| Heat output | All radiator materials and markets | Rated heat output in watts, stated at a defined mean water-to-room temperature difference; design flow and return temperatures | Compare outputs only when the rating conditions match. Lower-temperature systems may need larger emitters or more radiator surface area than traditional high-temperature systems. |
| European performance testing | European markets | EN 442-1 and EN 442-2 cover radiator technical specifications and test methods, including determination of thermal output. | Request test documentation and declared output for the exact model and configuration. Check applicable product conformity and documentation requirements for the destination market. |
| United Kingdom requirements | Great Britain and Northern Ireland | EN 442 test documentation is commonly used for radiator performance comparisons. Product conformity obligations can differ by territory and may change. | Confirm the current market-specific conformity route, marking, and documentation with the project’s compliance specialist before procurement. |
| North American project requirements | United States and Canada | Building, mechanical, plumbing, and pressure-system requirements can vary by country, state, province, and municipality. | Do not assume one universal radiator approval applies everywhere. Check local codes, specified test evidence, system pressure, connection requirements, and any project-required certifications. |
| Chinese thermal-output testing | Mainland China | GB/T 13754-2017 is a Chinese national standard concerning the thermal-output test method for heating radiators. | Confirm the applicable edition and any additional product, installation, or local project requirements with the buyer or local engineering team. |
| Steel panel | Common in closed-loop hydronic heating systems | Check declared output, steel construction, internal water capacity, operating pressure, corrosion protection, and warranty conditions. | Verify pressure and water-quality limits for the selected model. In systems with oxygen-permeable pipe, assess oxygen ingress and corrosion risk with the system designer. |
| Aluminium | Often selected where low mass or responsive heat delivery is important | Check alloy and construction details, rated output, pressure limits, connection materials, and the manufacturer’s permitted water chemistry. | Follow the manufacturer’s pH and water-treatment limits. Where aluminium connects to other metals, assess galvanic corrosion risk and use suitable system design and components. |
| Cast iron | Often used in retrofit, heritage, or high-water-volume applications | Compare section output, total weight, water content, pressure rating, dimensions, and connection layout. | Check floor loading, handling access, and pipework condition before installation. Confirm that the radiator’s output suits the planned operating temperatures. |
| Copper or copper-alloy construction | Used in selected radiator and convector designs | Review the exact materials in contact with water, rated output, operating limits, and connection details. | Check compatibility with other system metals and local water chemistry. Avoid assuming that all copper-alloy products have identical corrosion or pressure performance. |
| System pressure and temperature | All regions and materials | Maximum working pressure, test pressure, maximum operating temperature, and system design pressure | Match the product rating to the system design and applicable local requirements. Do not treat a factory test pressure as the permitted continuous working pressure. |
| Water quality and mixed metals | Closed-loop and open-loop systems | Manufacturer limits for pH, inhibitor use, dissolved oxygen, and other water-quality conditions | Follow the radiator and boiler manufacturers’ water-treatment instructions. Assess corrosion risk when dissimilar metals are connected, especially where system water is frequently replenished. |
| Connections and installation | Regional pipework layouts and retrofit projects | Connection thread or fitting type, centre distances, handedness, valve requirements, mounting method, and available clearance | Confirm dimensions against site drawings and local pipework practice. Include access for air venting, balancing, and maintenance. |
| Final procurement submittal | Every international project | Model-specific datasheet, heat-output evidence, dimensions, material declaration, pressure and temperature limits, installation instructions, and warranty terms | Check that the supplied configuration matches the approved schedule and destination-market requirements. Verify current standards and regulations at the time of order. |