Rules for installing a circulation pump

An effective heating system is essential for keeping your house warm and comfortable during the winter. A circulation pump is one of the system’s key parts. This compact but powerful appliance is essential to maintaining efficient hot water circulation throughout your heating system and a comfortable temperature throughout your home. To achieve maximum performance and longevity, installing a circulation pump necessitates careful thought and adherence to specific guidelines.

It’s crucial to comprehend how a circulation pump works in your heating system before getting into the specifics of installing one. Basically, a circulation pump moves hot water from the water heater or boiler through your home’s pipes, radiators, and underfloor heating system. The pump keeps the heated water flowing, which helps keep your living area at a constant temperature and provides enough warmth for each room.

Let’s now discuss the guidelines that must be followed when installing a circulation pump. First, the efficiency of the pump depends on its proper positioning. It ought to be mounted on the return pipe, ideally not far from the water heater or boiler. By positioning the pump in this way, energy efficiency is maximized as the cooled water is pushed back towards the heat source for reheating.

Correct pipework is crucial when connecting the circulation pump to your heating system. To reduce heat loss, use insulated pipes, and make sure the pipework is large enough to accommodate the pump’s flow rate. To make future maintenance and repairs easier, it’s also advised to install isolation valves on both sides of the pump.

Installing the circulation pump away from a location where water hammer is common is another crucial guideline to keep in mind. Water hammer is the result of abruptly stopping or redirecting the flow of water. It makes a loud banging noise and may cause damage to the pipes and pump. Install a water hammer arrestor or pick a place where water hammer is unlikely to happen to avoid this.

Lastly, for the circulation pump to operate safely and effectively, correct electrical connections are essential. Make sure the pump is powered by a separate source that has the appropriate voltage and amperage rating. It’s best to hire a qualified electrician to handle the installation if you have any doubts about electrical work.

You can make sure that your circulation pump is installed properly and performs at its best, keeping your house warm and cozy for many years to come, by following these rules and guidelines.

Rule	Explanation
Location	Install the pump on the return pipe to the boiler for optimal performance.
Orientation	Ensure the pump is installed with the arrow indicating the flow direction pointing away from the boiler.

What is a circulating pump and why it is needed

A circulation pump modifies the liquid medium’s speed of movement without altering the pressure. It is utilized in heating systems to provide more effective heating. It is a required component in forced circulation systems and can be added to gravity systems if the heat capacity needs to be increased. By installing a circulation pump with multiple speeds, the amount of heat transferred can be adjusted based on the outside temperature, allowing the room to remain consistently warm.

Wet rotor circulation pump in a section

These units come in two varieties: wet and dry rotor models. Dry rotor devices are highly efficient (about 80%), but they also need frequent maintenance and are very noisy. Wet rotor units are nearly silent and can pump water for more than ten years without experiencing any problems as long as the coolant is in good condition. Despite their reduced efficiency (roughly 50%), their qualities are more than sufficient to heat any private residence.

Where to put it

Installing a circulation pump on the supply or return pipeline is equally recommended, even though it should come after the boiler and up to the first branch. The materials used to make modern units are typically able to tolerate temperatures between 100 and 115°C. It is unfeasible to consider a more "comfortable" temperature because very few heating systems operate with a hotter coolant; however, if it makes you feel better, install the return flow.

It can be fitted in return or direct plumbing up to the first branch line, either before or after the boiler.

The hydraulics are the same; whether the pump is in the supply or return branch has no bearing on the boiler or the remainder of the system. Correct installation in terms of plumbing and rotor orientation in space are what count. The remainder is not significant.

There is one important point on the place of installation. If the heating system has two separate branches – on the right and left wings of the house or on the first and second floor – it makes sense to put a separate unit on each, rather than one common unit directly after the boiler. And on these branches the same rule is maintained: immediately after the boiler, up to the first branch in this heating circuit. This will give the opportunity to set the required thermal regime in each part of the house independently of the other and also in two-storey houses to save on heating. As? Due to the fact that the second floor is usually much warmer than the first floor and much less heat is needed there. If there are two pumps in the branch that goes upstairs, the speed of movement of the coolant is set much lower, and this allows you to burn less fuel, and without sacrificing the comfort of life.

Heating systems come in two varieties: those with forced circulation and those without. Pumps are necessary for forced circulation systems to function; natural circulation systems can function without one, but their heat output will be reduced. Even with reduced heat, it is still far preferable to none at all in places where power outages are common. For this reason, the system should be designed as hydraulic (with natural circulation) and have a pump incorporated. This results in heating that is highly dependable and efficient. It is evident that these systems differ in how the circulation pump is installed.

