SWING2 Kit: What It Includes and When It's Worth Buying the Complete Set
SWING2 Kit: What It Contains, How It Works, and When It's Really Worth Buying the Complete Set
When you are renovating or installing heating and reach the radiator valves, sooner or later you will come across the term "kit." Specifically, the SWING2 kit is one of the most popular complete sets on the Slovak market for standard panel and section radiators. However, most people – and sometimes even installers – are not exactly sure what is included in the kit, why it is sold as a set, and when it is actually worth buying the complete set instead of individual components. In this article, we will go into great depth: from structural details through hydraulics to specific scenarios from everyday installation practice.
What is the SWING2 kit and what does it consist of
The SWING2 kit is a complete set of control valves for radiator circuits in central heating systems. The designation SWING comes from the construction principle of the shut-off mechanism – in this case, it is a valve with a preset flow (presetting), which is the basis for hydraulic balancing. The number 2 indicates a specific generation of the product line.
The kit consists of four main components:
- Thermostatic valve (supply side) – regulates the flow at the inlet to the radiator, has an M30 × 1.5 thread for mounting a thermostatic head or a manual knob. It is dimensioned for PN10 (nominal pressure 10 bar).
- Return valve (return side) – a control valve at the outlet, allows setting the preset flow independently of the inlet regulation. It has an internal hex for the adjusting key.
- Screwed connections (EK × 1/2") – eurocones with nuts that ensure the connection of the valve to the system pipes. The EK (eurocone) standard is compatible with the vast majority of pipe systems used in Slovakia.
- Seals and caps – built-in EPDM seals for secure connections, protective caps to protect the M30 thread during transport and installation.
The kit is available in two versions according to the geometry of the radiator connection: SWING2 PN10 Kit, straight version is used for side or bottom direct connections, SWING2 PN10 Kit, corner version is intended for cases where the pipe comes in at a right angle from the wall or floor.
Technical parameters that determine compatibility
Before purchasing the kit, you must verify several dimensional and pressure parameters. Practice shows that most installation problems do not arise from a faulty product, but rather from the fact that the customer does not check the compatibility with their system in advance.
Pressure load – PN10
Both valves in the kit are dimensioned for PN10, i.e., a nominal pressure of 10 bar. This is more than enough for residential construction (typically 3–4 bar operating pressure) and for larger apartment buildings (5–6 bar). Problems occur more often in industrial equipment or in systems with long vertical differences, where pressure can exceed this limit. For standard residential heating, PN10 is the golden standard.
Connection size – EK × 1/2"
EK denotes an eurocone connection – it is a threaded connection with a conical sealing surface without the need to use hemp or teflon sealing on the threaded part. The outer diameter of the supply pipe, to which this coupling fits, is 15 mm (typical copper pipe) or 16 mm (multi-layer/PEX pipe with an outer sleeve). The 1/2" (DN15) size corresponds to the connection to the radiator with a standard side or bottom connection. If you have a radiator with a 3/4" connection, the 1/2" version of the kit is not sufficient – you must use a reducer or another valve.
Kvs value and preset flow
The thermostatic valve in the SWING2 kit has a Kvs value (maximum flow coefficient at fully open valve) typically in the range of 0.12–0.52 m³/h depending on the position of the presetting. The return valve allows independent presetting in 7 steps (1 to 7), with each step corresponding to a different maximum flow. This is the basis for hydraulic balancing of the circuit – by setting it correctly, you prevent the situation where radiators near the boiler are overheated and distant radiators remain cold.
Direct vs. Angle Connection – Geometry Decides
This is a question our customers come to us with almost every day. Both sets have identical internal components and differ only in the geometry of the valve body.
Direct connection is used when the supply and return pipes come to the radiator from the side (side connection) or directly from the bottom (side-bottom connection). The pipe runs parallel to the radiator's plane. A typical example: an apartment building from the 1970s, where pipes run along the wall and feed the radiator from the side. For more information on how to choose between direct and angle connections, see the article How to Choose a Radiator Valve: Direct vs. Angle – What Matters in our Knowledge Center.
