The installation of a warm floor involves the installation of a distribution unit that ensures optimal circulation of hot water. In order for the water underfloor heating to function optimally, a collector cabinet is required. It connects pipes and elements. In addition, the aesthetic side wins: water meters, pipes, electrical wiring and shut-off valves are masked.
Types of manifold cabinets
Depending on the design features, manifold cabinets for heating are divided into two types: built-in and outdoor. The side segments of the products are adjustable in depth, which makes it possible to mount them into walls with different thickness values. On both sides of the box there are service inlets for pipes of different cross-sections, which simplifies installation.
Built-in
The built-in wardrobe for the underfloor heating collector is represented by a segment of models installed in niches under plasterboard sheathing, as well as inside building structures.
The cabinets are equipped with removable covers. There are slots in the sidewalls for the outlet of pipes and fasteners. The boxes are equipped with retractable legs.
Outdoor
The need to install an outer box arises if the indicator of the thickness of the partition or wall at the installation site is less than its size. The restriction on the arrangement of niches is explained by the risk of breaking the structure of the load-bearing wall, which entails a weakening of the multi-storey building as a whole. Sometimes it is impossible to sample a niche due to the high hardness of the material. In this case, outdoor models are indispensable. The price for them is higher, since the finishing of the side walls and the use of additional elements during installation and fastening are required.
Outdoor manifold cabinets can be wall-mounted or floor-standing, depending on the mounting method. Wall boxes are easy to install. Removing the outer cladding is not required. There are also legs. The product has an aesthetic appearance and remains invisible after installation.
Floor models are used if you need to heat a large room.
Specifications
The casings of the built-in boxes are made of high quality heat-resistant plastic or steel sheets 1 mm thick. Corrosion protection is provided by coating the body with special powder or polymer agents. The standard color is white, beige or gray.
The basis for the manufacture of wall models is metal that has not been galvanized. The product is completely colored. The openings for the outlet of pipes are covered with metal plates. Boxes of this type are distinguished by free access to the distribution unit. The models are equipped with a heating controller, which allows monitoring the operation of devices. The dimensions of the products in this series are identical to those of the built-in types.
When choosing a manifold cabinet for underfloor heating, it is important that the number of terminals matches the actual layout. The outlet and supply lines of the heating system are also taken into account. The box should accommodate the main and additional devices. An important role is played by the type and direction of opening the doors. Removable elements are installed on the left or right, depending on consumer needs.
Dimensions (edit)
Built-in and wall-mounted cabinets have the same dimensions.The depth of the devices is 12 cm, the height is 65 cm, and the width is from 46.5 cm to 19 cm.The height is adjustable with legs that can raise the product by 10 cm.
Manifold cabinet functions
The manifold cabinet for heating is a practical product. Installation of equipment solves the problem of placing the components of the system in the apartment. The neatly painted door gives the room an aesthetic appearance.
The use of the box allows:
- reduce the number of pipes required for the functioning of the warm floor;
- eliminate the need to pull pipes from the heater;
- carry out repair work or modernize the system, as it provides unhindered access to the guide loop.
Safety is considered the top priority. A door with a key makes it possible to protect the cabinet with expensive appliances from children.
Cabinet sizes and accessories
Product sizes are standard. The segment of some firms is represented by compact models, the width of which is 45 cm and the depth is 18 cm.
The standard list of accessories includes:
- Housing. Represents a box made of stainless steel or plastic. The back wall is missing. The sides and bottom panel are provided with pipe slots.
- Fasteners. The mechanism is installed taking into account the location of the structure - on the surface or in the center of the wall. Spacers or anchors are used for fastening. Some models have fixed brackets and clamps.
- Doors. They protect the internal devices of the heating system from damage and prohibited entry. Fastened with hinges. The doors are equipped with a lock or latch.
The box for the junction box can be made by yourself. But collecting with your own hands is unjustified, since the price of most devices on the market is low. It is recommended to purchase finished products.
Installation and location
When fixing a built-in type of cabinet, a niche is required. If the deepening was made during the construction of the room, installation difficulties will not arise.
The following installation steps are distinguished:
- the layout of the wall for the collection of pipes is outlined;
- holes are made in the wall for the cabinet by means of a chasing cutter;
- the box is connected to the sides in the wall niche with the help of anchors;
- the contours are held together;
- after installing the heating distribution unit, the circuit is closed and checked for leaks;
- the gap between the wall and the cabinet is covered with mortar, and then puttyed.
Installation of wall models is easier:
- places for fasteners are marked on the walls;
- using a perforator, holes are drilled for anchors;
- the box is fixed with screws;
- the cabinet is aligned with the marked marks;
- a collector is installed;
- the circuit is connected;
- a test run of the system is in progress.
Installation of manifold cabinets is quick. When attaching the device, the recesses in the wall do not become an obstacle. During installation, a detailed drawing helps, drawn up taking into account the size of the box, its technical features, as well as the points of placement of communications.
Optimum performance is achieved when the product is installed in the middle of a heated room near the floor surface. Particular attention is paid to the flatness of the working base. The structures that support the device should not be skewed in level.
The manifold cabinet of the heating system is connected taking into account the raising of the floor level. After the installation of the box, the supply (input) and return (return) pipes are introduced into it. The inlet pipe brings hot water to the circuit. The return pipe leads the cooled liquid to the boiler for subsequent heating. The place for the switchgear cabinet is chosen so that the circuits of the heating system have the same length indicators, but not more than 70 meters.
When choosing the optimal location, it is recommended to seek professional help.Installation errors are fraught with excessive pipe consumption or deviations in the pressure of the heating system.
Popular manufacturers
Built-in and outdoor models of manifold cabinets are made to order. It is also justified to purchase factory products with standard markers that meet the technical requirements of the heating system.
The main manufacturers supplying high quality products to the Russian market are:
Italian company Valtec. It manufactures products in standard and modified configurations. The design of the cabinets is attractive. High quality is inherent in anti-corrosion coating.
Russian company Grota. It has been on the market since 1996. The company is engaged in the sale of stylish products from sheet steel, which are distinguished by an acceptable cost. The cabinets are hot-dip galvanized.
Domestic manufacturer "Impulse" with the Wester trademark, which manufactures powder-coated cabinets. A phosphate film is preliminarily applied to the body.
GorMax company. Produces products from high quality steel with a thickness of 1 mm. All cabinet components are powder coated. The sidewalls contain laser cutouts for connecting pipes. The cabinets are equipped with DIN rails, allowing the equipment to be mounted along the entire height and width.
The manufacturer establishes a guarantee for the above products. All conditions need to be clarified when buying a box. You should also familiarize yourself with the certificate and document confirming the right to sell.
Regardless of the brand, when choosing a cabinet for a heating distribution unit, you should pay attention to the quality of the following components:
- surface;
- fasteners;
- doors;
- locks.
Companies that produce quality products do not skimp on packaging material. The sturdy corrugated cardboard of the box protects the heating manifold box and parts from damage in transit.
