Connection from the end of the device - supply and return are located on one side of the radiator. This is the most common and effective connection method; it allows you to remove the maximum amount of heat and use the entire heat transfer of the radiator. As a rule, the supply is at the top and the return is at the bottom. When using a special headset, it is possible to connect from bottom to bottom, this allows you to hide the pipelines as much as possible, but reduces the heat transfer of the radiator by 20 - 30%.

Diagonal connection

Diagonal radiator connection.

Connection diagonally to the radiator - the supply is on one side of the device from the top, the return is on the other side from the bottom. This type of connection is used in cases where the length sectional radiator exceeds 12 sections, and panel 1200 mm. When installing long radiators with side connections, there is uneven heating of the radiator surface in the part furthest from the pipelines. To ensure that the radiator heats up evenly, a diagonal connection is used.

Bottom connection

Bottom connection from the ends of the radiator

Connection from the bottom of the device - supply and return are located at the bottom of the radiator. This connection is used for the most hidden installation of pipelines. When installing a sectional heating device and connecting it using the bottom method, the supply pipe approaches on one side of the radiator, and the return pipe on the other side of the bottom pipe. However, the heat transfer efficiency of radiators with this scheme is reduced by 15-20%.

Bottom radiator connection.

In the case where the bottom connection is used for steel panel radiator, then all the pipes on the radiator are at the bottom end. The design of the radiator itself is made in such a way that the supply flows through the manifold first to the upper part, and then the return flow is collected in the lower radiator manifold, thereby not reducing the heat transfer of the radiator.

Bottom connection in a single-pipe heating circuit.

Connecting a heating radiator to a two-pipe system: types of heating systems and options for connecting heating devices

Typically, the heating system in private homes is autonomous, so to organize it you need to purchase a boiler of sufficient power and determine what the heat output of the heating radiators should be. Then the only thing left to do is to connect the heating devices to the boiler using a pipeline and fill everything with coolant. The most optimal connection diagram is a two-pipe one, when there is both a supply and a return.

Connection diagram for a heating radiator, two-pipe system with bottom wiring

Types of heating systems

Single-pipe and double-pipe options are used, which can have both advantages and disadvantages. The structure can be mounted with either bottom wiring or top wiring. However, the latter is used most often, as it is more convenient and practical.

As you know, the working principle autonomous system heating consists of constant circulation of water or other coolant from the boiler to the devices and back. In this case, it can move by gravity or by force, which is achieved by connecting a pump.

What is the difference between one- and two-pipe heating schemes?

Two-pipe connection option

Let's look at its features:

  1. The installation instructions for the circuit assume the presence of two separate pipelines to which each device is connected.
  2. In this case, one water supply system is the supply water supply, from where hot water comes, and the other is the return water supply system, which supplies already cooled water.
  3. Since the paths overcome by the coolant, both in the supply pipe and in the return pipe, are equal, their hydraulic resistance is the same. That is, such a scheme is hydraulically balanced, which makes its use most optimal.

Correct connection of heating radiators with a two-pipe system - diagonal method

Tip: using the diagonal method of connecting heating devices in this case will make the system more efficient.

  1. However, circuits can also be dead-end, which means that the most:
    • a long path is taken by the already cooled water leaving the last heating device in the chain;
    • short - runs from the first.

For this reason, you will have to regulate the supply of hot water with your own hands in each battery using taps or use thermostatic valves.

Wiring

The circuit can be forced (a pump is built in) and gravity, the main advantage of the latter is that it does not require electricity. To do this, top wiring is done, and heating devices, just as in the previous case, are connected diagonally.

Forced two-pipe connection diagram for heating radiators with a boiler and pump

It is used most often in small residential buildings with no more than two floors. Although it will be ideal in populated areas experiencing power outages, it is not used often, due to the need to use a large number of materials and unaesthetic appearance.

It is used not only in residential buildings, but also in any other buildings, regardless of their purpose. Its organization requires a lot of materials and effort, but still the advantages of such a system are undeniable.

The system has the ability to automatically regulate temperature

Advice: you can easily choose it for any buildings, no matter how complex they may be.