Angle connection is intended for situations where the pipe comes out of the wall or floor at a right angle – that is, under the radiator or from the wall behind it. In panel construction, angle valves are commonly used with bottom-center connections, where the pipes come up from the floor. Thermostatic angle radiator valve, EK × 1/2" is typically the supply side in such a solution.
When to Buy a Set and When to Choose Individual Components
This is the core of the entire article and the question most customers come to us with. The answer is not straightforward – it depends on the number of radiators, whether you are replacing the entire installation or just one unit, and what type of control system you are planning.
Scenario 1: Comprehensive renovation of an entire apartment or house
If you are replacing the pipes, radiators, and valves all at once – which is very common in comprehensive renovations of apartment cores – then the SWING2 set is the clear choice. The reasons are simple: the components are hydraulically matched, the presetting of the VK valve corresponds to the characteristics of the thermostatic valve, and the whole system can be more evenly adjusted. In addition, you buy fewer SKUs (catalog numbers), which simplifies ordering and invoicing.
From practice: During the renovation of a three-story family house with 9 radiators, we used 9 sets of SWING2 angle valves. Hydraulic balancing took about 2 additional hours compared to the old system without presetting, but the result was immediately noticeable – all rooms were heated evenly, including the furthest bathroom on the third floor.
Scenario 2: Replacing a single faulty valve
If your system is working fine and you only need to replace one valve that is leaking or jammed, a set is not necessary. You will only buy a thermostatic direct radiator valve, EK × 1/2" and the corresponding VK valve separately – or just the thermostatic body if the VK valve on the union is still working properly. In this case, you would be paying unnecessarily for duplicate components.
Scenario 3: Adding a new radiator to an existing installation
You are adding one or two radiators – for example, extending heating to an attic or installing a towel radiator in a bathroom. In this case, a set makes sense because both valves (supply and return) are new and need to be hydraulically adjusted to the existing circuit. Buying a complete set ensures compatibility and saves time when looking for the right combination.
Scenario 4: Renovating one room without changing the piping
You are replacing a radiator in a child's room, and the pipes remain unchanged. This depends on the condition of the existing valves. If they are old, shortened, or original cylindrical valves from the 1980s without adjustment options, it makes sense to equip the entire set at once. If the valves are modern and you just want a new radiator, a new radiator with flanges compatible with the existing valves will suffice.
Hydraulic balancing: Why presetting of the VK valve is so important
This is a topic that most installers (and almost all customers) underestimate until they run into problems. In a system with multiple radiators, water always takes the path of least resistance – that is, to the radiators with the lowest hydraulic resistance, which are usually those closest to the circulation pump. Radiators at the end of the distribution branch receive less water, are underdimensioned, and the room is not heated properly.
The VK valve in the SWING2 set solves this problem mechanically: by setting the presetting level (1–7), you limit the maximum flow through that valve. Radiators near the source are set to a lower level (greater restriction), and distant radiators to a higher level (less restriction). The result is that all radiators receive a precalculated flow corresponding to their thermal output.
Concrete example: with a temperature drop of 75/65°C and a radiator with a power of 1,200 W, you need a flow of approximately 103 l/h. This corresponds to a VK valve setting of 4–5 at a typical differential pressure of 10–20 kPa on the valve. Exact values are provided by the manufacturer in the form of a nomogram, which you can find in the product's technical documentation.
Installation of the SWING2 set: what not to forget
A detailed installation procedure for a radiator valve can be found in the article Installing a Radiator Valve Yourself: Step-by-Step Guide in our Knowledge Center. Here we focus on specifics that apply precisely to the SWING2 set and can sometimes cause problems even for experienced installers.
Installation order – supply before return
Always start by installing the thermostatic valve on the supply side. This is important because when installing the VK valve on the return side, you need to know the actual position and direction of the supply valve to correctly mount the VK body and avoid unnecessary stress in the piping. For angle sets, this order is especially critical – the angle geometry gives you little room for correction.
