Is My Rad Imp. Or Metric - Confusion Over Size?

[plumbandplumber]

They say size isn't important - except it is when replacing a rad where the pipes to it are buried in concrete. No room to manoeuvre the pipes for a slightly different fit. The single bathroom rad is approx 10 years old and needs replacing.

I measured the dimensions of the front of the rad and came up with 720mm high and 485mm long. Is this actually a 700 x 500 rad - although the dimensions are close but not spot on? Are rad dimensions always exact? Or is it an imperial size?

The height isn't important as a new 700mm rad is close enough, it's the length thats important, as the pipe centres are set in stone, so to speak.

Also, the distance from wall to centres of valve tappings in rad is 35mm. If I use the short sides of brackets for new rads, will the pipes/valves line up with the tail tappings of most new single rads?

 

[Dotty]

You can buy longer tails.

And there will be enough give in the pipework if the rads sit slightly further forward

 

[Reg Man]

If its only 10 years old its not imperial. Different radiator manufacturers make different sizes. You can get radiator extension fittings, don't look to pretty but get you out of trouble.

 

[plumbandplumber]

Thanks for your replies. I reckon it's a 700 x 500, but manufacturers use a bit of licence with the sizes.

Also, I don't think I would need extensions for the valves, if anything it would be reducers. If my rad is actually 485mm long, and a new one was dead-on 500mm, it would be wider than the old one by 15mm. But I think I'm splitting hairs and yes, there will be a few mms of give in the pipes.

 

[vern]

It will be a Myson check you will get the exact one

 

[Best]

Myson make different types of rads in metric sizes, but they also do imperial sized which were originally from the Thorn EMI company which became Myson.
I would tend to measure the pipes centre to centre plus distance out to centre when trying to replace an unknown or obsolete sized rad. A rad that is an inch shorter would be handy for the extension tails. If you were stuck, a male straight & a piece of copper (all chrome if wished) does the job but not as solid.

 

[plumbandplumber]

If you were stuck, a male straight & a piece of copper (all chrome if wished) does the job but not as solid.

Sorry, can you explain a bit more how to do this, inc what fittings you are referring to?

Thanks

 

[Best]

Sorry, can you explain a bit more how to do this, inc what fittings you are referring to?

Thanks

Hi!
If you have rad valves that are the 15mm tail type, then 15mm copper & a nut & olive will fit the valves. Then just a 15mm x 1/2" male straight into the rad & you can join to valves from a much smaller radiator. Use chrome pipe & male sts if you wish.
It may not be the best way, but if pipes cannot be moved then it is an easy way. Also is a good way to change to a rad that is deeper, as the pipes can be offset out to the rad.

 

[Gas]

I normally cut down and put some offsets in

 

[Rickster123]

You can buy longer tails.

And there will be enough give in the pipework if the rads sit slightly further forward

Gets a :icon14: from me!