Every underfloor heating system is forced because the coolant cannot flow through such big circuits without a pump.

Forced circulation

Forced circulation heating systems are installed directly into the supply or return pipe break (you choose). This is because they cannot function without a pump.

The majority of circulation pump issues stem from the coolant’s mechanical impurities, such as sand and other abrasive particles. The motor can be stopped by jamming the impeller. Consequently, it was necessary to install a mesh filter-dirt trap before the unit.

Installing a circulation pump in a forced circulation system

Ball valves should be installed on both bypass sides if possible. They’ll offer the chance to swap out or fix the gadget without having to remove the coolant from the engine. Turn off the faucets and take the unit out. The water that was directly in this section of the system is the only portion that has been drained.

Natural circulation

One important distinction between circulation pump piping in gravity systems is the need for a bypass. When the pump is not operating, this jumper keeps the system running. On the bypass, there is a single shut-off ball valve that remains closed while the pump is operating. The system functions as a forced circulation system in this mode.

Installation plan for a circulation pump in a naturally circulating system

The jumper’s tap is opened, the pump’s tap is closed, and the system functions as a gravity system in the event of a power outage or malfunction.

Installation features

There is one crucial detail that must be taken into consideration in order to install the circulation pump properly: the rotor must be turned so that it points horizontally. The direction of flow is the second point. The casing has an arrow pointing in the direction that the coolant should flow. This is the method for unfolding the unit so that the coolant moved "according to the arrow."

The pump itself can be mounted vertically or horizontally, but when choosing a model, confirm that it is compatible with both orientations. Additionally, the power (created pressure) decreases by roughly 30% at vertical locations. This needs to be considered when choosing a model.

In ensuring efficient heating and insulation for your home, the installation of a circulation pump plays a crucial role. This device helps in circulating hot water throughout the heating system, ensuring even distribution of warmth across all rooms. However, to maximize its effectiveness, it"s essential to adhere to specific rules during installation. Firstly, the pump should be placed in the correct position within the heating system, typically near the boiler. Secondly, proper sizing is key – the pump should match the system"s requirements to avoid inefficiencies. Thirdly, attention to detail during installation is vital, ensuring secure connections and minimal air ingress. Lastly, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the pump functioning optimally, including cleaning filters and checking for any signs of wear. By following these rules, homeowners can enhance the performance of their heating systems, leading to greater comfort and energy efficiency throughout the household.

Connection to power supply

Pumps for circulation run on a 220 V network. Although the connection is standard, having a separate power supply line with an automated protection device is preferable. Phase, zero, and earth are the three wires needed for the connection.

An electrical schematic of the circulation pump’s connections

A three-pin socket and plug can be used to organize the mains connection itself. If the pump has a connected supply wire, then this connection method is used. It can also be directly connected to the terminals via a cable or through a terminal block.

There is a plastic cover covering the terminals. After removing a few bolts, we discover three connectors. It is hard to make a mistake because they are typically signed (pictograms N and L stand for neutral wire and phase, respectively, and "ground" has an international designation).

Where should the power cable be connected?

Given that the functioning of the circulation pump is the sole source of power for the entire system, it makes sense to install a stabilizer with linked batteries as a backup power source. Everything will function for several days with such a power supply system because the boiler automation and pump "pull" electricity at a maximum of 250–300 watts. However, while arranging, all calculations must be made and the accumulators’ capacity must be determined. Having to ensure that the batteries are not depleted is a drawback of this kind of setup.

How to use a stabilizer to connect the circulator to electricity

Hello. My situation, the pump 25 x 60 stands immediately after the electric boiler for 6 kW, then the main line from the pipe 40 mm goes to the bath (there are three steel radiators) and returns to the boiler; after the pump branch up, then 4 m, down, rings the house 50 square meters. м. through the kitchen, then through the bedroom, where it doubles, then the hall, where it triples and flows into the boiler return; in the bath branch 40 mm upwards, exits the bath, enters the 2nd floor of a 40 sq. m. house. м. (there are two cast-iron radiators) and returns to the bathhouse in the return; the heat did not go to the second floor; idea to install a second pump in the bathhouse on the supply after the branch; total length of the pipeline 125 m. How correct is the decision?

The concept is sound—a route too lengthy for a single pump.

