This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Edition
    • Archives
    • Product Focus
    • Truck of the Month
    • Plumber of the Month
    • Tool Tips
    • PM Profile
    • Ad Index
    • Bookstore
  • Market Sectors
    • Plumbing News
    • Mechanical Systems
    • Radiant/Hydronics
    • Solar Thermal/Geothermal
    • Green
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • Water Quality
    • Technology
    • Codes
    • Business Management
  • Columnists
    • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
    • Al Levi: Managing your business
    • Dan Holohan: Heating Help
    • Kenny Chapman: Blue Collar Coach
    • Adams Hudson: Marketing Strategies
    • Jim Hamilton: The Bottom Line
    • Ray Wohlfarth: The Boiler Room
    • Nicole Krawcke: Editorial Opinion
    • Julius Ballanco: Plumbing Primer
    • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
    • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • Blog
    • The 7-Power Contractor
    • PM On The Road
  • Radiant & Hydronics
  • Multimedia
    • PM AHR Expo 2019 Videos
    • Photo Gallery
    • PM Network Videos
    • PM YouTube Channel
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
    • Showrooms
    • eBooks
  • Products
  • More
    • History of Plumbing
    • Industry Calendar
    • Classified Ads
    • Industry Links
    • Radiant Comfort Report
    • Green Plumbing & Heating
    • PVF Outlook
    • PB Outlook
    • Sponsor Insights
    • eNewsletters
    • Subscribe to Plumbing Group eNewsletters
    • Market Research
  • Directories
    • RCR Buyers Guide
    • B.I.G. Book
    • Rep Locator
  • Contact
    • Advertise
Home » Radiant Panel Guidelines Introduced

Radiant Panel Guidelines Introduced

June 5, 2000
Reprints
No Comments
With the release of the 1997 Standard Guidelines for the Design and Installation of Residential Radiant Panel Heating Systems, the Radiant Panel Association (RPA) this month takes a big step in regulating a technology that is rapidly gaining acceptance by many in the trade. “There’s been a real need for something like this and I think we’ll see a real good reception of it,” said Larry Drake, RPA’s executive director.

Because radiant panel technology is unfamiliar or new to many in the trade, it is often difficult for an inspector to make a reasonable assessment of an installation. According to Drake, it is the hope of the RPA that the guidelines will assist in furthering the acceptance of radiant systems into the mainstream of the construction industry. “I’ve actually hoped to get things focused enough so the guidelines could be adopted as part of the code or as a step in that direction,” said Drake.

Two years in the making, the guidelines are the result of a series of discussions among radiant tubing, controls and boiler manufacturers, wholesalers, and contractors. “Every time we met we had 30 to 40 people and half of them were different from the time before,” said Drake. “Several times the guidelines were put out to the whole membership to comment. So when we say it was consensus it was really a consensus because everyone had the opportunity to give their input on it.”

Under fire recently for its invitation of membership to non-hydronic manufacturers and contractors, the RPA found that this document actually pulled the diverging sides together. “So many people within the industry have been kind of at odds with each other on how to do things but simply there are some basic rules of the road that everybody needs to follow whether you’re driving a Cadillac or a Volkswagen,” said Drake.

When everyone met and started discussing standards and what it takes to really make a system work, they found that there was definitely a lot of common ground. “It was a good exercise for the industry as well as providing a guideline for the whole trade.”

Design Features: Radiant design, insulation, heat sources, controls, equipment, temperatures, installation and more are addressed in the 48-page first edition, along with schematics showing recommended system plumbing for a wide range of installations. The guidelines do not purport to address all design, installation and safety considerations associated with their use, rather, the document is intended for reference use by code officials, radiant systems designers and installers to improve overall installation quality.

While this edition deals primarily with hydronic radiant floor heating, which is the largest and fastest growing segment of the radiant industry, wall and ceiling panels along with electric radiant sections are currently under development and will be addressed in future releases. Commercial installation considerations are also being formed.

Copies of Radiant Guidelines can be obtained from RPA, 801/245-0128 or fax 801/245-0130. The list price of $15 includes shipping. They are available free of charge to inspectors and code officials when requested on official letterhead.

pm-subscribe

Related Articles

New installation guidelines for radiant projects with renewable energy

Watts Radiant radiant panel system

Slim Profile Radiant Heating Panel

ASID To Announce Green Remodeling Guidelines

Related Products

Hydronic Radiant Heating: A Practical Guide for the Nonengineer Installer

Radiant Comfort Guide

Heating with Renewable Energy

Related Events

Advanced Radiant Design with Mark Eatherton

Related Directories

ComfortPro Systems

Warmboard

Embassy Industries

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • Print & Digital Edition Subscriptions
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

The Glitch.jpg

The Glitch and Fix: Keep the cost down

Pre-fabricated snow melting

Radiant: More than just a luxury home building option

Siggy_single coil

Single coil solution

More than 900 plumbing

PHCC contractors find value in educational sessions, networking at CONNECT 2019

The Uniform Codes

Development of the 2021 Uniform Solar, Hydronics & Geothermal Code

PM-Rectorseal-Quiz-360x184


PM-COTY 2019

Events

December 30, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Products

2020 National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator

2020 National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator

See More Products

PM_Top20Products360

Plumbing and Mechanical

Plumbing & Mechanical December 2019

2019 December

Check out the December 2019 edition of Plumbing & Mechanical: 2020 B.I.G. Book, John Siegenthaler on geothermal water-to-water heat pump system design and installation, maximizing efficiency on small-diameter piping projects and much more!
View More Create Account
  • Resources
    • Reprints
    • List Rental
    • Contact Us
    • AEC Store
    • Blogs
    • Radiant & Hydronics
    • Industry Links
    • Market Research
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Privacy Policy
  • Want More
    • Connect
    • Survey And Sample
  • Plumbing Group
    • PM Engineer
    • Supply House Times
  • Advertise
    • Advertise
    • Plan for 2020!

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing