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:

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  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).
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  The element must be fitted before mounting the towel radiator onto the wall.
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  Remove 1 transit plugs from the bottom of the towel radiator making sure the rail is upright and sturdy.
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  Insert the electric heating element (A) into the chosen side of the towel radiator and tighten it into place using a 22mm spanner.
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  Slide the cover over the element cable and push firmly to secure on bottom of the element.
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  Follow towel radiator fitting instructions for securing to wall.
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  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.