Installation of the pump in the heating system: a breakdown of the main installation rules and tricks

Selecting the right unit

When selecting a pump, attention is paid to two main parameters: the flow force of the coolant and the hydraulic resistance that it overcomes when creating head. In this case, the characteristics of the purchased circulation pump should be 10-15% lower than the design values. If you install a powerful pump in the heating system, you may face the problem of increasing the power consumption, the appearance of excessive noise, rapid wear of equipment parts. A low-power pump will not be able to pump the coolant in the required volume. Many models of modern circulation pumps are equipped with electronic or manual controllers of the motor shaft speed. The highest efficiency value is achieved at maximum shaft speed.

Many heating systems have thermal valves installed that control the room temperature within predetermined limits. As the temperature rises, the valve closes. In this instance, as the hydraulic resistance rises, so does the pressure. The noise associated with these processes can be avoided by reducing the pump’s speed. Pumps with integrated electronics, which can smoothly regulate pressure drops based on changes in water level, can handle this task more successfully.

Locating the pump in the system

If the location of the pumping equipment’s connection to the pipeline is determined correctly, then the equipment can operate correctly. To ensure that hot water moves quickly from the boiler to every battery in the house, the pump needs to exert pressure on the coolant to flow through the heating system. This is the typical connection diagram for a heating circulation pump that is most frequently used in practice by specialists.

An example of how to connect a pump that forces coolant to circulate to an independent heating system in a home or a vacation cottage

The boiler (1), pump (5), diaphragm tank (7), heating radiators (8), and:

• coupling connection (2);
• valves (3);
• signaling system (4);
• strainer (6);
• heating system water make-up line (9);
• control (10);
• temperature sensor (11);
• emergency sensor (12);
• grounding (13).

The most common hermetic pumps used in autonomous heating systems are those with throttleless "wet" rotors. These models do not require new gaskets or additional part lubrication. The coolant is responsible for these tasks. In addition to providing silent operation for the machinery, the water the pump pumps also cools the pump’s internal parts. Manufacturers construct the throttleless pump’s body from cast iron and its rotor from steel or plastic that won’t corrode. With minimal maintenance requirements, the device can function for up to two decades.

Basic installation rules

Every piece of equipment comes with a manufacturer’s handbook, which includes all the details you need to know about its layout, working principles, and installation guidelines. You can grasp the fundamental guidelines for managing this technical document after carefully reading it.

When installing a product on your own, it is crucial to position it correctly with respect to the horizon. The motor shaft must be positioned exactly horizontally. If not, air locks may develop, depriving the bearings of sufficient cooling and lubrication. This will cause the equipment to break down and wear out parts more quickly. The direction in which the coolant in the system should flow is indicated by an arrow on the pump casing.

Choices for putting the circulation pump with wet rotor in the right or wrong position. It is not permitted at all to arrange the equipment as the bottom row depicts.

Need for water filtration

Before the pump install a strainer, the function of which is to filter the coolant. The dirt filter traps abrasive particles, sand, scale and other contaminants in the water. If such elements get inside the pump, the impeller and bearings may be destroyed. Since the diameter of the tapping for the installation of the pump is small, you can use an ordinary coarse filter. Note that the barrel, which is used to collect various suspended solids, is directed downwards. Being in this position, the filter will not serve as an obstacle to the circulation of water. In case of partial filling the barrel will not lose the ability to pass the coolant.

Crucial! The majority of filters have an arrow that points in the proper direction for the water to flow through the circuit. You will need to clean the strainer much more frequently if you disregard the direction of the arrow.

Location of the pump in the heating circuit

The majority of contemporary pump models can, in theory, function just as well on supply and return pipes. You can connect the apparatus to any section of the heating circuit. It should be remembered that the temperature of the heating medium will affect how long the device’s plastic components and bearings last to operate. Consequently, it is preferable to install the equipment on the return pipe prior to the heating boiler and after the expansion membrane tank.

One of the proper tapping variations for the circulation pump in a private home’s pipeline heating system, with a maximum contour length of 80 meters

Why a bypass is needed?

The circulation pump is a machine that uses energy. The heating system must run on natural circulation in the event of a power outage. To achieve this, the circuit’s resistance must be kept to a minimum by minimizing bends and turns and switching to contemporary ball valves for shut-off valves. When the ball valve is open, its lumen and the pipe’s diameter match.

The bypass, which is isolated from the main system by two ball valves, is where the circulation pump is mounted. The equipment’s positioning permits maintenance or replacement without endangering the home’s heating system. The heating system can function without a pump during the off-season by turning off the pump with the same ball valves. The ball valve on the main circuit is closed and the shut-off valves at its edges are opened to activate the pump when the frost gets heavier. This is the method used to control the coolant flow direction.

Three ball valves installed on the bypass (bypass pipe) in conjunction with the circulation pump guarantee the coolant flows in the intended direction.

