In safety conscious environments such as schools and hospitals, it’s vital that safe temperature standards are adhered to without impact on the heat output.
The grille design of LST radiators should ensure that heat output is not affected and that safety standards are maintained. This helps to keep staff and service users protected from burns and scalds.
Contour have been blogging about the different types of grilles available for LST radiators and their pros and cons.
Read on to find out more.
A linear grille is a separate component from the rest of the LST radiator. It’s designed to be inserted separately and isn’t part of the main radiator cover.
Linear grilles are designed by cutting a large hole into the main body of the radiator cover. The linear grille is then inserted into the guard later on in the design process.
Often, this style grille is chosen because it’s more aesthetically pleasing than the alternative of having the grille punched in.
These grilles also have a good strength quality to them. This makes them ideal in spaces where a robust LST radiator is required.
However, there are some draw backs to this type of grille.
These grilles can become dust traps as dust gathers in the linear shelves that make up the grille. This could contribute to the build up bacteria which could impact on the health of people within the space.
In schools, this can lead to increased levels of absenteeism. According to Healthy Schools, 22 million school days are lost to illness every year. Increased levels of dust and bacteria can increase the chances of pupils becoming ill, meaning they risk missing out on vital school time.
A further drawback of linear grilles in radiator covers is that they aren’t pencil proof. This creates a risk of children getting their fingers caught and injuring themselves on the grille.
It also means that small items could be pushed through the radiator cover where they could block the heat output.
Punched grilles are built into the main body of the radiator cover. They are punched directly into the sheet metal
These grilles are pencil proof; giving additional safety to the low surface temperature solution that the LST radiator provides. Fingers can’t get caught in them and students won’t be able to push small items through the grille.
The design of a punched grille can be adapted to suit the needs of the space; this isn’t possible with a linear grille.
The flexibility of the design makes them ideal for spaces with specific needs within their heating solution.
For example; with a punched grille you can take away or add to the design as much as you need to when specifying your requirements. You can change the look to suit the needs of your space.
LST Radiators can be supplied with either a linear grille design or a punched grille. While linear grilles are more aesthetically pleasing, they don’t have the design flexibility or pencil-proof design of a punched grille.
Punched grilles can protect against students catching their fingers or pushing items through the LST radiator cover. They also offer a design that can be changed to give the right look for your space.
Would you like to find out more about how LST radiators can help you? Fill out the form below to speak to a heating expert today!
Contour produces a range of innovative, safe surface temperature systems for healthcare, education, mental health, commercial and secure sectors, working in close partnership and collaborating with architects, M&E engineers, NHS Trusts, local authorities, design consultants and contractors to deliver outstanding safe heating solutions.
Contour is the exclusive partner of BioCote® anti-microbial technology for LST and anti-ligature radiators. BioCote® additives reduce bacteria by up to 99.9%. Contour combine an extensive range of colour-paints is with BioCote® for a durable, high-quality finish.
Contour’s heating solutions offer secure, single-person quick access to radiator guard interiors for regular deep cleaning and maintenance. Each year, Contour save the NHS millions of pounds in cleaning costs, therefore delivering cleaner, safer environments. Contour is redefining the marketplace and therefore many regard us as a design and innovation leader within the industry.
Contour have a quality- first philosophy. Our customer-focused team possess a ‘can-do’ attitude, they take pride in developing solutions for your heating requirements.
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