The lockshield valve,
on the side of the radiator opposite the on/off valve
, may be adjusted to balance the output of your heating system. The lockshield itself is the plastic cap that covers the valve to ensure that you don’t accidentally change the setting once you’ve adjusted it.
Does it matter which side of radiator flow and return?
The vast majority of new TRV’s are
bidirectional and can be fitted to either the flow or return
, but it is always good practice to fit them to the flow side. If a non bidirectional TRV is fitted on the return side it will create a vibrating sound as the water tries to flow though it.
Should a lockshield valve be on the flow or return side of a radiator?
Systems are normally balanced by adjusting the lockshield valves usually fitted
on the return side of each radiator
. This ensures that each radiator circuit in the system has an equal pressure drop and receives the correct flow of hot water to heat the space in which it is fitted.
Should lockshield valve be open or closed?
As you progress further away from the boiler, the Lockshield valve will
need to open slightly more
. It’s not uncommon for the Lockshield Valve in the first radiator to be open around one-quarter of a turn, while on the last radiator, it may need to be fully open.
Which side should flow be on radiator?
The flow of a radiator is typically on
the left
as you look at it stood up or attached to the wall.
Can a radiator be fitted wrong way round?
If you fit the radiator in the wrong orientation it
can result in a reduction of output
, noise from the heating system, or even in extreme cases you can end up with a radiator that doesn’t do anything other than take up wall space.
Which way does water flow through a central heating radiator?
As mentioned, this hot water heats the room via
convection
. The hot water doesn’t remain in the radiator, instead the hot water flows through the radiator and out again to the next radiator in the chain. As the hot water flows through the system it starts to cool down.
Why are there 2 valves on a radiator?
One valve accounts for the amount of hot water that enters the radiator
. … The other valve, referred to as the lockshield valve, balances the system by regulating how much heat the radiator gives off.
Should radiator valves be fully open?
Begin by turning off your heating system and allowing it to cool completely. 2. Once the system has cooled, it is important to bleed the radiators in order to remove any trapped air which can result in uneven heat distribution in the radiator. … You should also
fully open the TRVs
(thermostatic radiator valves).
What is a lockshield valve used for?
A lockshield valve is the valve on a radiator that is usually covered with a plastic cap. Lockshield valves need to be adjusted when balancing radiators in individual rooms. A lockshield valve
will balance out each radiator within your heating system
, ensuring they all heat up at the same rate.
What does a lockshield valve look like?
A lockshield valve is one of the valves on a radiator.
It is usually covered with a plastic cap. … Once the cap has been removed, the valve looks
a little like the end of a spindle
. This spindle can be either square or half-moon shape.
What happens if all lockshield valves are fully open?
On a new system all lockshields valves fully open – probably
no
problem, but as the system parts get older (pump etc) you may find some rads will get hotter than others – then balancing will be necessary.
Why are some radiators hotter than others?
Some radiators occationally get quite a bit warmer than others. When this happens it usually means that
your central heating system is out of balance
. … If your heating system is not balanced then the radiators that are closest to the boiler or heating source may get a lot more heat than those that are further away.
Do radiators have a flow and return?
Should TRVs be installed on the flow or the return pipe when fitting a radiator? Most modern thermostatic radiator valves are bi-directional – so
can be fitted on either the flow or return pipe of your radiator
.
Why do you have to a one radiator without a thermostat?
The thermostat controls the boiler and turns the boiler off when the air temperature (yes recorded in one place usually the hall or lounge). The
radiator valves do not control the boiler
and at least one radiator should be on all the time (have no control).
How do you find the flow side of a radiator?
Turn off the heating until it is cool. Turn it
on and aim the laser alternatively at the two tails
. The one that heats fastest/first is the flow.