Electrical connection

If the forced circulation principle underpins the arrangement of the heating system, the pump ought to function from a backup power source in the event of a power outage. Consequently, installing an uninterruptible power supply is advised in order to enable the heating system to run for a few hours. Usually, the technician has enough time to identify and eliminate the cause of the unexpected power outage. External accumulators that are linked to the backup power source can extend the equipment’s ability to operate independently.

Attaching the pump to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), which is further supported by three series-connected battery packs that create a single circuit.

It’s important to rule out the possibility that condensate and moisture will enter the terminal box when connecting the equipment electrically. If the coolant in the heating system reaches a temperature higher than 90°C, heat-resistant cable is utilized. The motor, pump casing, or pipe walls must not come into contact with the power cable. The plug is repositioned after the power cable is connected to the terminal box from either the left or right side. The cable is only routed from below in the case of a side-mounted terminal box. Indeed, it is necessary to ground!

Checking the operation and putting it into operation

The installation process is finished, and water is added to the heating system. Next, the center screw on the pump casing cover needs to be opened in order to release the air. When all air bubbles have been eliminated from the apparatus, water will start to appear. At that point, the pump can be turned on.

You can do the installation yourself if you’ve read this article and become familiar with the instructions. Invite a professional master if you are unsure how to install the heating pump.

How to install a circulation pump correctly

These days, virtually every kind of heating system must have a circulation pump installed. This apparatus serves the following purposes in addition to pumping coolant through the heating system:

• accelerating the heating of the entire system;
• Equalizing the temperature around the entire perimeter of the heated room;
• compensation of structural defects of the heating equipment, preventing or inhibiting the movement of water.

The entire heating circuit’s efficiency rises with proper installation of the circulation pump. The efficient use of electricity, the resource of the pumping device itself, and the effectiveness of the heating system will all be aided by the proper power selection, the device’s ability to turn on and off, and the ability to control its revolutions. A number of requirements must be met in order to accomplish all of this.

Calculation of the flow rate and specifics of the circulation pump installation

It is essential to choose and buy the pump before beginning the installation process. The equipment’s power ratings should be the primary consideration when making a decision. Excessively large indicators will result in an unreasonably high price, while not enough parameters will prevent the device from performing all of its intended functions.

The computation of the circulation pump’s necessary pumping capacity. The following nuanced information is used to calculate this figure:

A) One liter of water can be heated per minute by a boiler with an output of one kW. For a boiler to operate at 50 kW, 50 liters will be needed.

B) The coolant travels through the pipes at a 90 m/min average speed.

C) The volume of fluid that flows through the conduits is determined by their diameter. Their resistance increases with narrowness. As a result, the pipe diameter and water flow rate are not directly proportional. For instance:

• If the pipe diameter is half an inch, it will have a capacity of 5.7 liters per second;
• A ¾ inch will provide a water flow rate of 15 liters per second;
• 1 inch will pass 30 liters;
• 170 liters will pass through 2 inches.

D) The pipeline’s length affects the pumping device’s capacity. The pump head needed for every meter of system length will be 6 cm.

E) The numbers given are enhanced by factoring in the quantity of radiators and the building’s floor count, as well as:

• type of automation,
• pipe material,
• type of shutoff valves.

E) In order to protect the system from potential outside negative influences, a 20% power reserve must be included when purchasing a pump.

G) Considering all the information, it appears that for the building:

• 250 sq. m. м. A device with a flow rate of 3.5 cc is suitable. м./hour and creating a pressure of 0.4 atmospheres;
• 350 square meters. м. you will need a pump with a capacity of 4.5. cube. м./h with a head of about 0.6 atm.;
• 800 sq. м. will provide circulation to the equipment with 11 cu. in. m/hour and liquid pressure at the outlet of 0,8 atm.

Installation features of the circulation pump

The following things are crucial:

General installation rules

Always read the "Operating Manual" before installation and use. It contains all the installation instructions, equipment specifications, and requirements for proper use as laid out by the manufacturer.

It is important to think about the possibility of assuring the appliance’s repair and maintenance before choosing the installation location. Shut-off valve arrangement is necessary for this.

This diagram shows the proper installation angle of the pump.

It is advised to install the pump on the return pipe, which transports water from the system to the boiler, in order to prolong its service life. By doing this, the lubricant in the pump bearings will not overheat. The motor shaft needs to be in line with the floor. It will be shielded from the damaging effects of any potential air gaps by this.

