6
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-RAY Assembly in the circuit
and then from Assembly to Assembly, dropping below the
À
oor only when necessary to avoid obstructions such as doors,
¿
replaces, etc. BASE-RAY Baseboard Extensions are used to
conceal the piping run above the
À
oor.
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
À
oor and second
À
oor 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
À
oor are on a separate loop.
In some two-story homes it might be desirable to put part of
each
À
oor on one loop and the other portions of each
À
oor 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-RAY Assemblies 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
À
oor to clear obstructions such as
doors and
¿
replaces, expansion
¿
ttings, use of
À
exible 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.
