Integral Fin-and-Tube Baseboard Heaters
A cast-iron baseboard heater with the fins cast as an integral part of the unit is shown in Figures 2-51 and 2-52. These baseboard heaters can be used in series-loop, one-pipe, and two-pipe (reverse- return) forced hot-water heating systems and in two-pipe steam or vapor heating systems. They are not recommended for use in one- pipe steam heating systems.
There are several advantages to using cast-iron baseboard heaters. Because the fins are a part of the casting, they will not bend, dent, or come apart. Cast iron is corrosion resistant and will not expand or
contract with temperature changes. This last feature eliminates the expansion and contraction noises that frequently occur with non- ferrous, separate fin-and-tube units, which allows them to fit closer to the wall.