Got a story? Ring us on 01732 748041 or e-mail twood@unity-media.com RADIATORS&TOWELWARMERS Why we are still right to play it safe We’re recognising that lower temperatures are fine for radiators when used with conventional heating systems, does that mean we no longer need low surface temperature radiators? The vulnerable need to be protected from overheated radiators or pipework, so the safety radiator is still essential, says Purmo’s Barry Lynch... Electric radiators are safe, reliable and perfect for those areas where it is not viable to extend or install a central heating system. It’s been gratifying to see a gradual acceptance of the use of radiators for low temperature systems in recent years, and it’s also been good to see the advances in radiator design that this shift in our methodology has brought about. However, with this comes the danger of thinking that we can eliminate the low surface temperature (LST) or safety radiator altogether. But this is not the case. At one time there were essentially two options: a conventional radiator, which traditionally operated at flow temperatures of up to 82°C and returns of around 71°C, or, in cases where extra care was needed, a specially designed safety radiator. Precisely because older radiators were characteristically very hot, the safety radiator was designed to ensure that it operated only at temperatures at or below 43°C, in line with NHS Estates guidelines. A TIME AND PLACE But do we still need LSTs? And when should we use them? 43°C is critical, as it is at temperatures above this that prolonged contact can cause scalding or burning to human skin, particularly to delicate skin or those with compromised immunity, limited mobility or underlying health problems. For many years, therefore, in nursing and care homes, nursery schools, day care centres, hospitals and clinics, safety radiators have been the standard requirement. WWW.HPMMAG.COM System temperatures have fallen. Thanks to energy efficient condensing boilers and more highly evolved radiator designs, we can now achieve comfort heating at lower system temperatures. But that does not mean that systems can’t be run at higher temperatures; or that radiators can’t emit more heat - they can. If there is any possibility of the system being run at higher temperatures and radiators reaching higher temperatures than 43°C, we should still be using safety radiators in all the applications for which they were originally designed. The safety radiator is comprised of two main parts, an inner radiator and an outer casing, with a set distance between the two. The construction creates a built in barrier of air within the casing, which allows only a restricted amount of surface heat to be emitted from the outer casing, so that the surface temperature does not rise above the critical 43°C. CONVENTIONAL RADIATORS With conventional radiators, it is possible for the surface to reach temperatures above this, especially when used with conventional boilers, rather than with the renewable energy sources that this new breed of radiator was developed to accommodate. Existing care homes, hospitals, schools and nurseries tend to be heated by older, traditional technology and in refurbishments they are still often powered by conventional heating systems. Most are well managed and will run on system temperatures lower than their older counterparts, but it will be impossible to guarantee that they will not be run at temperatures higher than 43°C. When they are, Supplies4Heat Value & Service Painted Cornel & Faraday Radiators 54 DECEMBER 2013 HEATING & PLUMBING MONTHLY the modern radiator, designed to emit as much heat as possible from a lower system temperature, could easily and rapidly reach a temperature not considered safe around the elderly, small children, or the infirm. In these situations, the safety radiator should still be specified and carefully installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. On no account should outer casings be adapted or made shallower, as the layer of air between heat source and casing, which includes the top and side grilles, is vital to control the temperature and prevent overheating. PREVENTATIVE PIPEWORK Pipework should not be forgotten as this can also represent a danger to sensitive skin. The safety radiator casing is designed to enclose pipework that rises out of the floor, but in any installation where there is exposed pipework running above ground level, this should be enclosed and boxed in so that delicate skin cannot come into contact with it. As we learn to use renewable technologies in the future, it is likely that more heating systems in the future will run at lower temperatures which are inherently safer. However, the vast majority of hospitals and care homes in particular are already built and will continue to be used for their purpose for many years to come. It is hard to foresee a time when we won’t need safety radiators. It will always be right to play it safe where heating systems are keeping the vulnerable warm and well. enquiry number 154 • Choose from 25 RAL colours • Available in 7 working days • Robust powder coat finish • 30% gloss sheen satin finish (similar to eggshell) For our latest brochure please call 01342 306880 or visit www.supplieSsAX4OhN Heoraizotnt.acl o.uk enquiry number 335
HPM December 2013
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