A lockshield valve is a type of valve commonly used in central heating systems to control the flow of water through individual radiators. It is typically installed at one end of the radiator with the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) or manual control valve installed at the other end.
Here’s how it works:
- Control Flow: The lockshield valve controls the amount of water leaving the radiator, allowing for the balancing of the heating system. By adjusting this valve you can ensure that the water flows evenly to all radiators in the system.
- System Balancing: It is essential for balancing because without proper balance, some radiators may receive too much hot water, making them overly hot, while others may not heat sufficiently.
- Tamper-Resistant: Once set by the installer or technician the lockshield valve is usually covered by a cap to prevent accidental adjustments, hence the name lockshield. It’s not meant for frequent adjustments like a TRV.
Lockshield valves are a key part of maintaining the efficiency of your heating system.