A large number of heating devices can be located on one branch, and this will not require additional installation of hydraulic pressure regulators. The water supply and return outflow in such schemes are connected separately, which allows you to regulate the heating of all rooms of the house automatically. In this case, thermostats will not have any effect on other devices, and their price will only slightly increase the cost of installation.

Diagonal connection of two heating radiators to one riser

Options for connecting heating devices to the system

We often say the words “connect” and “attach”, implying the same action - connecting the radiator to the heating system pipeline.

However, this approach is amateurish, since there is a certain technical difference between them:

  • attach the radiator- bring the supply and return pipes to it. An example would be a side option for a radiator, when the pipes approach the device from one side, top and bottom, or diagonal.
  • connect the heating device- create a connection unit in which there is a supply or return, and also control ball valves, valves or other similar elements are used.

There are two main options for the heating system, on which the final assembly depends heating circuit houses or apartments:

  1. Upper – the supply line is located above the upper level of the radiator.
    In this case, the following radiator connection options are used:
    • one-sided side (bottom and top) - the method is most effective when using no more than 10 sections in a battery. Otherwise, the heating of the distant ones does not occur completely, which is why the efficiency of the device is significantly reduced;

One-sided lateral connection of the device with top wiring of the system

    • diagonal (top and bottom) can be of two methods, each of which is considered the most effective with this method of wiring. You can use devices with more than 10 sections and they will all warm up to the maximum.
  1. Bottom - the supply line approaches the radiator from below, usually used when installing a pump:
    • one-sided side (top and bottom) - in this case, as in the previous one, the maximum effect from this method can be obtained only if the number of sections in the heating devices is no more than 10, otherwise the coolant simply will not have time to warm them up;

Lateral connection with bottom trim

    • diagonal (top and bottom) – the effect is the same as with top wiring;

Diagonal connection method with bottom trim

    • bottom method - in this case, the supply approaches the radiator from below and comes out on the other side, also from below. The greatest effect will be only when installing a pump;

How to connect the final radiator using the bottom method

The photo shows a connection option when the return ring is behind the heating device

Advice: loop the supply and return further than the last radiator is installed with extreme caution, otherwise it may affect the settings of the entire heating system.

  • with top wiring, you will get the maximum effect when connecting devices diagonally;
  • with lower wiring and the pump itself effective option will be the bottom one (bottom-bottom).

Conclusion

As can be seen from the article, the two-pipe option for connecting radiators to the heating system is the most acceptable from almost all points of view, with the exception of increased costs for components. They allow you to easily adjust the coolant temperature for different rooms, as well as make the necessary balancing to prevent water hammer from occurring.

Installing heating devices to the circuit is not difficult, so in private homes it is usually done independently. The video in this article will give you the opportunity to find additional information on the above topic.

Connecting heating radiators, wiring diagrams, installation of batteries

Any heating system is a rather complex “organism” in which each of the “organs” performs a strictly assigned role. And one of the most important elements are heat exchange devices - they are entrusted with the final task of transferring thermal energy to the premises of the house. In this capacity, conventional radiators, open or open convectors can act hidden installation, water underfloor heating systems that are gaining popularity are pipe circuits laid in accordance with certain rules.

Connecting heating radiators, wiring diagrams, installation of batteries

This publication will focus on heating radiators. Let us not be distracted by their diversity, structure and specifications: on our portal there is enough comprehensive information on these topics. Now we are interested in another set of questions: connecting heating radiators, wiring diagrams, installation of batteries. Correct installation heat exchange devices, rational use the technical capabilities inherent in them are the key to the efficiency of the entire heating system. Even from the most expensive modern radiator there will be a low return if you do not listen to the recommendations for its installation.

What should you consider when choosing radiator piping schemes?

How does a heating radiator work?

If you take a simplified look at most heating radiators, their hydraulic design is a fairly simple, understandable diagram. These are two horizontal collectors that are connected to each other by vertical jumper channels through which the coolant moves. This entire system is either made of metal, which provides the necessary high heat transfer (a striking example is cast iron batteries), or is “clad” in a special casing, the design of which allows for maximum contact area with air (for example, bimetallic radiators).

Very simplified - diagram of the design of most heating radiators

1 – Upper collector;

2 – Lower collector;

3 – Vertical channels in radiator sections;

4 – Heat exchange housing (casing) of the radiator.