It is advised to install a mud filter, or coarse coolant filter, prior to the device. This addition will stop the dirt and scale from contributing to the pump’s impeller and bearing degradation. It is crucial that the strainer’s barrel be positioned downward in this instance.

Optimal arrangement of the equipment in the overall system

The pumping mechanism is positioned as near to the boiler as feasible on the return. By doing this, you can avoid the boiler overheating and boiling while also extending the life of the circulation pump. Installing the pump on the supply line is acceptable if the equipment is used to supply liquid to the underfloor heating system.

The main circuit will never experience air locks thanks to this configuration. In this instance, the pump is positioned farther away from the boiler and as near to the underfloor heating system as feasible.

If an expansion tank is placed, it ought to be situated upstream of the pump that circulates water.

Installing the appliance in a bypass outlet, which is a specialized outlet, is always advised.

Connection options

In order to guarantee that the main unit is integrated into the entire system, strapping is a collection of extra parts that are installed in the system. The kind of circulation the heating system uses determines the makeup of the pump piping.

Three distinct kinds of bypasses exist:

1. Gravity or natural piping

The ability of this type of liquid to expand during heating and contract during cooling guarantees the flow of the coolant. This has an impact on the pressure that rises or falls in the pipes, which are positioned slightly angled in relation to the boiler. The lowest point is where the heating unit is situated. High pressure causes the heated, warm water to rise to its highest point. The cooled liquid re-enters the boiler through the return flow. This system configuration eliminates the need for extra water pumping equipment.

2. Forced piping

In this instance, extra components that can be installed straight into the system or integrated into the boiler’s structure itself provide the means for the liquid to flow through the pipes. Pipes and boilers can be installed without the need for special permission.

This option is the most effective from the position of rapid and uniform heating of the room, but has some negative features. Full energy dependence requires the presence of protective equipment in the boiler structure in case of power outage. Lack of circulation can cause boiling of the liquid in the heat exchanger. The whole heating construction will not be able to work without power supply, which is not always convenient in regions where there are systematic power cuts.
[The operation of pumping equipment consumes, although a little, but constantly electricity, which leads to additional financial costs.
[The pump can be integrated into such a system either directly into the return or through a bypass.

3. Combined strapping

The most widely used and ideal system is this one. In this kind of heating construction, the pumping device is installed solely through the installation of a bypass. This means that if the boiler and pipes are installed correctly, the room can be heated without the need for a pump.

A check valve, a gate valve, and a strainer make up the shut-off valves in the plumbing system.

By positioning the valve between the pumping device and the boiler, it keeps the liquid from backing up when the device is stopped.

Ball valves are the most ideal part of the piping because, when they are open, they don’t impede the flow of liquid.

Connection to the power grid

In order to guarantee the pumping device’s functionality, a standard 220V household electrical network is required. Such a network would benefit from having a fixed grounding. In this instance, the connection is established using the algorithm below:

• to the letter N on the device is connected to the wire with zero;
• the phase is mounted to the letter L;
• the ground wire is attached to the terminal with the ground symbol.

This diagram will provide a comprehensive understanding of how to connect the electrical component of the necessary apparatus.

It is recommended to energize the pump using an automated circuit breaker. In the event of an accident, this will safeguard the user and additional equipment.

Your heating system’s efficiency can be greatly increased by installing a circulation pump, which can also lower expenses and energy consumption. You can get the most out of this crucial part by making sure it is installed correctly.

Primarily, it is imperative to select the appropriate pump size for your system. The secret to getting the best performance out of your heating system is choosing a pump that fits its unique needs. A pump that is too big can waste energy, while a pump that is too small might have trouble moving water efficiently and provide insufficient heating.

Second, be mindful of where your heating system’s circulation pump is located. Installing the pump on the return pipe after the boiler is the ideal configuration. The efficient placement of the pump facilitates the efficient flow of heated water throughout the system, guaranteeing uniform heating throughout your house.

When installing the circulation pump, take into account the piping layout as well. The smoother and more efficient the pump operates, the less friction and pressure drop there will be thanks to appropriately sized pipes and a piping layout with few bends or other constraints.

Additionally, don’t undervalue the significance of insulation. Maintaining ideal operating conditions and preventing heat loss can be achieved by insulating the pump as well as the pipes. By taking this easy step, you can extend the life of your heating system and save energy.

To sum up, installing a circulation pump necessitates giving careful thought to a number of variables, including insulation, piping layout, pump size, and location. You can increase the efficacy and efficiency of your heating system, which will ultimately result in increased comfort and cost savings for your house, by adhering to these guidelines and making sure the installation is done correctly.

Video on the topic

Installation of the circulation pump by yourself.