New Radiator Heating Element

liamus · Post by **liamus** » Sun Nov 20, 2022 3:33 pm

hello,
I am replacing a heated towel rail and I want to upgrade it with a higher watt of heating element (from 150w to 400w). Can i just upgrade the element and rewire in to the fused spur? Is there anything different I need to do for the higher wattage?
Thank you

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sun Nov 20, 2022 4:28 pm

Yes, check with the manufacture of the radiator is what you want to do safe?

liamus · Post by **liamus** » Sun Nov 20, 2022 7:11 pm

Someone-Else wrote: ↑Sun Nov 20, 2022 4:28 pm Yes, check with the manufacture of the radiator is what you want to do safe?

Is that a yes I can do it or yes I need to do something else for the higher wattage?

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Sun Nov 20, 2022 8:49 pm

not sure it will work unless the radiator has extra physical heat output
as in element heat the fluid to a preset level then cuts out so 3x the input means it gets there quicker but gives the same output as it clicks in and out between the upper and lower settings so means the total output may be very close to the 150w output regardless off input unless as i say the ability to dissipate more heat :dunno:

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sun Nov 20, 2022 11:28 pm

I would check with the manufacture of the radiator is what you want to do safe, as big-all points out, you may just end up making it get to the set temperature quicker.

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Mon Nov 21, 2022 5:44 am

No, no, no, as you have stated the element is wired to a FCU and you don't state it is thermostatically controlled or otherwise, then a higher wattage element will not only be physically longer but without a control thermostat will undoubtedly boil the fluid within the rad.
Electrically heated rads have a matched surface area to heating element power, when no controller is fitted.

liamus · Post by **liamus** » Mon Nov 21, 2022 9:44 am

The towel rail I have bought has:

BTU output: 1,692
Watt Output: 496

And yes I will be putting a thermostatically controlled element on.

Does this help?

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Mon Nov 21, 2022 12:01 pm

Yes that seems to answer the question of radiator suitability for me. If filling yourself, follow manufacturers instructions, I put a weak solution of car anti-freeze which has a rust inhibitor and leave a small space for expansion, just saying.

liamus · Post by **liamus** » Mon Nov 21, 2022 12:38 pm

Thank you aeromech. So 400w element is suitable.

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Mon Nov 21, 2022 3:32 pm

Yes, but remember location, hot towel rail, in my Sis guest shower room I bent over the sink and scolded my bum on the boiler fed large rail, despite the TRV being set low.

liamus · Post by **liamus** » Mon Nov 21, 2022 3:34 pm

aeromech3 wrote: ↑Mon Nov 21, 2022 3:32 pm Yes, but remember location, hot towel rail, in my Sis guest shower room I bent over the sink and scolded my bum on the boiler fed large rail, despite the TRV being set low.

I apologise for laughing!! Yes good advice

liamus · Post by **liamus** » Wed Nov 23, 2022 11:15 am

One more question regarding your point above about antifreeze - in my previous properties I always used Everbuild P11 Central Heating System Inhibitor - is that ok to use here? I also have a mix of rads upstairs and UHF downstairs so equally is that ok to use?
Thanks again

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Wed Nov 23, 2022 2:13 pm

No problem with that, just a cost basis, not sure what temperature range is P11, but car stuff good up to boiling point, however unlikely your bathroom will reach freezing

OnlyMe · Post by **OnlyMe** » Wed Nov 23, 2022 7:11 pm

liamus wrote: ↑Wed Nov 23, 2022 11:15 am One more question regarding your point above about antifreeze - in my previous properties I always used Everbuild P11 Central Heating System Inhibitor - is that ok to use here? I also have a mix of rads upstairs and UHF downstairs so equally is that ok to use?
Thanks again

Is this a dual fuel rad or all electric?