Both collectors, upper and lower, have outputs on both sides (respectively, in the diagram, the upper pair B1-B2, and the lower pair B3-B4). It is clear that when connecting a radiator to the heating circuit pipes, only two of the four outputs are connected, and the remaining two are muted. And the operating efficiency of the installed battery largely depends on the connection diagram, that is, on the relative position of the coolant supply pipe and the return outlet.

And first of all, when planning the installation of radiators, the owner must understand exactly what kind of heating system is operating or will be created in his house or apartment. That is, he must clearly understand where the coolant is coming from and in which direction its flow is directed

Single pipe heating system

In multi-storey buildings, a single-pipe system is most often used. In this scheme, each radiator is, as it were, inserted into a “break” in a single pipe through which both the coolant is supplied and its discharge towards the “return” is carried out.

Options for single-pipe heating risers in a multi-storey building.

The coolant passes sequentially through all the radiators installed in the riser, gradually wasting heat. It is clear that in the initial section of the riser its temperature will always be higher - this must also be taken into account when planning the installation of radiators.

One more point is important here. Such a one-pipe system apartment building can be organized according to the principle of top and bottom feed.

  • On the left (item 1) the top supply is shown - the coolant is transferred through a straight pipe to the top point of the riser, and then sequentially passes through all the radiators on the floors. This means that the flow direction is from top to bottom.
  • To simplify the system and save Supplies Another scheme is often organized - with bottom feed (item 2). In this case, radiators are installed in the same series on the pipe ascending to the upper floor as on the pipe going down. This means that the direction of coolant flow in these “branches” of one loop changes to the opposite. Obviously, the temperature difference in the first and last radiator of such a circuit will be even more noticeable.

It is important to understand this issue - on which pipe of such a single-pipe system is your radiator installed - the optimal insertion pattern depends on the direction of flow.

A mandatory condition for piping a radiator in a single-pipe riser is a bypass

The name “bypass,” which is not entirely clear to some, refers to a jumper connecting the pipes connecting the radiator to the riser in a single-pipe system. What is it needed for bypass in the heating system, what rules are followed when installing it - read in the special publication of our portal.

The single-pipe system is also widely used in private one-story houses, if only for reasons of saving materials for its installation. In this case, it is easier for the owner to figure out the direction of the coolant flow, that is, from which side it will flow into the radiator, and from which side it will exit.

In any single-pipe heating system, when installing radiators, it is important to know exactly the direction of coolant flow

Advantages and disadvantages of a single-pipe heating system

While attractive due to the simplicity of its design, such a system is still somewhat alarming due to the difficulty of ensuring uniform heating on different radiators in the house wiring. What is important to know about single-pipe heating system for a private house How to install it yourself - read in a separate publication on our portal.

Two-pipe system

Already based on the name, it becomes clear that each of the radiators in such a scheme “rests” on two pipes – separately on the supply and “return”.

If you look at the two-pipe wiring diagram in a multi-story building, you will immediately see the differences.

Both risers act as unique collectors, to which heating radiators are connected in parallel, independently of each other.

It is clear that the dependence of the heating temperature on the location of the radiator in the heating system is minimized. The direction of flow is determined only by the relative position of the pipes embedded in the risers. The only thing you need to know is which specific riser serves as the supply and which is the “return” - but this, as a rule, is easily determined even by the temperature of the pipe.

Some apartment residents may be misled by the presence of two risers, in which the system will not cease to be one-pipe. Look at the illustration below:

There are two risers in both cases, and the heating systems are fundamentally different

On the left, although there seem to be two risers, a single-pipe system is shown. The coolant is simply supplied from the top through one pipe. But on the right is a typical case of two different risers - supply and return.

Dependence of the efficiency of the radiator on the scheme of its insertion into the system

Why was all that said? what is posted in the previous sections of the article? But the fact is that the heat transfer of the heating radiator very seriously depends on the relative position of the supply and return pipes.

Review of connection diagrams for heating radiators in a private house

The heating system for a private home using radiators and boiler equipment has two main connection methods: one-pipe and two-pipe.

Both schemes have their advantages and disadvantages.

When choosing it, you should take into account the area of ​​the room, the number of residential floors and the region of residence.

