Learn about Thermorail Electric Heated Towel Rails

Filters

    See the Thermorail Range

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do I need a heated towel rail?

    Heated towel rails were once considered a luxury but now are widely used to provide warm dry towels in the cold winter months. Heated towel rails also create a more hygienic environment in your bathroom by keeping towels dry and free from germs or mould. Heated towel rails also help save electricity and water as they reduce the need for continuous towel washing and tumble drying.

    What is the difference between standard Electric Heated Towel Rails and Liquid Filled Rails?

    Our standard Electric Heated Towel Rails have a dry electric element which runs through the rail and is connected directly to the existing circuit. These rails heat up quickly, getting warm in about 5 minutes and reaching optimum temperature in approximately 30 minutes. The Electric Towel Rails get to around 35 degrees without a towel and 50-55 degrees beneath a towel which insulates the rail, making it warmer. Liquid Filled Rails, on the other hand, are pre-filled with a mix of water and inhibitor, then work using an electric element to heat the liquid inside. The Liquid Filled Rails take longer to heat up, only reaching optimum temperature after about 1 hour, however they will heat to around 55 degrees regardless of whether there is a towel on the rail or not and will also act as an additional heat source in the room. View this link for a further comparison.

    What temperature will the towel rail get to?

    A Thermorail heated towel rail will generally heat up to around 35 degrees and heats up a lot quicker than a hydronic rail. When a towel is placed over the bars the towel insulates the rail and absorbs the heat, meaning that beneath the towel the temperature will rise to between 50 – 55 degrees. A hydronic rail heats the entire rail to 55 degrees, taking longer to reach temperature, but helping add warmth to the bathroom. As the element is heating the water and not the air, covering the rail with a towel will not cause it to get any hotter.

    Will the towel rail heat my bathroom?

    Thermorail electric heated towel rails are designed as a towel warmer only and won’t add heat to your bathroom. However, hydronic and liquid filled rails are designed to not only heat your towel, but also add some warmth to the bathroom although they are still not designed as bathroom heaters.

    What is the heat up time on my towel rail?

    An electric towel rail will take 5 minutes to start getting warm and within approximately 30 minutes it will reach optimum temperature. A hydronic or liquid filled rail will take closer to an hour to reach its optimum temperature. Although the towel rail will get to temperature within 30 minutes it will take 1½- 3hrs to dry the towels (Dependant on ambient temperature and size, quantity and dampness of the towels)

    What is the best way to dry my towels?

    Contrary to what most people think if the towel is folded when placed on the towel rail it will actually dry better than if the towel is just draped over in a single layer. This is because the folded towel will insulate the towel rail allowing it to dry the towel quicker.

    My towels aren’t getting hot enough, is something wrong?

    Towel rails in Australia are designed to dry and gently warm the towel but not to get as hot as a radiator. So, although the towel rail will dry your towel and provide some warmth it will not be heated to the extent that a tumble dryer will heat your towel.

    What are BTU’s?

    BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and refers to the heat that a rail will add to your bathroom. The higher the BTU the more heat the rail will provide.

    How do I control my heated towel rail?

    Thermorails are safe to be left running continuously however most times it is preferable to have the ability to control when your heated towel rail is on and off and thus saving you energy. The majority of the range of Thermorails don’t have a switch on the unit but can be very simply wired to a standard switch. Alternatively, you can wire the Thermorail to a timer that can be programmed to turn on and off to suit your lifestyle.

    What does it cost to run a heated towel rail?

    A standard dry element rail can cost as little as 1 cent per hour to run. This can be further reduced by adding a timer to provide optimum control over running times.

    When ordering a Thermorail do I need to specify which wiring option I require?

    Any Thermorail that has Multiflex wiring (symbolised by an ‘M’ at the end of the code) has the option of being concealed or exposed wired at any of the four mounting points. All the parts required for any of these mounting options come as standard with the Thermorail – you do not need to purchase anything extra or specify the wiring required, this can be decided at the time of installation.

    What is Multiflex wiring?

    Multiflex wiring means there is a range of different wiring options within the one rail, so the wiring can be decided at the time of installation. The multiple wiring options available are at either the top or the bottom of the rail, on the left or right-hand side - making it possible to come from any of the four mounting points. Wiring can also be exposed (plug in) or concealed (hard wired).

    Can I retrofit a heated towel rail into an existing bathroom?

    The majority of the Thermorail range (excluding the 12Volt Range) have the option to have exposed wiring. This means that the heated towel rail can be very easily mounted to your wall in an existing bathroom and plugged into a nearby power point meaning that no wiring is required in the wall or roof cavity.

    Can I install the heated towel rail myself?

    The towel rail is supplied with complete installation instructions so if the towel rail is going to be plugged into a power point then you can easily install the towel rail yourself. However, if you are hardwiring the towel rail then you will require a qualified electrician to wire it up.

    What does the IP Rating mean?

    IP rating is the ingress protection rating on electrical products that determines where an electrical product can be installed in the bathroom.

    Where can I place my heated towel rail in my bathroom?

