Experience portable cast iron radiator heat without pipe, boiler

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hot_rod
hot_rod Posts: 28,593
edited 3:03PM in THE MAIN WALL

A put a 1500W 120V elememt into one end, filled the radiator about 80% with water.

A copper sheet bolted to the radiator with some tapped 6-32 studs epoxied in. A ty

Screenshot 2026-10-28 at 8.17.25 AM.png

typical electric water heater overload and t-stat. Set at 150°

Vent cap is loosened so no pressure build up.

Pic shows 15 minute and 1 1/2 hour run time.

Electrical cover in the works.

Screenshot 2026-10-28 at 8.09.41 AM.png Screenshot 2026-10-28 at 8.09.24 AM.png Screenshot 2026-10-28 at 8.01.54 AM.png Screenshot 2026-10-28 at 7.59.37 AM.png
Bob "hot rod" Rohr
trainer for Caleffi NA
Living the hydronic dream

Comments

  • HydronicMike
    HydronicMike Posts: 458

    Seen them alot in Canada, and Europe.

  • ScottSecor
    ScottSecor Posts: 1,062

    The Science Lab lives! Looks great to me, except for the cost of electricity in my area (NJ).

  • PC7060
    PC7060 Posts: 1,976
    edited 3:53PM

    nice radiator, cart makes for nice portable heat.
    Just built a couple carts for two radiators I am stripping and repainting

    IMG_1087.jpeg
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Posts: 27,930

    You could get gas fired ones, too…

    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Posts: 18,278
    edited 4:00PM

    doesn't castrads do that? is that an arco detroit pattern or whatever they call it?

    could probably put a small rupture disc in the vent like they do with pressure cookers.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Posts: 21,247

    Just needs a low water cut off, a water feeder and a sight glass.

    and a humidity control to control the steam coming out the vent.😎😎😎😎

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Posts: 28,593

    Something to set next to the desk for intermittent use.

    Yes, you can buy factory built elements. $329. for this one pictured.

    This was built with misc parts in the shop.

    If you have expensive power, just use a 1000W element😉

    Screenshot 2026-10-28 at 10.01.36 AM.png
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream

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