Start Up Checklist

I. SYSTEM DESIGN
__Heat loss analysis for the building done.
__Building construction complete as shown in the same plans used to design the system.
__Acceptable procedure or design process used for the radiant panel system design.
__Installed system meets the design criteria and/or other accepted standards.
__Met customers' expectations and level of understanding of how the system will operate, particularly with respect to the differences between radiant heating vs. more traditional forms of heating systems.

II. INSTALLATION
A) Circuit Installation
__Circuit Spacing (on center distance between each pipe) as specified by the system design.
__Installed length of Circuits as specified by the system design +/-3%.
__Installation methods comply with the manufacturers recommendations and RPA Guidelines.
__Installed circuits subjected to an acceptable pressure test following completion of the tube installation.
__All circuits and manifolds accurately labeled for length, location, and zone.
__Proper manifold location and height for accessibility and ease of service.

B) Mechanical and Piping
__Boiler or heat source capacity or output as specified in system design.
__Boiler installation, piping, venting, safety equipment, combustion air supply, condensate drainage in compliance with the system design, manufacturer's guidelines and local code requirements. When in question contact the equipment manufacturer.
__Thermal expansion tank precharge pressure and system fill valve setting match the system design pressure.
__Circulating pumps in the proper location and orientation. Recommended location is on the supply pipe after the system expansion tank.
__Circulating pump size, pipe size, valves, and accessories as specified in the system design requirements.
__Required flow control valves present and proper position.
__Boiler or heat source operating temperature as specified.

C) Controls
__Electrical schematic provided for the system's controls. If not, try each zone control individually, observe operation and compare to expected results.
__Control settings match the system design specifications, or accepted industry standards.
__Room temperature controls or thermostats located and installed and wired properly.
__Thermostat anticipators set to match the current draw of the controls they are connected to.

D) System Start Up
__Fill the boiler and boiler room piping; check for and repair any leaks.
__Fill and purge distribution system. This is usually done one zone or manifold at a time. Some installers prefer to fill and purge circuits individually.
__System cleaned and flushed.
__Suitability of system fluid verified: acceptable ph, freeze protection, potability, etc.
__System control settings checked:
     1) Reset control heating curve or slope, heating curve shift or parallel displacement, maximum and minimum supply temperatures.
     2) Set thermostatic or manual mixing valve settings to achieve design supply water temperature for each zone, if applicable.
     3) Thermostat anticipator settings must correspond to control current draw.
     4) Set pressure differential bypass valve if used.
__Start and operate the boiler or heat source.
__Proper and safe operation of boiler verified, (refer to the boiler manual) venting system, controls and safety devices.
__Operate one zone at a time and evaluate flow to each zone.
__Check operation of other control valves installed.
__With system zones ON verify that there is a normal temperature difference between the system supply and return. Typical 10-20°F.
__With zones running under load the boiler should cycle. If not: repurge, check circulator operation, check control valves, check boiler operating temperature.
__Owner has received proper instruction on system operation and use.
__Owner has been provided with the system design specification, equipment and component documents, warranties, and operation.

TROUBLE SHOOTING TOOL KIT
1. Hand tools including screwdriver with interchangeable bit set, pocket screwdriver, special tools or wrenches for manifolds and tube fittings, adjustable wrench, ratchet and sockets, needle nose pliers, 'channel lock' pliers, etc.
2. Pressure gauge (0-100#) with 1/2", 3/4" bushings and couplings and female hose thread adapter.
3. Two or three double ended (washing machine) hoses.
4. Utility/charging pump for filling, purging, and flushing systems. Essential for use with anti freeze and chemical additives.
5. Thermometers: pocket, gauge, and infrared; and thermocouples for use with multimeters to check water, pipe and surface temperatures.
6. Manometer: U-tube, inclined or magnehelic gauge to measure and monitor fuel gas pressure.
7. Multimeter/tester: AC/DC volts, resistance, amperage/ current with test leads and alligator clips and jumper wires.
8. Combustion test kit or flue gas analyzer with draft gauge, flue gas thermometer, smoke tester and CO2 or O2 tester.
9. Anti freeze test strips or spectrometer.
10. Ultrasonic flow-detector.
11. Spare parts assortment appropriate for system. i.e. relays, transformers, circulators, zone valves, sensors, copper and tube/hose fittings and adapters,. etc.
12. Manufacturers equipment manuals.
13. Patience.

 

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