    The majority of the Thermorail range have an IP55 rating which is one of the highest ratings available for heated towel rails. This allows for placing the towel in most areas of the bathroom however you should always consult your electrician if your chosen position is suitable for the heated towel rail you have selected.

    What if I wanted a heated model in non-heated?

    The majority of the Thermorail heated towel rails have the wiring separate and no switch on the unit so the wiring can be easily removed, and the towel rail be installed as a non-heated model.

    What are the towel rails made from?

    All of the dry electric towel rails are made from quality stainless steel and polished to a mirror finish (unless otherwise specified).

    How can I take care of my stainless steel product?

    The stainless steel is very hardwearing and easy to maintain. Cleaning the towel rail should be done with a soft cloth and avoid hard scrubbing, scratching or using acid-based cleaning products.

    Do 12Volt Thermorails get as warm as standard 240Volt Thermorails?

    The 12Volt Thermorail range will get as warm and dry your towels as efficiently as the standard 240Volt Thermorails. This is because the amount of heat output is related to the wattage of the rail rather than the voltage. So, a 12Volt Thermorail will put out the same amount of heat as a 240Volt Thermorail with the same wattage.

    Are 12Volt rails more efficient that 240Volt rails?

    No, a 12Volt rail will use the same amount of electricity as a 240Volt rail of the same wattage.

    Where should the transformer be installed?

    The transformer can be installed in the ceiling or the wall cavity no further than two metres from the rails. If mounting in the wall cavity the transformer must be behind a switch plate to enable access and the transformer needs to have ventilation.

    How many single bar towel rails can I have in a set?

    The number of Single Bar 12Volt Rails that you include in a set is only limited by your imagination. To dry and warm your towels effectively you will need a minimum of 3 rails per set.

    Do I need to order a mounting system?

    No, the single bar rails have all the parts needed for installation however the mounting system is recommended when installing multiple bars as it makes it easier for the cable management and spacing.

    Can I wire multiple rails to one timer?

    Yes, absolutely, you can connect more than one heated towel rail to a single timer. There are just a few things to consider; You cannot exceed the load rating of the timer (this varies from 1 amp to 16 amps depending on the timer), and all the rails wired to one timer will be on at the same time, they cannot be set on individual schedules. Bear in mind that, for all 12volt units, these do still need to be wired through their transformers before being wired to the timer. The addition of a timer makes your life simple and rewarding with warm towels everyday and wiring multiple rails to one timer allows you to achieve this result easily and beautifully.

    Can my electrician install and hardwire a heated towel rail in existing room without damaging the tiles?

    In order to install and hardwire a Heated Towel Rail into an existing bathroom, the first most important consideration is whether your electrician is able to get power from the switch position to where the Heated Towel Rail will be mounted. If power to the mounting position is available, the electrician will need to drill a hole (12-15mm depending on the rail) in the tiles to hardwire the Heated Towel Rails power lead through the wall. For the other three legs, a screw hole into the tiles will be required for the mounts to be secured. Therefore, if the electrician can get power to the position and is able to drill the one hole without damaging the tile, then it is possible to install and hardwire a Heated Towel Rail into an existing room without any damage. Alternatively, the majority of the Thermorail range (excluding 12Volt) have the option to have exposed wiring, meaning they can be easily mounted to your wall and plugged into a nearby power point so that no wiring is required in the wall or roof cavity.

    Can I use a TRTS timer for controlling other appliances?

    As our Thermorail timers are all simply on/off timing devices with a 240volt output, they can be used to control any 240volt towel rail, appliance or lights. If you are considering using a Thermorail timer for another product, always ensure you do not exceed the amperage load of the timer and bear in mind that this can only be used to switch the load on or off as desired and cannot be used to control it in any other way, such as adjusting temperature or dimming the light.

    What is the difference between 201 and 304 grade stainless steel

    Stainless steel comes in more than 100 grades based on properties such as toughness, magnetism and corrosion resistance. 304 grade stainless steel is the most widely used grade, containing around 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which makes it aesthetically pleasing but also durable, hardwearing, and corrosion resistant. 201 grade stainless steel is a lower quality containing around 15% chromium and 5% nickel, which means it is less expensive but also less durable. The majority of the Thermorail range is manufactured using a high grade 304 stainless steel, and is backed by our market leading warranties to give you complete peace of mind that your Towel Rail will last for years to come. We do also have a range of 201 grade stainless steel Towel Rails for a more budget option.

    Can multiple rails be connected to one transformer?

    The number of Towel Rails that can be connected to a transformer depends on the wattage of the Towel Rail and the rating of the transformer this is connected to. Multiple Towel Rails can be connected to a single transformer provided they are wired in parallel and do not exceed the maximum rating of the transformer. All of our Horizontal Single Bar Rails are supplied with a 10-60watt transformer which means, depending on the length of the rail, 2 or 3 rails could be connected to the one transformer. Our Vertical Bar Rails are supplied with a 20-70watt transformer and we recommend that only one rail is installed per transformer. The Ladder Towel Rails are supplied with a 35-105watt transformer and we, likewise, recommend one rail per transformer.