Scheme selection

The choice of pipe layout depends on the connection system: single-pipe and two-pipe, and the method of water circulation in the pipes: natural and forced (using a circulation pump).

Single-pipe- based on serial connection of radiators. Hot water, heated by the boiler, passes through all heating sections through one pipe and goes back into the boiler. Types of wiring for a one-pipe circuit: horizontal(with forced water circulation) and vertical(with natural or mechanical circulation).

With vertical wiring, the pipes are located perpendicular to the floor(vertically), heated water is supplied upward and then flows down the riser to the radiators. Water circulates independently under the influence of high temperatures.

Two-pipe the system is based on parallel connection of radiators to the circuit, that is, hot water is individually supplied to each radiator through one pipe, and water is discharged through the second. Types of wiring - horizontal or vertical. Horizontal layout carried out according to three schemes: flow, dead-end, collector.

Connecting convectors to the heating system is carried out using the following methods: bottom, top, one-sided and diagonal (cross). The circulation of liquid inside it depends on the installation plan of the battery.

For one-pipe and two-pipe systems, vertical wiring is primarily used for houses containing two or more floors.

Single-pipe

Operating principle of a single-pipe heating system– circular circulation of liquid along one line. The heated coolant leaves the boiler and passes sequentially through each connected convector.

Each subsequent one receives water from the previous one; as it passes through, part of the heat is lost as a result of cooling. The further the battery is from the boiler, the lower its temperature. If one element fails, the operation of the entire circuit is disrupted.

Installation is carried out horizontally or vertically, in the second case, it is optimal to install the boiler at the lower level to ensure natural circulation liquids.

Flaws:

  • Interconnection of circuit elements- failure of one radiator leads to disruption of the entire system;
  • High heat loss;
  • Inability to control heat individual elements of the system;
  • Limited heating area(up to 150 m2).

However, for one-story house With a small area, it is more rational to choose this type of heating.

Two-pipe

In this system, liquid circulates through two dedicated lines: supply (coolant outlet from the boiler) and return (to the boiler). Two pipes are connected to the water heater. Installation is carried out using vertical or horizontal wiring method. Horizontal - performed in three schemes: flow, dead-end, collector.

In a flow-through design, water movement occurs sequentially, first the liquid comes out of the first convector, then the second and subsequent elements are connected to the line, then the water returns to the boiler. The coolant in the supply and return pipes, in this case, moves in the same direction.

Dead-end wiring is characterized by the opposite direction of water in the pipes, that is, water leaves the first battery and rushes to the boiler in the opposite direction, similarly from the remaining heaters.

With radial or collector wiring, the heated liquid is supplied to the collector, from which pipes extend to the convectors. This option is more expensive, but is distinguished by the ability to precisely adjust the water pressure.

How to make a one-pipe heating system for a private house with your own hands, read the recommendations.

Advantages:

  • Parallel connection of convectors, the failure of one element does not affect the operation of the entire circuit;
  • Opportunity installation of thermostats;
  • Minimum heat loss;
  • System operation in rooms of any size.

Connection options

Methods for connecting the radiator to the pipeline:

  1. Upper. The coolant enters the heater from above and exits in the same way. This type of installation is characterized by uneven heating, since the coolant does not heat the bottom of the device, so using this method in homes is irrational.
  2. Lower. The coolant enters and exits at the bottom and has a small heat loss (up to 15%). Advantage this method- the ability to mount the pipe under the floor.
  3. One-sided or side. The supply and return pipes are connected to one side of the convector (top and bottom). This ensures good circulation, which reduces heat loss. This type of installation is not suitable for convectors with a large number of sections (more than 15), since in this case the far part will not heat up well.
  4. Cross (diagonal). The supply and return pipes are connected from different sides of the radiator diagonally (top and bottom). Advantages: minimal heat loss (up to 2%) and the ability to connect a device with a large number of sections.

The way radiators are connected to the pipeline affects the quality of heating of the room.

Everything about boilers running on fuel, gas and electricity is in our article.

Radiator installation

The battery is installed to the pipeline using fittings(angle, coupler combined with thread) and an American ball valve, by soldering or welding. An air outlet (Mayevsky tap) is installed on one of the other holes, and the remaining hole is closed with a plug.

