Arco Cast Iron Convector Element Cabinet

davisnyc

Hello all, we are renovating an old NYC apartment and the plans call for reusing an Arco cast iron convector element which is in good working order. The orginal convector cabinet was damaged beyond repair in demolition. My understanding is that the element needs to be in a metal cabinet with vents above and below in order to work properly but the design has called for a wood cabinet. The metal cabinets on the market are quite industrial in appearance. Does anyone have experience with a cast iron convector element in a wood cabinet? Would it adequately heat up a room? Thanks.

Jamie Hall

It doesn't have to be a metal cabinet. No reason a wooden cabinet wouldn't work quite well — what one needs to remember is to provide for adequate air flow both in at the bottom and out at the top.