Tightening EK connections – without over-tightening
Conical connections are tightened to a torque of 20–25 Nm. Most installers do this "by hand," which is fine as long as they are careful and do not over-tighten the conical surfaces. Typical problem: an over-tightened EK connection will start to slightly leak after some time—not because the sealing is bad, but because the deformed cone does not seat properly. When installing SWING2, we recommend using a torque wrench at least for the first experience with this type of connection.
Setting the preset before commissioning the system
The VK valve is adjusted before filling the system and starting the heating. Although it is technically possible to adjust it after filling, it is uncomfortable to work with and you risk an inaccurate setting. Insert the adjusting key (hexagonal 3 mm or a special key supplied by the manufacturer) into the hole on the VK valve and turn it to the desired degree. The steps are clearly perceptible by clicks.
Thermostatic head – installation after assembly
The thermostatic head is not part of the SWING2 kit—it is purchased separately. The head with a thread M30 × 1.5 mm is installed after the assembly is completed and the hydraulic test is done. If you plan to use smart control (smart heads, zonal control), it is good to consider this in advance, as some smart heads require an adapter. More about choosing a head can be found in the article Thermostatic head: liquid vs. gas—what is better in this Knowledge Center.
Compatibility with different types of radiators
The SWING2 kit with EK × 1/2" connection is compatible with the vast majority of standard radiators on the Slovak market. Let's look at specific types:
Panel steel radiators
Standard on the Slovak market. Radiators such as Korado, Radik, Henrad and others have side connections G1/2" (female thread). The EK × 1/2" connection of the SWING2 kit fits directly—no reduction is needed. For bottom central connections (so-called VKM/H-block), special integrated valve blocks are used, not the standard SWING2 kit.
Sectional aluminum radiators
Side connection G1/2" is standard here as well. The SWING2 kit is fully compatible. Be careful, however, that aluminum radiators are more sensitive to water quality and corrosion inhibitors in the system—this does not directly affect the valve, but during renovation, the system should be flushed and an inhibitor added.
Bathroom ladder radiators
Ladders mostly have bottom side or bottom central connections. For bottom side connection G1/2", the SWING2 kit works standardly. For central bottom (CVSL), a special valve group or integrated block must be used.
Floor convectors and fan-coils
These devices mostly have G3/4" or directly connected distribution groups with built-in control valves. The SWING2 kit in 1/2" version is not sufficient here.
Price and economics of buying a kit vs. individual components
From a purely price perspective, the SWING2 kit is usually slightly more advantageous than buying all components separately—the difference is around 5–12 % depending on current prices in stock. However, the price difference is not the main argument. More important is the time you save: you order one product instead of three or four, you do not combine incompatible components from different manufacturers, and you are sure that the hydraulic characteristics of the supply and return valves are mutually matched.
For larger projects—for example, installation of 8 radiators in a family house—the price and ordering time difference is more noticeable. But even for two radiators, where it is really a simple renovation, the kit makes sense in terms of simplicity and guaranteed compatibility.
If you are interested in the VK valve as a separate part (for example, when combining it with another thermostatic valve), you can view the corner VK valve EK × 1/2" in the category of radiator valves.
Common mistakes when choosing and installing the SWING2 kit
From dozens of customer questions and complaints over the past few years, several typical problems emerge that can be easily avoided:
- Mixing up straight and corner versions – the most common mistake, especially with online orders without prior inspection. Always check where the pipe comes to the radiator before ordering.
- Missing presetting of the VK valve – the kit is installed, but the VK valve remains at maximum flow (setting 7). Result: nearby radiators overheat, distant ones freeze. Correct presetting is a mandatory part of every installation.
- Over-tightening EK connections – see above. This is even more critical with aluminum radiators, as aluminum is softer and the thread can be damaged by over-tightening.
- Mounting the thermostatic head before the hydraulic test – at test pressure (usually 1.5× working pressure, i.e., 6–9 bar), damage to the liquid sensor in the head may occur. Always install the head after a successful pressure test.
- Forgetting to bleed air – always bleed air after installing a new radiator. Air in the system causes noise, uneven heat distribution, and accelerates corrosion. More in the article Maintenance and bleeding of radiator valves—how and how often.
