Radiator - not compatible with system - inhibitor?

travel_freak

Hi,

I have just bought a new radiator from Screwfix.

But now I'm a bit worried as when I opened the box it says:

"This radiator is not suitable for a Direct Central Heating System because a corrosion inhibitor cannot be added."

Please does anyone know what this means - what is a "direct central heating system".

All I know is I have a combi boiler with radiators heated from it throughout the house.

I was planning to use this radiator to replace one of the ones I already have.

Have I made a mistake and will this one not work? If so, what type do I need?

Many thanks.

System

depends on your existing system ,i believe there are direct and indirect systems you will have to find out which one you have.i cant really give any more advice than that, we had a similar problem when we needed to replace a pump years ago

travel_freak

Hi

Many thx ChrissieG,

Does anyone else know please what a "direct" or "indirect" central heating system is and how I go about finding out which I have?

I thought central heating was central heating.... why is nothing in my house/life straightforward?!?

Many thx.

malamute

Check in you loft
To identify an indirect system, you will see two water tanks in your loft. The second, smaller one, is the feed for the primary circuit. It will top up the system when necessary and will also have a vent pipe over the top. The level of water in this tank will be considerably lower to allow the water to rise as it expands when it gets hot without overflowing.

With above oxygen can and does get into the ch system and if you did not have inhibitor it would start to rust you radiators from the inside out.

Check out http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/domestic_hot_water_systems.htm

Plumbers_Shop_Lee

You will be fine adding the radiator to your system, a direct system is an old type of heating system that uses the domestic hot water for the heating as well. The warning on the radiator is telling you why you can't use it on a direct system as opposed to telling not to add inhibitor

HTH