Ambiente® 413 Series Manifold FAQ

A: The flow bar serves to distribute heated water from the heat source (e.g., boiler, heat pump) to each individual heating loop in the system.

A: The return bar collects the cooler water that has circulated through the heating loops and directs it back to the heat source to be reheated.

A: Integrated flow meters are devices built into the flow manifold that allow you to monitor the rate at which hot water is flowing through each individual heating loop. This enables you to adjust the flow in each loop to achieve balanced heat distribution throughout the system.

A: Actuators, also known as valves, are devices that control the amount of water flow through each individual heating loop connected to the manifold. They can be manual, requiring physical adjustment, or automated, responding to signals from room thermostats or a central control system to regulate temperature in different zones.

A: Air vents remove trapped air from the heating system, which can cause cold spots and reduce efficiency. They can be manual or automatic.

A: Isolation valves allow you to shut off the water flow to individual heating loops without having to shut down the entire heating system. This is particularly useful for maintenance, repairs, or when a specific loop is not needed.

A: The drain/fill valve simplifies the process of draining water from the heating system for maintenance or adjustments and refilling it afterwards.

A: A pressure gauge monitors system pressure for safety and optimal operation. While sometimes optional, it is strongly recommended for early leak detection and ensuring the system operates within the optimal pressure range.

A: This is the date of manufacture, in order to check the age of the manifold.

A: Not advised. The paste can end up in the flow regulators and cause sticking or jamming.

A:Between 4-6 bar or pressure is advised when pressure testing.

A: Please see graph below:

A: Opt for high-grade stainless steel for better corrosion resistance and longevity, especially in underfloor heating where access is limited after installation.

A: Choose a manifold with the appropriate number of connections (ports) to match the number of loops in your installation. Typically, 1 x loop of 12mm pipe covers 14m² and 16mm covers 18m² of floor area. E.g., if a room is 21m² it would contain 2 x loops of UFH pipework, and this means two ports on the manifold. Most manifolds range from 2 to 12 ports.

A: Yes. Verify that the manifold is compatible with the type and connection of the actuators or valves you intend to use. Different brands may use different connectors; Ambiente uses M30 thread actuators.

A: Ensure the manifold is designed to work with your chosen heat source (boiler, heat pump, etc.), considering factors like flow rate and operating temperature.

A: Select a manifold that is designed for straightforward installation and has easily accessible components for regular maintenance and potential replacement of parts.

A: Install the manifold in an accessible location that is close to both the heat source and the heating loops. Adequate space around the manifold is essential for installation, ongoing maintenance, and adjustments.

A: Secure the manifold firmly on brackets, the bottom of the manifold should be a minimum of 400mm off the floor or within a dedicated cabinet to provide proper support and ensure it is correctly aligned.

A: Always use the fittings recommended by the manifold manufacturer and ensure that all connections are tightened properly to prevent leaks. Ambiente products use 'Euroconus' type fittings where you have a nut, olive, and eurocone as these are the most reliable connection types available. It's a good practice to pressure test the system before covering the pipes.

A: Pressure testing after installation helps to identify and rectify any leaks in the pipe connections before the system is fully operational or concealed.

A: Balancing is the process of adjusting the flow rate in each heating loop to ensure that heat is distributed evenly throughout all zones. This is typically achieved by using the integrated flow meters on the flow manifold to set the desired flow rate for each loop.

A:

• Periodic Inspections: Regularly check all manifold components for leaks, corrosion, or any signs of damage.
• Routine Air Bleeding: Bleed any trapped air from the system periodically to maintain efficient operation.
• Pressure Checks: Monitor the system pressure and adjust as needed to stay within the optimal range.
• Actuator Testing: Periodically test and recalibrate actuators to ensure they respond accurately to temperature changes.
• Cleaning: Inspect the manifold for any mineral buildup or debris and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

A: Underfloor heating systems typically operate at lower water temperatures compared to radiator systems, often between 30-50°C (86-122°F). The exact temperature will depend on factors like the heat loss of the building, floor construction, and desired room temperature.

A: By allowing for precise control of water flow to different zones, the manifold helps optimise heat output and prevent overheating in certain areas. When used with thermostatic controls and actuators, it ensures energy is only used where and when needed, contributing to lower heating bills.

A: Yes, having a manifold with spare ports makes future expansion of your underfloor heating system much easier. You can connect new heating loops to the unused ports without needing to replace the entire manifold.

A: It's generally recommended to bleed the system after initial installation and during the first few heating cycles as trapped air can accumulate.

A: Manifolds are designed to work with specific sizes and types of heating pipes (e.g., PEX, PERT). You must use the correct fittings and ensure compatibility between the manifold connections and your chosen pipework to prevent leaks and ensure a secure connection.

A: Depending on the complexity and layout of your system, you might need multiple manifolds to manage different heating zones effectively. Typically, each manifold serves one location and supports up to 14 loops (28 pipes total, including supply and return). To avoid excessive heat build-up from transit pipework, it’s usually best to place additional manifolds in separate locations.

A: Connecting a secondary heat source requires careful planning and system design. The manifold itself might not be the direct connection point, but the overall system needs to be configured to integrate the additional heat source appropriately, often involving additional valves and controls. Consult with a heating professional for such integrations.

A: Check where you are reading the temperature from on the dial, as it should to be read from where the arrow is pointing (which is not usually at the front). Otherwise, it could likely mean that the mixing valve is not mixing flow and return. The pressure is too high from the pump at the heat source, or the mixing pump needs to be increased to force more cooler water through or increase the setting on the bypass valve to reduce the pressure going to the manifold pump.

A: Important safety features include a robust construction (preferably stainless steel), reliable connections to prevent leaks, a pressure relief valve to prevent over-pressurization, and potentially thermal actuators with safety shut-off functions.