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Radiator valves operate in one of two ways:
Manual valves are valves where the flow of hot water to
the radiator can be controlled by simply turning the handle -
this directly controls how much fluid goes into the radiator,
and hence how hot it is.
Thermostatic valves include a heat sensor - the heat sensor
is set to the temperature the room should be at, and after that
will automatically open or close itself to control the heat of
the radiator - letting more fluid in as the room cools, or closing
up to cool the radiator if the room gets too hot.
The vast majority of radiator valves in use in the UK today are
1/2" BSP, fitting onto 15mm copper pipe. There are alternative
systems though;
Microbore pipes (for example, 8mm or 10mm plastic). Valves
designed to fit onto 15mm copper pipe will not fit onto these
pipes without adapters.
If you have this kind of system check before buying if the valves
you're interested in are meant for 15mm copper - if they are,
you will need adapters - your plumber or installer will probably
be able to source these.
3/4" systems.
This larger bore connection is unusual in domestic systems, being
more common in institutional settings such as schools and hospitals.
The 3/4" connections are sometimes seen in domestic settings
on gravity systems. Because of relatively low demand for 3/4"
radiator valves there are relatively few manufacturers producing
their valves in these sizes, and because of shorter production
runs, 3/4" valves may cost significantly more than an equivalent
1/2" model.
More information on radiator valves will be posted here shortly...
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