Can you fit a timer for a towel rail in the bathroom

[u0362565]

Hi all,

It seems to be normal practice to mount electric timers outside the bathroom, but so long as its outside zone 2 a towel rail timer can be inside the bathroom? I'd rather have it inside the bathroom than visible in the hall.

We're planning to have the towel rail less than 60cm horizontal from the shower area which is a walk in, as this is in zone 2 can the towel rail go there? I couldn't find any info on whether the rail has an IP rating but it has 400W output.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Ian1981]

What do the manufacturers instructions say about mounting in bathrooms ie the zones and the towel rails IP rating?
The IP rating will be written on the instructions and on the plate/product information same place usually as the info given for the rating of the rail ie 400 w

 

[Octopus]

The more important questions are where you intend to place the connections for the towel rail and the timer

This also could fall under Part P and the circuit WILL need RCD protection too.

 

[LankyWill]

Is it on a separate circuit? I always fit a din rail timer in the cu for towel rail circuits, it avoids the eyesore situation. If not fit it in the airing cupboard.

 

[Dave OCD]

The thing with a towel rail is it generally takes a while to warm up so 'on' times would have to allow for this. You may be better off fitting a thermostatic control which many towel rail manufacturers offer as an option- generally attached to the element assembly at the point of connection.

 

[u0362565]

Just had a look, the electric element is rated to IP55 so I think this means it can be placed anywhere in zone 2 in theory. The towel rail will be protected by RCD but won't be on its own circuit-Not sure what defines the circuit but the MCB at least will cut the power to multiple things.

Could fit the timer in the cupboard next door to the bathroom I guess to keep it out the way

 

[Cadgey123]

Most common way is thermostatic element on the rail and fit a switched fused spur outside to control it, or wherever practical.

 

[u0362565]

Something like this?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermostatic-electric-element-Radiator-conversion/dp/B00AAUEOLQ

Quite expensive, at half the price of the rail. Already have the standard element that came with it. Will have a look at the switched fused spur though

 

[Taylortwocities]

This also could fall under Part P

All electrical work in domestic premisies falls under Part P.!

Perhaps you mean that this work may require notification?

 

[the pict]

Timing a towel rail is pointless, a stat is better all round

 

[Octopus]

Timing a towel rail is pointless, a stat is better all round

So you suggest leaving it in 24 x 7 .... Not sure I agree with that

 

[telectrix]

could put it on a photocell so it only fires up after dark.a bit like my ex. countess dracula.

 

[the pict]

So you suggest leaving it in 24 x 7 .... Not sure I agree with that

Why not perfectly normal set to zero if it needs to be off

 

[Octopus]

Why not perfectly normal set to zero if it needs to be off

Not all towel rails have adjustable thermostats

 

[the pict]