SERIES LOOP SYSTEMS
Installation Data
This type of installation, in which the BASE-RAY®Assem- blies serve as part of the main, is the most economical way BASE-RAY can be installed. Substantial savings in labor and material are realized in that one-pipe ¿ttings, shut-off valves, balancing cocks and additional piping are eliminated. Quality is not sacri¿ced as tests have proven the ability of a Series Loop System to produce comfort conditions equal to those produced by other hydronic heating systems. Series Loop Systems are ideal for homes without basements, especially those built on concrete slabs, as it eliminates the necessity for running the mains in the attic or in the concrete slab. With proper design, the Series Loop System can be used to advantage in apartment construction.
As indicated in the adjacent piping diagrams, the supply runs from the boiler to the ¿rst BASE-RAYAssembly in the circuit and then from Assembly to Assembly, dropping below the Àoor only when necessary to avoid obstructions such as doors, ¿replaces, etc. BASE-RAY Baseboard Extensions are used to conceal the piping run above the Àoor.
It is sound practice to run a loop around an ordinary 5 or 6 room house. In the case of very small two-story homes, the loop may take in both ¿rst Àoor and second Àoor rooms. Larger ranch style, two-story and split level homes may use two separate loops running from the same supply line and coming back into the common return line. An example of this is shown (lower right) where the rooms on each Àoor are on a separate loop. In some two-story homes it might be desirable to put part of each Àoor on one loop and the other portions of each Àoor on a second loop. Do not include three stories on one loop. In multiple loop systems, a valve should be placed at the return end of each loop for balancing.
EXPANSION – BASE-RAYAssemblies and connecting pip- ing will vary in length with water temperature changes in the system. To prevent distortion or noise as this expansion takes place, adequate measures must be provided in the system design and by the installer. Proper location of breaks in a run when the piping must drop through the Àoor to clear obstructions such as doors and ¿replaces, expansion ¿ttings, use of Àexible tubing at the end of a run, offsetting the vertical risers in adequate size holes (1¼” holes for ¾” copper tubing, 1¼” x 1½” elongated holes for ¾” steel pipe) – all provide for expansion and make for a quality installation. In systems where high boiler water temperature must be maintained for domestic hot water, length of BASE-RAY Assemblies between two inside adjacent cor- ners (when BASE-RAY is on three walls) should not exceed 25-feet, unless there is an expansion break between or swing joint provided at end. See SPECIAL APPLICATIONS, page
14.It is also desirable on these types of systems to provide a by-pass and mixing valve between boiler supply and return so that in mild weather, temperature changes in the system will be gradual instead of rapid.
BALANCING SYSTEM – System should be balanced on days when average winter temperatures prevail outdoors.
