Low Surface Temperature Heating for Schools and Care Homes: What to Specify
Low surface temperature heating keeps the casing of a heat emitter at or below 43°C, reducing the risk of contact burns for children and vulnerable occupants. BOSS™ Copperad fan convectors are available with an Active LST option for floor-mounted units, and their grilles are pencil proof. Natural convectors are available where silent operation is the priority.
Why is 43°C the figure specifiers work to?
The Health and Safety Executive’s information sheet on hot water and surfaces in health and social care states that contact with surfaces above 43°C can cause serious injury. Where vulnerable people could be at risk, it advises that the maximum accessible surface temperature should not exceed 43°C. Prolonged contact tends to happen when someone has fallen or cannot move away, which is why bedrooms, communal lounges and special schools need particular care.
How does Active LST control work on BOSS™ Copperad fan convectors?
Active LST is an optional kit supplied with the fan convector. It consists of a valve and actuator fitted at the coil connection. A thermal switch senses the leaving air temperature and, if it rises above the preset limit, closes the valve to bring air and casing temperatures down. The limit keeps the casing at or below 43°C, and the kit is maintenance free.
It is intended for floor-mounted units, where an occupant could end up against the casing. Ceiling and high-level units are out of reach, so the option does not apply to them.
How does low surface temperature heating affect output?
The leaving air limit also limits heat output. At 80/70°C water and 20°C room air, medium speed, LST units give the following:
- 700mm: 2.8kW
- 900mm: 4.3kW
- 1200mm: 5.7kW
- 1500mm: 7.2kW
Allow for this when sizing. On low temperature hot water systems, including heat pump and condensing boiler systems, lower water temperatures naturally help keep surface temperatures down. Confirm with the BOSS™ Technical Team whether Active LST is needed for your flow temperatures.
Should you choose fan convectors or natural convectors?
Fan convectors suit rooms that need fast warm-up. They use EC motors, offering energy saving compared with traditional models, and run quietly. Mounting options include floor, high-level, concealed and ceiling tile. Grilles on styles with inlet and outlet grilles are pencil-proof aluminium extrusions, and the casings have curved edges.
Natural convectors have no moving parts and run silently, with over 30 styles and outputs from 1kW to 14.7kW. They suit bedrooms, libraries and quiet spaces. If surface temperature limits apply, confirm the right style with the technical team at specification stage.
How quickly can units be delivered?
Selected BOSS™ Copperad units are available for next day delivery from BSS Magna Park through any local BSS branch. The brochure lists BSS product codes for LST fan convectors, so confirm stock with your branch when planning holiday or shutdown installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Active LST be fitted to ceiling tile or high-level units?
No. It is designed for floor-mounted fan convectors only, where vulnerable occupants could come into contact with the casing.
Do I need Active LST on a heat pump system?
Low temperature hot water systems naturally help keep surface temperatures down, and Active LST is aimed at units running on conventional, higher temperature hot water. Confirm your design flow temperatures with the BOSS™ Technical Team.
Do all BOSS™ Copperad fan convectors have pencil-proof grilles?
Styles with inlet and outlet grilles use pencil-proof aluminium extruded grilles. Spigot and hideaway styles use optional loose grilles, so check the style you are specifying.
How do I choose between a fan convector and a natural convector?
Fan convectors suit rooms needing fast warm-up and flexible mounting, and natural convectors suit spaces where silent operation matters most. The technical team can advise on each room type.
Contact the BOSS™ Technical Team
Ready to upgrade your heating? Browse the full range or get in touch with our team to learn more.
Email: bosstechnicalteam@bssgroup.com
Phone: 03330 341920
Our BOSS™ Technical Team is here to provide pre and post-sales support.