Equalizer/Hartford Loop Size vs Wet Return Size

krisnet55

Im a bit confused here on sizing of the equalizer/hartford loop.
My boiler manual calls for an equalizer/hartford loop size of 1 1/2 inch. However my return line is 1 1/4.
I planning on doing the equalizer in 2' and not sure if:
A: Do the hartford loop in 1 1/4 and then connect it to the return line
or
B: Do the hartford loop in 1 1/2 and then at the lower 90 put a reducing elbow to 1 1/4 to then connect at the wet return

krisnet55

EBEBRATT-Ed

It's not that critical.
I would do an 1 1/2" equalizer with your tee to the Hartford loop & return could be a 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/4 tee. That is minimum and will work without any issue at all. If you want to upsize anything that's fine. Will not make any difference whatsoever

krisnet55

So I can do a 2' equalizer then a 2x2x1 1/4 tee in to hartford loop?

Danny Scully

Correct @krisnet55, those arrows are never actually pointing to the Hartford loop connection, but rather the equalizer as it connects back to the boiler.

Marc_J

Just stumbled upon this thread. Confirming - drop down from equalizer, Hartford loop and wet return don't want to be the same size? My system has a 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 x 1-1/4" T before the close nipple and 1-1/4" for the rest of the loop and around to wet return. Dry return is 2", reduces to 1-1/4" at an elbow at the end of the line and drops down about 40". In peak season, condensate doesn't return quickly enough and causes occasional LWC activation. One tech theorized that the upsizing the 1-1/4" pieces to 1-1/2" could alleviate the problem. Thoughts?
Pics attached.

Jamie Hall

Well... inch and a quarter is a little small, but considering the low rate of flow of condensate that's not likely to be the problem. On the other hand... what pressure do you have for the cutout?

Bill_Kitsch69

If you are cutting out just waiting for return a bit once in a while, fine. Most likely increasing the return drop from the dry returns, and the loop piping will not speed things up. If you are not slowly overfeeding the boiler after several cycles, or a day or 5, fuggettaboutit. What is your return time? 20-30 minutes after you start to steam I would not worry about in the least.