Before filling the system, carry out the first test run to clean it and check for leaks. The water should be left for several hours, then drained. After this, fill the system again, increase the pressure using the pump and bleed air from the radiator until water appears, then turn on the boiler and begin heating the room.

Common installation mistakes: incorrect placement of the convector (close location to the floor and wall), mismatch in the number of heater sections and type of connection (side connection type for batteries with more than 15 sections) - in this case, the room will be heated with less heat transfer.

Liquid splashing out of the tank indicates its excess, noise in the circulation pump indicates the presence of air - these problems are eliminated using a Mayevsky tap.

Equipment price

Approximate calculation of equipment for the heating system of a house with an area of ​​100 m2.

DIY electric concrete mixer: original solution in construction

You can purchase an arbitrarily powerful heating boiler, but still not achieve the expected warmth and comfort in your home. The reason for this may well be incorrectly selected final heat exchange devices indoors, as which are traditionally most often radiators. But even assessments that seem to be quite suitable according to all criteria sometimes do not meet the expectations of their owners. Why?

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

Necessary information for the correct choice of radiator connection diagram

In order for further explanations to become more understandable to the inexperienced reader, it makes sense to first consider what constitutes standard radiator heating. The term “standard” is used because there are also completely “exotic” batteries, but the plans of this publication do not include their consideration.

Basic design of a heating radiator

So, if you depict a regular heating radiator schematically, you might get something like this:


From a layout point of view, 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 you to vary this amount, adding or decreasing, depending on the required total thermal power or based on the maximum permissible dimensions of the assembly. To do this, a threaded connection is provided between the sections using special couplings (nipples) with the necessary sealing. Other radiators do not have this possibility; their sections are tightly connected or even form a single unit metal structure. But in the light of our topic, this difference is not of fundamental importance.

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

In the vast majority of connection schemes used in heating systems of private houses, only these two inputs are always used. One is connected to the supply pipe (that is, coming from the boiler). The second is to the “return”, that is, to the pipe through which the coolant returns from the radiator to the boiler room. The remaining two entrances are blocked by plugs or other locking devices.

And what’s important is that the efficiency of the expected heat transfer of the heating radiator largely depends on how these two inputs, supply and return, are mutually located.

Note : Of course, the diagram is given with a significant simplification, and many types of radiators may have their own characteristics. So, for example, in the familiar cast iron batteries of the MS-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 hydraulic circuit shown. So everything that will be said below applies equally to them.

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

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

Features of a single-pipe system

This heating system is especially common in high-rise buildings; it is also quite popular in single-story buildings. individual construction. Its wide demand is primarily based on the fact that significantly fewer pipes are required during creation, and the volume of installation work is reduced.

To explain it as simply as possible, this system is one pipe running from the supply pipe to the inlet pipe of the boiler (as an option - from the supply to the return manifold), onto which heating radiators are “strung” in series.

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


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

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

There are two possible options here, shown below in the diagram under the letters “a” and “b”, respectively.

Prices for popular heating radiators


  • Option “a” is called a riser with top coolant supply. That is, from the supply manifold (boiler), the pipe rises freely to the highest point of the riser, and then sequentially passes down through all the radiators. That is, the supply of hot coolant directly to the batteries is carried out in the direction from top to bottom.
  • Option “b” - single-pipe distribution with bottom supply. Already on the way up, along the ascending pipe, the coolant passes a series of radiators. Then the flow direction changes to the opposite, the coolant passes through another 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 single-pipe system, that is, the temperature drop from radiator to radiator along the coolant flow, is expressed to an even greater extent.

Thus, if you have a single-pipe system installed in your house or apartment, then in order to select the optimal radiator connection diagram, you should definitely clarify in which direction the coolant is supplied.

Secrets of the popularity of the Leningradka heating system

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

What 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 backdrop of the fact that more material will be required to create it, and installation work is becoming more extensive.


As can be seen from the illustration, both the supply and return pipes are essentially collectors to which the corresponding pipes of each radiator are connected. An obvious advantage is that the temperature in the supply pipe-collector is maintained almost 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, as is the return pipe, that is, they are turned into two parallel vertical collectors.

