Trane convector

alcraig

My contractor broke the tubes on my concealed Trane convector. It’s 4” deep x 28” wide. Is there any company making a replacement orifice concealed convector as replacement? My contractor says yes, but I’m not seeing any orifice convectors when I search.
Questions:
Can someone suggest a manufacturer for a replacement convector with an orifice?
Or do we have to source a regular convector and use an orifice plate in the union?
If so, what size orifice hole would a convector of this size need?

GW

I’m not good at vapor systems, I just understand the basics. Can a new(used) convector be used and also utilize the existing/original valve/orifice?

And most importantly how did he break it? Cast iron?

alcraig

The Trane convector has cast iron ends but copper tubing in between. I think he forced it when tighten the union. The tubing snapped off at the cast end.
In this case, the orifice is built into the cast end. If we have to use a replacement without an orifice, then I’ve read that we can install it in the supply side union. My preference would be to just buy a replacement with an orifice builtin. However, I’m not sure if any manufacturers still make convectors that way.

gerry gill

An automobile radiator repair shop can fix Trane convectors.

alcraig

That’s a good idea. I’ll give them a try on Monday.

alcraig

Can a convector with an orifice be installed in either direction, with the orifice on the supply side or on the return side?

Steamhead

The orifice must be installed on the supply side.

alcraig

Unfortunately I found out that my contractor’s plumber did put it in backwards, and now the wall is plastered and painted up.
Strangely, the convector does seem to heat up ok. The reason I know it’s backwards is because there’s a plugged vent tap on the non-orifice side of these convectors.
Are there any long term consequences to leaving it this way?

KC_Jones

alcraig said:

Unfortunately I found out that my contractor’s plumber did put it in backwards, and now the wall is plastered and painted up.

Strangely, the convector does seem to heat up ok. The reason I know it’s backwards is because there’s a plugged vent tap on the non-orifice side of these convectors.

Are there any long term consequences to leaving it this way?

They messed up, they should fix it on their dime. On a side note it sounds like you have someone working on your steam system that doesn't know what they are doing, I would suggest they don't work on anything else on your steam system.

Also I am curious, how "built in" are these convectors that they can't be serviced? Don't think I have seen that before, would be curious to see pictures of that.

alcraig

It wasn't work on the complete system. We were doing a reno of a room that required a couple convectors to be relocated. The plumber is my contractor's sub. I told him how they needed to go in, but trades just don't take instructions from homeowners. Here are some photos of what these convectors look like.





If the one reversed convector does heat, it's hard for me to explain to them that it's backwards and to have them redo it. Will there be any long term issues leaving it this way?

KC_Jones

If I am seeing it correctly, to my eye it looks like they made the bottom opening too small and now it can't be worked on or serviced. What happens if there is a failure or a leak? The contractors "solution" was to make you have to rip the entire wall out to get the convector out? Also how does that smaller opening impact the performance?

He installed it backwards, how it heats currently is not a criteria for this situation, that is anecdotal. There is a proper way to install and an improper plain and simple. The fact that you tried to tell them and they ignored you puts even more burden on them. Have you made final payment?

Depending on the size of the orifice, it could end up getting blocked, then condensate won't drain and it fills up with water, banging could start, oh and it will probably stop heating. Also since it is essentially running out of hand, it will probably be the hottest convector in the house.

Hopefully your contractor will learn a lesson about who they are allowing to work on what. I am guessing they are fighting you hard on this one.

alcraig

All the convectors are installed in-wall this way, back from 1936. Once installed, they never need servicing. It's a great system. Of course, that's assuming they are installed in the right direction. I'll see if he can reverse the piping from the ceiling beneath.

Thanks.

KC_Jones

alcraig said:

All the convectors are installed in-wall this way, back from 1936. Once installed, they never need servicing. It's a great system. Of course, that's assuming they are installed in the right direction. I'll see if he can reverse the piping from the ceiling beneath.

Thanks.

That won't work either as the pitch of the convector needs to be towards the outlet, so unless he can change the pitch without opening the wall you are back to square 1.

alcraig

I think these convectors are very forgiving as far a pitch goes. They are all pretty much level.
Is there anyone with experience on these Trane convectors who can weigh in?