The Ricadi Products
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Reina Ricadi manufactured from Stainless Steel rather than standard Mild Steel?
The Reina Ricadi is crafted from high-grade Stainless Steel (typically Grade 304), which offers superior Corrosion Resistance compared to mild steel. In a humid bathroom environment, mild steel relies entirely on its chrome plating to prevent rust. If that plating chips, the rail rusts. Stainless Steel is rust-resistant all the way through the metal. This solves the long-term problem of "flaking chrome" and ensures the Polished Finish remains pristine for years, making it a "fit and forget" solution for wet rooms.
How does the Polished Finish of the Ricadi affect the heat output compared to chrome plating?
While both look shiny, the Polished Finish of the Ricadi is the natural metal buffed to a mirror shine, not a plated layer. Chrome plating on mild steel acts as an insulator, trapping heat inside. The solid stainless steel body of the Ricadi is a more efficient conductor than a plated alternative. For example, the 1440mm x 500mm model delivers a high output of 2511 BTUs (737 Watts) at ?t50
Can the Reina Ricadi be converted to Dual Fuel for summer heating?
Yes, the Ricadi is suitable for Dual Fuel installation. This solves the problem of having cold towels in summer when your central heating is turned off. To achieve this, you need to install a "T-Piece" on one of the bottom inlets. This allows both the central heating valve and an electric heating element to enter the same pipe. You must select an element wattage that matches the rail's liquid capacity (typically 300W or 600W depending on the rail height) to prevent overheating.
What are the exact pipe centres for the Ricadi and how should I prepare the plumbing?
The Ricadi has side vertical collectors with bottom connections. Technically, the Pipe Centres are usually the Rail Width minus approximately 30mm (due to the inward position of the connections) or exactly the width depending on the specific batch weld. However, you must also allow for the valves. Standard valves add ~80mm to the overall width. For the 500mm wide Ricadi, do not fix your copper pipes until you have the physical unit and valves on-site to measure the exact distance, as stainless steel does not flex like copper if your pipes are 5mm out.
What is the wall projection of the Ricadi and why is it deeper than some flat rails?
The Ricadi has a Wall Projection (depth from wall to front face) of approximately 120mm. This is because the horizontal bars are often mounted on the front of the vertical collectors or have a curved profile to allow towels to slide behind easily. This deep projection solves the problem of thick towels getting stuck against the wall. You must ensure you have this 120mm clearance behind any opening doors or shower screens to avoid collision damage.
Does the Reina Ricadi require specific maintenance to keep the 25 Year Guarantee valid?
Note: Retailer lists 10 Years, though Stainless is often longer. To maintain the guarantee and the Polished Finish, you must avoid using abrasive scouring pads or bleach-based cleaners, which can dull the mirror shine. Technically, you should clean it with a soft microfiber cloth and warm soapy water or a dedicated stainless steel cleaner. Internally, even though it is stainless steel, you must flush the central heating system and add a chemical inhibitor to prevent sludge build-up that could block the narrow horizontal tubes.
How does the Welding quality on the Ricadi differ from cheaper alternatives?
The Ricadi utilizes TIG Welding processes where the horizontal bars join the vertical collectors. Cheaper rails often use "furnace brazing" which can leave visible rings or weak spots that leak under high pressure. The Ricadi's welded joints are polished down to appear seamless. This provides a uniform strength that can withstand higher hydrostatic pressure (often up to 10 bar), solving the problem of leaks in high-pressure unvented heating systems.
What should I do if the top bars of the Ricadi are cold while the bottom is hot?
This is a common hydraulic problem caused by trapped air. The Ricadi is supplied with an Air Vent (bleed valve) located at the top of one of the vertical collectors. To fix this, turn off your heating pump (to stop the air moving), wait 10 minutes, and use a radiator key to open the air vent until water squirts out. If the top rail frequently fills with air, it may indicate a system issue (hydrogen gassing) or a leak elsewhere, but occasional bleeding is normal maintenance.