It is important to understand one nuance correctly here. The presence of two pipes near the radiator does not mean that the system itself is two-pipe. For example, with a vertical layout there may be a picture like this:


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

Prices for aluminum radiators

aluminum radiator

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


The difference is obvious: the battery is embedded in 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 “radial” or “star”). This principle is often resorted to when they try to place all the circuit distribution pipes secretly, for example, under the floor covering.


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

Why is all this being said? And besides, if the system is two-pipe, then to select a radiator connection diagram it is important to clearly know which of the pipes is the supply manifold and which is connected to the “return”.

But the direction of flow through the pipes themselves, which was decisive in a single-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 tie-in pipes into the supply and return.

By the way, even in conditions not the most big house A combination of both schemes may well be used. For example, a two-pipe system is used, however, in a separate area, say, in one of the spacious rooms or in an extension, several radiators connected according to the single-pipe principle are placed. This means that when choosing a connection diagram, it is important not to get confused, and to individually evaluate each heat exchange point: what will be decisive for it - the direction of flow in the pipe or mutual arrangement half- and return-collector pipes.

If such clarity is achieved, you can select optimal scheme connecting radiators to circuits.

Diagrams for connecting radiators to the circuit and assessing their effectiveness

Everything said 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 method provides maximum heat transfer efficiency.

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

A few more preliminary words. What are the “motivating reasons” for the movement of coolant through the radiator channels.

  • This is, firstly, the dynamic fluid pressure created in the heating circuit. The liquid tends to fill the entire volume if conditions are created for this (there are no air pockets). But it is quite clear that, like any flow, it will tend to flow along the path of least resistance.
  • Secondly, the difference in temperature (and, accordingly, density) of the coolant in the radiator cavity itself becomes the “driving force”. Hotter flows tend to rise, trying to displace cooler ones.

The combination of these forces ensures the flow of coolant through the radiator channels. But depending on the connection diagram, the overall picture can vary quite a bit.

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 full capabilities. Usually, when calculating a heating system, it is this that is taken as the “unit”, and for all the others one or another correction reduction factor will be introduced.


It is quite obvious that a priori the coolant cannot encounter any obstacles with such a connection. The liquid completely fills the volume of the upper manifold pipe and flows evenly through vertical channels from the upper to the lower manifold. As a result, the entire heat exchange area of ​​the radiator is heated evenly, and maximum heat transfer from the battery is achieved.

Single-sided connection, top feed

Very common diagram - this is how radiators are usually installed in a single-pipe system in the risers of high-rise buildings with top supply, or on descending branches with bottom supply.


In principle, the circuit is quite effective, especially if the radiator itself is not too long. But if there are many sections assembled into a battery, then the appearance of negative aspects cannot be ruled out.

It is quite likely that the kinetic energy of the coolant will be insufficient for the flow to fully pass through the upper collector to the very end. The liquid looks for “easy paths”, and the bulk of the flow begins to pass through the vertical internal channels of the sections, which are located closer to the inlet pipe. Thus, it is impossible to completely exclude the formation of a stagnation area in the “peripheral zone”, the temperature of which will be lower than in the area adjacent to the side of the cut-in.

Even with normal sizes Radiators along their length usually have to put up with a loss of thermal power of approximately 3–5%. Well, if the batteries are long, then the efficiency may be even lower. In this case, it is better to use either the first scheme, or use special methods for optimizing the connection - a separate section of the publication will be devoted to this.

Single-sided connection, bottom feed

The scheme cannot be called effective, although, by the way, it is used quite often when installing single-pipe heating systems in multi-storey buildings, if the supply is from below. On the ascending branch, builders will most often install all the batteries in the riser this way. and, probably, this is the only at least somewhat justified case of its use.


Despite all the similarities with the previous one, the shortcomings here only get worse. In particular, the occurrence of a stagnation zone on the side of the radiator away from the inlet becomes even more likely. This is easy to explain. Not only will the coolant look for the shortest and freest path, but the difference in density will also contribute to its upward movement. And the periphery may either “freeze” or the circulation in it will be insufficient. That is, the far edge of the radiator will become noticeably colder.

Loss 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.

Two-way bottom connection

This scheme is used quite often, usually for reasons of hiding the supply pipe from visibility as much as possible. True, its effectiveness is still far from optimal.


