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.



Remember that buying british is even more important in the economic climate, so do consider supporting our own trade and industry. Click here to take a look now.

How to save money on your electricity bills with Economy 7 Electric and your bathroom radiator

If your home is run on Economy 7 electric, this means that the electricity company provides you with a reduced-rate electricity supply during an agreed seven hour period. During this time, you need to make the most of this economy. This means that you should use your washing machine, dishwasher and other domestic appliances that run on electricity during this period.

The bathroom is already a damp place and damp can be a major health risk. If you don't have central heating, then this can be a real nuisance, as the moisture in the air doesn't have a chance to clear. Think about all the damp towels and bath mats hanging around. Not good!

If you install an electric towel rail (also called an electric bathroom radiator) and fit it with a digital timer, you can control when your radiator comes on. This means that you can dry your towels and warm the atmosphere of your bathroom on the cheap.


Even though you're looking to save money, you're not going to want to install something that looks bad, so this digital time control is chrome covered. It will then hardly stand out from the towel rail.


So, even though you will spend a bit of money on this timer, if you do the maths for your electric bill, you can heat your bathroom efficiently, dry your towels and prevent damp problems occurring.

Warm towels in winter and summer

When you step out of your bath or shower, you don't want to rub yourself down using a cold, damp towel. You want to wallow in the luxury of a fluffy warm towel. How to do this when you're setting your heating to run at the most efficient times? Simply flick the switch on your electric towel rail and give yourself a quick burst of heat in your bathroom.

Your new electric towel rail gives you that on-demand heat so that you can control when you want it to work.

All installations should be carried out by a suitably competent professional, such as a Corgi-Registered Plumber or qualified electrician. All you need to do is ask your plumber or electrician to install the element and connect it up to the mains.

Towel Rail Electric Elements

Tested and proved suitable for Bathroom electrical equipment IP54

As the price of electricity and gas increases, you may wish to look for ways to obtain the greatest efficiency out of your rail. There are other items you may like to consider:

Thermostatic Electric Heating Element

Once this rail reaches the temperature you set, it will stop drawing current, until your rail temperature returns to below the temperature set.

MEG Thermostatic Electric Heating Element

This is a digital version of the Thermostatic Element. Rather than an analogue dial, you will see a digital display of your set temperature.

Fused Spur & Back Box

This is one of the only approved electrical switches for bathrooms. It will allow you to control the electricity supply to your towel rail.

24 HR Analogue Timer in line

If you get up at the same time every day of the week, you can make sure your bathroom is warm and your towels dry before you step in the bath or shower.

7 Day Analogue Timer In line

If you get up at different times during the week, you can schedule your towel rail to come on at a time convenient to you.

Digital Timer in line

You can store up to seven days of settings in a digital format.

T-Piece

We use this equipment when you decide to fit an electric element in a centrally-heated towel rail. It allows you to still have a flow of water from your central heating system, but also makes room for an electric element. We recommend that you buy a second one for aesthetic purposes. It makes the rail look balanced.

You may think that the only deciding factors for the Curved and Flat rails is to do with personal taste, but it goes further than that. From experience, we have noted that the flat ones fit behind doors better, so if you’re pushed for wall space in your bathroom, this may be the best option. We have also found that the curved rails can fit more towels on them – ideal for a busy family bathroom.

Instructions for Electric Towel Rail Element installation.

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 16^th 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.