- Incorrect orientation of the valve – the thermostatic valve must be installed in the direction of flow (arrow on the valve body). If installed in the opposite direction, the valve does not function correctly and it may happen that at full opening of the head, the flow is not full.
Guarantee and normative aspects
The SWING2 set must meet the requirements of standards EN 215 (thermostatic radiator valves) and EN 1254 (brass fittings for installations). The PN10 certification can be verified in the manufacturer's technical documentation. In residential building renovations, most property managers require component certificates – the manufacturer provides them upon request.
The warranty for the SWING2 set is standard 24 months. A condition of the warranty is installation in accordance with the technical documentation, use of system water with corrosion inhibitor at the recommended concentration, and maintaining pressure within the PN10 range.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is the SWING2 set suitable for floor heating as well?
No, the SWING2 set is intended exclusively for radiator circuits with a heat transfer medium. Water-based floor heating requires special control valves for low temperatures (30–45°C) and different distribution groups. For floor heating, use actuators and manifolds designed for this purpose.
Can I replace only the VK valve without replacing the thermostatic valve?
Yes, it is technically possible. The VK valve is a separate component and its replacement does not require replacing the supply valve. You must, however, consider that when replacing the VK valve, it is necessary to isolate the section, drain the water from the circuit, and then bleed the system after installation. If the thermostatic valve is old and worn, it usually pays off to replace both at once – you will save on draining the system again.
What makes SWING2 different from other radiator valves on the market?
The key difference is the built-in presetting on the VK valve and the hydraulic compatibility of both valves in the set. Older or cheaper valves have no presetting at all, which complicates the hydraulic balancing of the system. SWING2 is also fully compatible with all standard thermostatic heads with an M30 × 1.5 thread without the need for an adapter.
How do I determine whether I need a straight or an angled version?
Look at the existing installation or the project: if the pipe comes to the radiator from the side (parallel to the radiator plane), you need a straight version. If the pipe comes from the wall behind the radiator or from the floor (perpendicular to the radiator plane), you need an angled version. In case of doubts, we recommend consulting the article How to choose a radiator valve: straight vs. angled – what matters in the Knowledge Centre, where you will also find illustrated examples.
Do I need a special tool to set the presetting on the SWING2 set?
To set the presetting on the VK valve, you need a 3 mm hex key (Allen key) or a special plastic setting key, which some manufacturers include with the set. A standard 3 mm Allen key, which most installers have in their toolkit, is sufficient. The set scale is directly marked on the body of the VK valve for reading the set value.
What if I have a radiator with a larger flow cross-section – is a 1/2" connection sufficient?
For standard residential and domestic radiators up to a power of about 2,000–2,500 W, a 1/2" (DN15) connection is fully sufficient. Higher outputs (office or industrial radiators, large panel bodies) require 3/4" or 1" valves. If you are unsure, check the radiator's power and flow requirements – with a temperature drop of 75/65°C, you need approximately 86 l/h flow per 1,000 W of power. The SWING2 set with a 1/2" connection can easily handle up to about 2,800 W with proper setting.
Conclusion: the SWING2 set as the basis of a modern radiator valve
The SWING2 set is not just a package deal – it is a well-thought-out system of two mutually matched components, which, when the correct geometry and presetting are selected, form the basis of a hydraulically balanced heating system. For comprehensive renovations and new installations, purchasing the complete set is clearly recommended: it saves time, ensures compatibility, and simplifies hydraulic balancing.
For simple repairs of a single damaged valve or in specific combinations with non-standard valves, purchasing components separately may be more advantageous. In any case, you must decide in advance whether you need a straight or an angled version – this requires an on-site inspection of the actual installation, not just a quick look at the existing radiator.
If you have doubts about the type of connection, hydraulic balancing, or compatibility with your system, please see other articles in this Knowledge Centre – for example, What type of valve connection do I need: EK, VK and other standards or How to set a thermostatic head to the correct temperature. Each of them addresses a specific practical question we encounter in customer installations.
Do you have a question on this topic?
Not sure or dealing with a specific situation in your home? Write to us – we are happy to help.