It is quite obvious that the easiest path for coolant is the lower collector. Its spread upward through vertical channels occurs solely due to the difference in density. But this flow is hindered by counter flows of 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 exchange with such a connection can reach up to 10÷15%. True, such a scheme is also easy to optimize.

Diagonal connection with bottom feed

It is difficult to think of a situation in which one would be forced to resort to such a connection. Nevertheless, let's consider this scheme.

Prices for bimetallic radiators

bimetallic radiators


The direct flow entering the radiator gradually wastes its kinetic energy, and may simply not “finish” 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 quite likely that a stagnant area with a low temperature will appear under the return pipe.

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 would be the height of illiteracy.


Judge for yourself - a direct passage through the upper manifold is open for liquid. And generally no other incentives for spreading throughout the rest of the radiator volume. That is, only the area along the upper collector will actually heat up - the rest of the area is “outside the game”. It is hardly worth assessing the loss of efficiency in this case - the radiator itself becomes clearly ineffective.

The upper two-way connection is rarely used. Nevertheless, there are also such radiators - distinctly high ones, often simultaneously serving as dryers. And if you have to connect pipes this way, then it is imperative to use various methods to transform such a connection into an optimal scheme. Very often this is already built into the design of the radiators themselves, that is, the top one-sided 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 minimal energy consumption. And for this we must try to apply the most optimal insert diagrams. But often the pipework is already there 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 many photographs where they try to optimize the insert by changing the configuration of the pipes suitable for the battery. The effect of increasing heat transfer must be achieved, but outwardly some works of such “art” look, frankly, “not very good.”


There are other methods to solve this problem.

  • You can purchase batteries that, although outwardly no different from ordinary ones, still have a feature in their design that transforms one or another method possible connection as close to optimal as possible. A partition is installed in the right place between the sections, which radically changes the direction of movement of the coolant.

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


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

Or, for example, the case mentioned above, when both pipes need to be brought from above:


In this example, the baffle is installed on the upper manifold, between the penultimate and last sections of the radiator. It turns out that there is only one path left for the entire volume of coolant - through the lower entrance of the last section, vertically along it - and then into the return pipe. Eventually " route The fluid flow through the battery channels again becomes diagonal from top to bottom.

Many radiator manufacturers think through this issue in advance - whole series go on sale in which the same model can be designed for different insertion patterns, but in the end the optimal “diagonal” is obtained. This is indicated in the product data sheets. At the same time, it is also important to take into account the direction of the insertion - if you change the flow vector, the entire effect is lost.

  • There is another possibility to increase the efficiency of the radiator using this principle. To do this, you should find special valves in specialized stores.

They must correspond in size to the selected battery model. When such a valve is screwed in, it closes the adapter nipple between the sections, and then into it internal thread the supply or return pipe is packed, depending on the design.

  • The internal partitions shown above are intended primarily to improve heat transfer when batteries are connected on both sides. But there are ways for one-sided insertion - we are talking about so-called flow extenders.

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


Prices for metal-plastic pipes

metal-plastic pipes

What does this achieve? Let's look at the diagram:


The coolant entering the radiator cavity travels through the flow extension to the far upper corner, that is, to the opposite edge of the upper manifold. And from here its movement to the outlet pipe will again be carried out according to the optimal “diagonal from top to bottom” pattern.

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


As the extension cord itself, it is quite possible to use a metal-plastic pipe for hot water with a diameter of 15 mm. All that remains is to pack the fitting for the metal plastic from the inside into the passage plug of the battery. After assembling the battery, the extension cord of the required length is put into place.

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

What can you say about the one-way bottom connection?

They may ask in bewilderment - why the article has not yet mentioned the diagram of the lower connection of the radiator on one side? After all, it enjoys quite wide popularity, since it allows for hidden pipe connections to the maximum extent.

But the fact is that the possible schemes were considered above, so to speak, from a hydraulic point of view. And in them series of one-way bottom connection there is simply no space - if at one point both the coolant is supplied and taken away, then no flow through the radiator will occur at all.

What is commonly understood under the bottom one-way connection in fact, it only involves connecting 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 design features of the battery itself, or by special adapters.

