Copper vs steel for cast iron rads

Scott Lind_2

Thank you Mike for sharing your opinion. I'm leaning towards black steel.

Scott Lind_2

Copper vs. steel for cast iron rads

We will be re-installing a bunch of cast iron radiators in a home that has been completely gutted. One guy says pipe with copper and use dielectric fittings. The other wants to use steel.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of the two materials? I'm looking for the longest life installation here, not lowest cost.

Thanks for any opinions!

Bryan_5

See the following thread may give you some insight
http://forums.invision.net/Thread.cfm?CFApp=2&Thread_ID=13430&mc=8

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Hard to beat black steel regarding durability in a closed hydronic system. While it might not last centuries like the older black iron I think you can consider it a "permanent" material.

Copper has a pretty good track record as well I believe but since it hasn't been used for as long (commonly at least) it may or may not have similar life expentancy. At least oxygen diffusion isn't an issue with either

One disadvantage I could see with using copper in standing iron systems is mechanical damage--particularly if copper is run all the way to the radiators. While they're not removed often and don't tend to want to move copper is quite soft and you'd certainly have to be careful when installing/removing those massive things... As long as the angle unions and valves are brass (yellow brass in particular?) I don't think there would be a problem with dielectric corrosion when using copper.

kevin coppinger_4

is this in a ....

steam or hot water system?

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