Closed circuit heating system???

unsure

We're revmaping the bathroom and the oh is dead keen on a towel/warmer/radiator. I've found a few which will throw out enough heat to warm the space but according to the specs some are for "closed circuit systems only" --- what does this mean????

I have a pretty standard central heating system and am wondering whether I need to steer clear of these (one of which The Boss quite fancies, naturally). I'm getting someone in to do all the fitting it's just a question of not getting the wrong gear.

plumb1_2

unsure wrote:

We're revmaping the bathroom and the oh is dead keen on a towel/warmer/radiator. I've found a few which will throw out enough heat to warm the space but according to the specs some are for "closed circuit systems only" --- what does this mean????

.

Never heard that 1 before, i would say 99.99% of towel rads will work on all systems.
Closed cercuit, is either a Combi installation, or a pressurized system, but both the same realy, diiferent boilers.
post a link with the closed-ciruit rad if poss.

bockster

to my knowledge, it means a combi (or pressurised) system. however i stand to be corrected. i wouldn't mind knowing the reasoning behind this?

unsure

Thanks for replies. The info is from the Myson catalogue and price list.
Several units are described as "Closed circuit apllications only." Another item says " Painted Units for closed circuit applications only. Plated units suitable for any hot water system." I guess that might give a clue...but not to me!!!!
All the really expensive units say "Suitable for any hot water system."
Does that make any sense?

Just found another reference which says "cllosed circuit or indirect systems"... still means nothing to me!

unsure

I think i just found the answer in the Homebase brochure:
"
"INDIRECT WATER SUPPLY: WATER IS FRESH WATER STRAIGHT FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY [guess that's Indirect/Closed circuit???]
DIRECT WATER SUPPLY: WATER IS VIA THE HEADER TANK."

....however, !'m still not sure tha tleaves me much the wiser as to what I can and can't use and why it makes a difference!! Any clarification would be much appreciated!!!! Thanks

plumb1_2

unsure wrote:

I think i just found the answer in the Homebase brochure:
"
"INDIRECT WATER SUPPLY: WATER IS FRESH WATER STRAIGHT FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY [guess that's Indirect/Closed circuit???]
DIRECT WATER SUPPLY: WATER IS VIA THE HEADER TANK."

....however, !'m still not sure tha tleaves me much the wiser as to what I can and can't use and why it makes a difference!! Any clarification would be much appreciated!!!! Thanks

An indirect system means you will have a coil in you cylinder, and a direct you dont.
Indirect feed from a header tank 5 gall, seperates the heating water from the hot water.
Direct feed from a tank 25 gall.

you will have no problem fitting the towel rail.

unsure

Thanks Plumb1. that's reassuring even though I still don't really undestand why they make the distinction and say some are suitable only for Indirect/ closed circuit if it makes no difference ...nor why a different finish to the towel heater should make a difference!!
anyway the OH will be happy.
Cheers

unsure

I think I've finally solved the riddle of Closed Circuit/Open Circuit direct/indirect and why it makes a difference what material the radiator is made from (HENCE THE FINISH AVILABLE). This from The Radiator Company's brochure seems to give the simple answer that other sources (apart from PLUMB1) did not provide:

"Note that ALL The Radiator Company radiators must be placed on the central heating system and never on the hot water system that feeds the taps i.e. a Direct system (which is separate). The water flowing to taps is constantly refreshed and its high oxygen content will rapidly corrode any radiator. Only stainless steel products can be used with Direct systems – "


Hope that saves somebody else some head-scratching, confusion and possible concern.!!!