Here is just one example of radiators specifically designed for piping On the one side below:

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

Even an ordinary radiator can be easily converted into a model with a bottom connection. To do this, purchase a special kit - a remote adapter, which, as a rule, is immediately equipped with thermal valves for thermostatic adjustment of the radiator.


The upper and lower pipes of such a device are packed into the sockets of a conventional radiator without any modifications. The result is a finished battery with a bottom one-sided connection, and even with a thermal regulation 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 its location on the wall affect the efficiency of the radiator?

You can purchase a very high-quality radiator, apply the optimal connection diagram, 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 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 flow of heated air becomes a kind of thermal curtain, which largely limits the free spread of cold from the surface of the window.

Of course, this is just one of the installation options, and radiators can also be mounted on walls, regardless of the presence of 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 ensure optimal heat transfer and protection against the penetration of cold air from the window. The battery is installed in the center, with a possible tolerance of up to 20 mm in one direction or another.
  • The radiator should not be installed too high - a window sill hanging over it can turn into an insurmountable barrier to rising 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 top edge of the battery to the bottom surface of the “visor”). If you can’t set the entire 100 mm, then at least ¾ of the radiator thickness.
  • There is a certain regulation of clearance from below, between the radiator and the floor surface. A position that is too high (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 thermal output. Optimal height– 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 and normal convection will be disrupted.

These rules can be considered indicative. If the radiator manufacturer does not give other recommendations, then you should follow them. But quite often in passports specific models batteries, there are diagrams that specify the recommended installation parameters. Of course, then they are taken as the basis for installation work.


The next nuance is how open the installed battery is for complete heat exchange. 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 located under a window, then the window sill may interfere with the convection air flow. The same, even to a greater extent, applies to niches in the wall. In addition, they often try to cover radiators, or even completely closed them (with the exception of the front grille) with casings. If these nuances are not taken into account when choosing the required heating power, that is, the thermal output of the battery, then you may well be faced with the sad fact that it is not possible 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 case is characterized by its own indicator of loss of overall heat transfer efficiency.

IllustrationOperational features of the installation option
The radiator is installed so that nothing overlaps the top, or the window sill (shelf) protrudes no more than ¾ of the thickness of the battery.
In principle, there are no obstacles to normal air convection.
If the battery is not covered with thick curtains, then there is no interference with direct thermal radiation.
In calculations, this installation scheme is taken as a unit.
The horizontal “visor” of a window sill or shelf completely covers the radiator from above. That is, a rather significant obstacle appears to the ascending convection flow.
With normal clearance (which was already mentioned above - about 100 mm), the obstacle does not become “fatal”, but certain losses in efficiency are still observed.
Infrared radiation from the battery remains in full.
The final loss of efficiency can be estimated at approximately 3÷5%.
A similar situation, but only on top there is not a canopy, but a horizontal wall of a niche.
Here the losses are already somewhat greater - in addition to simply the presence of 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 approximately 7 - 8%.
The radiator is installed as in the first option, that is, there are no obstacles to convection flows.
But on the front side, its entire area is covered with a decorative grille or screen.
The intensity of infrared heat flow is significantly reduced, which, by the way, is the determining principle of heat transfer for cast iron or bimetallic batteries.
The overall loss of heating efficiency can reach 10÷12%.
A decorative casing covers the radiator on all sides.
Despite the presence of slots or grilles to ensure heat exchange with the air in the room, both thermal radiation and convection are sharply reduced.
Therefore, we have to talk about a loss of efficiency reaching 20–25%.

So, we examined the basic schemes for connecting radiators to the heating circuit, and analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Information was obtained on the methods used to optimize circuits if, for some reason, it is impossible to change them in other ways. Finally, recommendations are provided for placing batteries directly on the wall - indicating the risks of loss of efficiency that accompany selected installation options.

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

There is no need to be scared - all this will be easy if you use the offered online calculator. Below you will find the necessary brief explanations for working with the program.

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

Everything is quite simple.

  • First, the amount of thermal energy required to warm up the room is calculated, depending on its volume, and to compensate for possible heat losses. Moreover, a fairly impressive list of diverse criteria is taken into account.
  • Then the resulting value is adjusted depending on the planned radiator insertion pattern and the features of its location on the wall.
  • The final value will show how much power a radiator needs to fully heat a particular room. If you purchase a collapsible model, then you can at the same time