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Electrical

Bathroom towel rail to plug outside?

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.52 PM

We're having a new bathroom fitted and for our radiator I want to get an electric element so that we can heat the room without having to have the central heating on. There are loads of electric elements you can buy and fit to a standard radiator to make it "dual fuel", but what I really want is one that I can program with a 7-day schedule, and those are very few and far between. My proposed solution is to get a standard element which has no special features - one of the "always on" ones - and have the cable run into the wall and then under the bathroom floor, emerging outside the bathroom, where it will be wired into a standard 3-pin plug. I can then connect that plug to a programmable timer switch and have as much control as I want. Our bathroom fitter, who is a certified Competent Person (I think, need to double-check that), says that this arrangement is fine because the plug socket is outside the bathroom, which certainly seems to agree with what I've read. Does that sound right to any electricians on here?

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

3 Answers

Anonymous user

Generally, electrical installations in bathrooms, particularly in Zone 1 and Zone 2 (the bathroom is divided into zones), must comply with regs BS7671 to prevent the risk of electric shock. Running a cable under the bathroom floor and emerging outside the bathroom may involve passing through these designated zones. If the proposed wiring is within Zone 2, it would likely need to comply with additional safety measures, such as the use of appropriate IP (Ingress Protection) rated equipment, which is designed to resist the entry of water. Any electrical work in a bathroom should be carried out by a qualified electrician who is familiar with the regulations. The bathroom fitter is a certified Competent Person, hi should be able to provide guidance, but it's always advisable to double-check and potentially seek a second opinion from a qualified electrician to ensure full compliance and safety.

Answered14 November 2023

DPW Electrics

Rating: 5 out of 5

York

Hello Yes that’s one way to do it. So long as the radiator can be isolated with a switch and a relevant fuse. You get both a switch and a fuse with a 3 pin plug.

Answered14 November 2023

Anonymous user

Have you considered a down draft wall mounted heater? Have a look at Screwfix. Part no. 409FV Winterwarm WWDF20E. This would be far more efficient to heat the bathroom than a towel rail. Towel rails are not the best for heating a room.

Answered15 November 2023