The Pettino Products
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the pipe centers listed as 50mm for a 550mm wide radiator?
Unlike standard ladder rails where valves are at the bottom corners The Pettino features "central" or narrow connection points located on the bottom of the vertical uprights. Because the uprights are grouped together on one side the distance between the pipe inlets is only 50mm. This technical detail means you cannot simply bring pipes out at the width of the radiator. You must rough-in your pipework very close together (50mm apart) to match the vertical collector leg.
Can The Pettino be installed as a dual fuel towel rail?
Yes The Pettino is fully compatible with dual fuel systems. To achieve this you need a T-piece and an electric heating element. However because the pipe centers are only 50mm apart fitting a T-piece and valve side-by-side can be tight. It is often technically better to use a "Dual Fuel Valve" (H-Block style) or ensure you have sufficient clearance below the rail. You must check that the electric element wattage matches the specific model capacity (e.g. 400W or 600W).
How does the cantilever design affect the wall fixings and stability?
Because The Pettino has all its weight supported by the vertical uprights on one side the wall fixings experience a higher torque load than a standard four-point ladder rail. It is critical to anchor the brackets into solid masonry or structural timber studs. Do not rely on plasterboard fixings alone. The rail is supplied with robust brackets to handle this load but the substrate strength is the responsibility of the installer.
What type of radiator valves are best suited for The Pettino?
The Pettino has bottom connections spaced 50mm apart. If your pipes come from the floor you will need Straight Valves. If your pipes come from the wall you will need Angled or Corner Valves. Due to the 50mm spacing standard manual valves can sometimes look bulky or clash handles. Using a dedicated 50mm connection valve block (H-Block) is often the neatest and most professional solution for this type of rail as it handles both inlet and outlet in a single compact unit.
Is the heat output of The Pettino sufficient for a main bathroom?
The Pettino produces a respectable heat output for a designer rail (up to ~2300 BTUs for the largest model). This is generally sufficient to heat a medium-sized bathroom or en-suite. However due to the open bar design there is slightly less surface area than a dense panel radiator. For large family bathrooms you should compare the BTU output against your room's heat loss calculation to determine if you need a secondary heat source.
Does the open-ended design improve towel drying efficiency?
Yes the open-ended design offers a significant functional advantage. By allowing you to slide towels fully onto the bars without bunching them between vertical supports you maximize the contact area between the fabric and the heated metal. This results in faster and more even drying. Additionally the gaps between the bar sections (groups of 3 or 4) improve air circulation further preventing damp spots on thick towels.
What is the projection from the wall and can it be adjusted?
The Pettino has a wall projection of between 82mm and 92mm. The brackets include a small adjustment tolerance allowing you to level the radiator on uneven walls. This projection is relatively slim making it a good choice for narrow spaces behind doors. However you must ensure that when towels are hung the total depth does not obstruct door swings or walkways.
How durable are the Anthracite and Black finishes in a wet environment?
The Anthracite and Black finishes on The Pettino are applied using a powder coating process on mild steel. This creates a durable hard-wearing layer that seals the metal against moisture. To maintain this finish and the 5-year guarantee you must avoid scratching the surface and clean only with a soft damp cloth. Using abrasive scourers or acidic cleaners can compromise the coating and lead to rust in humid bathroom conditions.
Can The Pettino be converted to an electric-only radiator?
Yes if you do not have central heating piping The Pettino can be filled with a thermal liquid (glycol solution) and fitted with an electric heating element to operate as a standalone electric rail. Because the connection points are close together (50mm) the electric element would typically be fitted into one side and a blanking plug in the other or used with a specific electric element housing. You must leave a 10 percent expansion gap when filling the rail to prevent internal pressure issues.