Really funny article about weird radiators

Trade Plumbing's main blog (which has now moved onto the main Trade Plumbing website!) has just put up a really interesting article on funky designer radiators. Take a peek at the art heating radiator article here.

Can you put a switch in a bathroom for your electric radiator?

A question that is asked a fair amount is 'Can you put a switch in the bathroom?'. By switch, what is meant is one that is like the one turning on and off your other lights (ie not a pull cord).

The quick and simple answer is no.

There are different zones in your house, these go from 0 to 2 and other areas as displayed below.



Zones explained

Zone 0 - IP68 submersible to 9 metres
Where items are able to withstand submission of 9 metres into water

Zone 1 - IP65 jetproof
Where items can withstand water being jetted towards them

Zone 2 - IP44 splashproof
Where items can withstand small splashes

Other areas
Areas where splashes of water will NOT occur


IP Rating explained:

First Digit: The first digit indicates the level of protection that the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts (e.g. electrical conductors, moving parts) and the ingress of solid foreign objects.

Level 0 - No protection against contact and ingress of objects

Level 1 - Effective against any large surface of the body, such as the back of a hand, but no protection against deliberate contact with a body part

Level 2 - Effective against fingers or similar sized objects

Level 3 - Effective against tools and thick wires etc.

Level 4 - Effective against most wires and screws etc.

Level 5 - Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; complete protection against contact

Level 6 - No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact

Second Digit: Protection of the equipment inside the enclosure against harmful ingress of water

Level 0 - Not protected

Level 1 - Dripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful effect

Level 2 - Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at an angle up to 15 degrees from its normal position

Level 3 - Water falling as a spray at any angle up to 60 degrees from the vertical shall have no harmful effect.

Level 4 - Water splashing against the enclosure in any direction shall have no harmful effect.

Level 5 - Water projected by a nozzle (water jet) against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect.

Level 6 - Water projected in powerful jets against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.

Level 7 - Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1m of submersion).

Level 8 - The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which shall be specified by the manufacturer.
NOTE: Normally, this will mean that the equipment is hermetically sealed. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter but only in such a manner that produces no harmful effects.

An IP rating of 68 is the most protected against water and ingress of solid foreign objects.

How does Dual Fuel differ from Electric Only?

There is a lot of confusion between how an electric only towel rail is different from a dual fuel towel rail.

To put it very simply, a dual fuel towel rail can be plumbed into the central heating system while also having the capability of running on an electric heating element, whereas an electric only towel rail is only capable of running from an electric heating element.

The most common situation for a dual fuel towel rail is where a home-owner wants the towel rail to heat towels when the central heating is on in the winter, but also have the capability of warming towel rails in the summer, using the element.

The electric only towel rail would be used on the electric system all year round. Usually these are fitted because the home-owner does not have the capacity to fit the towel rail to the central heating system and fitting the element is more convenient.

Below is a diagram of how a dual fuel system would look and work:

In contrast, the electric only would look like the following:

Items you would need in order to make a dual fuel towel rail include the following:

- The towel rail

- An electric element

- A set of valves (as seen in picture above, most often angled valves are used)

- 2 x T-pieces

- One blanking plug

Items you would need to fit an electric only towel rail include the following:

-The towel rail (this would need to arrive filled with a water based chemical fluid)

- An electric element

You may also need (for both):

- Fused spur and back box

- Timer

Designer Electric Radiators

If you're going to install an electric radiator or electric towel rail in your home, you have probably considered ladder towel rails and some simple designer styles.

Have you considered installing an electric radiator as a work of art? The Aeon range of radiators and towel rails are designed to high standards and are usually made to order.

Take a quick look at these styles and choose the style that suits you.

Some questions and answers about Electric Radiators

Can you install an electric radiator in a bathroom?

Yes, you can fit an electric radiator in a bathroom. You will have to have the electric wire running through to a control box or switch OUTSIDE the bathroom, however.

Do electric towel rails connect to the mains?

Yes, electric towel rails do connect to the mains. They are connected by way of a fused spur and back box. You should arrange for a professional electrical installer to install your towel rail.

Do you need to put anything in water when connecting an element into a radiator?

Oil filled radiators are now a no-no. This is due to the effect on the environment when these radiators reach the end of their useful life. Now, when an element is installed in a bathroom radiator, we use a special mix of chemicals and water to create a fluid that conducts thermal energy and prevents build up of residue from the water. Each company has their own special mix (a bit like the colonel's blend of spices). Radiators and Towel Rails that run on electric that come from Trade Plumbing are pre-filled with the fluid and the radiator is sealed with end-caps to prevent leakage in transit.

How much electricity does an Electric Radiator use?

An electric radiator is installed with an electric element. The element itself is graded with the Watts it puts out. We have a range of electric elements available for our customers, ranging in output from 150 watts up to 600 watts. The elements that Trade Plumbing install are all IP64 rated, which means that there is total protection from dust getting into the item, along with being resitant to water spray from any direction.

When we ship an electric towel rail, we provide the appropriate sized element to fit the towel rail, to ensure that the rail doesn't overheat, but is sufficient to produce the heat output required to dry and warm your towels.

You can control the kiloWatt hours that you consume by the use of an electric towel rail digital in line timer that you can fit in line between the towel rail and the power source. This will

Click on the towel rail image above to read the instruction manual.

How to fit an electrical radiator element

Although this subject has been covered once already in this blog, I feel it would be beneficial to repeat the advice given:

• 
  Make sure that you have the right tools to hand, plenty of space and clean dry area for assembly
  
• Warning: Because of extra danger presented by the presence of water in a bathroom or kitchen the BS approved IE Spur outlet (and towel radiator) must be sited so that it is not possible to touch either when using the basin, shower or bath (refer to BS7671 Wiring Regulations 16th Edition).
• 
  The element must be fitted before mounting the towel radiator onto the wall.
• 
  Remove 1 transit plugs from the bottom of the towel radiator making sure the rail is upright and sturdy.
• 
  Insert the electric heating element (A) into the chosen side of the towel radiator and tighten it into place using a 22mm spanner.
• 
  Slide the cover over the element cable and push firmly to secure on bottom of the element.
• 
  Follow towel radiator fitting instructions for securing to wall.
• 
  Connect the element to the mains power using BS IE Spur socket. If in doubt contact a qualified electrician.
• 
  Switch on the socket to heat the towel radiator.
• When the operating temperature has been reached, purge excess air from the towel radiator using the air vent.
  
  
  

Traditional Designs with Modern Convenience

Need a radiator but don't have the central heating running to the place you want it? Not a problem. Trade Plumbing, along with the chaps at Cherished Radiators are pleased to present the Traditional Electric Towel Rail.

Hand-made in the UK, this radiator brings together a design style reminiscent of period properties with the convenience of electricity. You can fit this rail anywhere where you have electricity and it will give you a generous heat output of over 3000 BTUs.



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