Electric Heating Elements and Cast Iron Radiators
We can now ship traditional radiators with the electric heating elements and end caps required to convert them to stand-alone electric radiators. They come assembled, but you do need to fill them with water and install them. Here we tell you how.
We advise you to engage the services of a qualified electrician.
Firstly, follow the heating elements manufacturers instructions (provided with the heating element) and install the heating element into the bottom of your radiator. (The heating element should always be installed at the bottom of the radiator to ensure that it is covered in water at all times - do not attempt to fit the heating elements at the top of a cast iron radiator). Ensure the endcap into which the heating element is secured is tight. The heating element then screws into place, and should be sealed with the small quantity of Locktite glue provided with the heating element.
Next fit both end caps at the other end of the radiator. Make sure they are tight. Leave the endcap which fits above the heating element unattached (or unscrew it if necessary). This is where you are going to fill the radiator with water. Give the glue around the Heating Element enough time to dry before filling you radiator with water.
To fill your radiator with water you need to lift the radiator so that the top inlet is the highest point on the radiator. If your radiator is small enough you can place the radiator on its end while you fill it with water. Please be careful though, cast iron radiators are extremely heavy, you may need assistance during this part of the installation. If the radiator is too large to fit on its end, then lift the heating element end to get the radiator on as much of a slope as possible. Rest the radiator on some steps while you fill it with water.
Fill the radiator with water and inhibitor mix (we recommend Fernox). When you think the radiator is full shake or rock it backwards and forwards to dislodge any air pockets. Top up with water and repeat until you are sure that the radiator is as full of water and as free of trapped air as possible. Once you are sure you have filled the radiator with water and purged it of air, then screw in and tighten the final end cap - this should normally be the one with a bleed valve.
The Electrical element must then be wired into your mains supply - we recommend you engage a qualified electrician to do this. The lower wattage elements can be fitted with a standard plug and plugged into a socket in your room, the high wattage heating elements (2.5KW and 3KW) are required by law to be installed by a qualified electrician and will need to be connected to a fused spur.
We hope you are pleased with your purchase and that your electric traditional cast iron radiator keeps you toasty for years to come!