convert central heating towel rail to dual fuel

[zaffy]

We have a radiator in the bathroom that only comes on when the heating is on. I understand an element will convert a towel rail to dual fuel. Do we need a plumber or an electrician? Thanks

[Someone-Else]

Assuming your radiator has an inbuilt element (Does it?) you need an electrician.


Below is a towel radiator with electric element.

r1.jpg (85.21 KiB) Viewed 1710 times

[ericmark]

The problem with them is to ensure water does not circulate.

[zaffy]

Someone Else. I do not know if the towel rail has a inside element. Thank you for your interest. I will investigate.

[arco_iris]

Dear oh dear.

S-E's answer was not too helpful in this case, and Eric I'm afraid is speaking out of his backside. OP needs to learn a bit more.

Pinched off the internet (drench.co.uk, thanks!):

"Dual* fuel towel rails combine two types of heating - central and electric. They can be connected to the central heating system, and also to an electric socket. Whichever energy source you pick is completely up to you. Typically, dual fuel heated towel rails are connected to the central heating during the winter, when you want the whole heating system running and connected to the electric when you just want the towel rail running, which is usually during the summertime. Due to their economic benefits and versatility dual fuel bathroom radiators are becoming an increasingly popular choice in recent years."

*spelling mistake on their website corrected!

So, OP has an existing c/h, wet, towel rail - to insert an element purchased elsewhere he needs to change one of the conventional radiator valves he has, to a special one to take the element. As this involves draining the central heating system of water, replacing the valve, refilling to pressure and recommisioning, if OP can't do it (not rocket science) he needs a PLUMBER.

BUT it's not quite that simple, as to fit the electric ELEMENT he needs clearance under the inlet position and, more than likely, will have to totally remove the rail off the wall/floor/system in order to insert it.

NEXT, an electric element in a towel rail needs a power supply in the form of a flex outlet FCU. Highly unlikely that there's one of these anywhere near in a British bathroom - so he needs an ELECTRICIAN to put one in, if he's not capable (no rocket fuel involved to a competent DIYer).

No point in spending more time explaining the process, methinks!

[aeromech3]

Perhaps I understood Eric's meaning. In summer mode, electrical ,you would think you need to close off both valves so that the element is Not trying to heat the off CH system, now the problem comes when the element is heating water which is expanding in an enclosure! Closing just the valve just on the element side solves that issue all be it some small heat loss to the pipes on the other side.
Myself, I installed a tube heater below the towel rail which is on during the CH off periods and this keeps the towels drier.

[zaffy]

Myself, I installed a tube heater below the towel rail which is on during the CH off periods and this keeps the towels drier.

This might be the way to go. Thanks