    Can multiple rails be connected to one timer?

    Multiple Towel Rails can be connected to a single timer however there are just a few things to consider with this. Firstly, you cannot exceed the maximum load rating of the timer (this varies across our timer range, so be sure to check the rating before purchase) and, secondly, all the rails wired to one timer will turn on and off simultaneously, they cannot be set on individual schedules. Further to this, if you are using low voltage rails, in most cases the Towel Rails will still need to be wired through their own transformer before connecting into the timer.

    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
    • 4

    Learn about Thermorail Electric Heated Towel Rails

    Filters

      See the Thermorail Range

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Why do I need a heated towel rail?

      Heated towel rails were once considered a luxury but now are widely used to provide warm dry towels in the cold winter months. Heated towel rails also create a more hygienic environment in your bathroom by keeping towels dry and free from germs or mould. Heated towel rails also help save electricity and water as they reduce the need for continuous towel washing and tumble drying.

      What is the difference between standard Electric Heated Towel Rails and Liquid Filled Rails?

      Our standard Electric Heated Towel Rails have a dry electric element which runs through the rail and is connected directly to the existing circuit. These rails heat up quickly, getting warm in about 5 minutes and reaching optimum temperature in approximately 30 minutes. The Electric Towel Rails get to around 35 degrees without a towel and 50-55 degrees beneath a towel which insulates the rail, making it warmer. Liquid Filled Rails, on the other hand, are pre-filled with a mix of water and inhibitor, then work using an electric element to heat the liquid inside. The Liquid Filled Rails take longer to heat up, only reaching optimum temperature after about 1 hour, however they will heat to around 55 degrees regardless of whether there is a towel on the rail or not and will also act as an additional heat source in the room. View this link for a further comparison.

      What temperature will the towel rail get to?

      A Thermorail heated towel rail will generally heat up to around 35 degrees and heats up a lot quicker than a hydronic rail. When a towel is placed over the bars the towel insulates the rail and absorbs the heat, meaning that beneath the towel the temperature will rise to between 50 – 55 degrees. A hydronic rail heats the entire rail to 55 degrees, taking longer to reach temperature, but helping add warmth to the bathroom. As the element is heating the water and not the air, covering the rail with a towel will not cause it to get any hotter.

      Will the towel rail heat my bathroom?

      Thermorail electric heated towel rails are designed as a towel warmer only and won’t add heat to your bathroom. However, hydronic and liquid filled rails are designed to not only heat your towel, but also add some warmth to the bathroom although they are still not designed as bathroom heaters.

      What is the heat up time on my towel rail?

      An electric towel rail will take 5 minutes to start getting warm and within approximately 30 minutes it will reach optimum temperature. A hydronic or liquid filled rail will take closer to an hour to reach its optimum temperature. Although the towel rail will get to temperature within 30 minutes it will take 1½- 3hrs to dry the towels (Dependant on ambient temperature and size, quantity and dampness of the towels)

      What is the best way to dry my towels?

      Contrary to what most people think if the towel is folded when placed on the towel rail it will actually dry better than if the towel is just draped over in a single layer. This is because the folded towel will insulate the towel rail allowing it to dry the towel quicker.

      My towels aren’t getting hot enough, is something wrong?

      Towel rails in Australia are designed to dry and gently warm the towel but not to get as hot as a radiator. So, although the towel rail will dry your towel and provide some warmth it will not be heated to the extent that a tumble dryer will heat your towel.

      What are BTU’s?

      BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and refers to the heat that a rail will add to your bathroom. The higher the BTU the more heat the rail will provide.

      How do I control my heated towel rail?

      Thermorails are safe to be left running continuously however most times it is preferable to have the ability to control when your heated towel rail is on and off and thus saving you energy. The majority of the range of Thermorails don’t have a switch on the unit but can be very simply wired to a standard switch. Alternatively, you can wire the Thermorail to a timer that can be programmed to turn on and off to suit your lifestyle.

      What does it cost to run a heated towel rail?

      A standard dry element rail can cost as little as 1 cent per hour to run. This can be further reduced by adding a timer to provide optimum control over running times.

      When ordering a Thermorail do I need to specify which wiring option I require?

      Any Thermorail that has Multiflex wiring (symbolised by an ‘M’ at the end of the code) has the option of being concealed or exposed wired at any of the four mounting points. All the parts required for any of these mounting options come as standard with the Thermorail – you do not need to purchase anything extra or specify the wiring required, this can be decided at the time of installation.

      What is Multiflex wiring?

      Multiflex wiring means there is a range of different wiring options within the one rail, so the wiring can be decided at the time of installation. The multiple wiring options available are at either the top or the bottom of the rail, on the left or right-hand side - making it possible to come from any of the four mounting points. Wiring can also be exposed (plug in) or concealed (hard wired).

      Can I retrofit a heated towel rail into an existing bathroom?

      The majority of the Thermorail range (excluding the 12Volt Range) have the option to have exposed wiring. This means that the heated towel rail can be very easily mounted to your wall in an existing bathroom and plugged into a nearby power point meaning that no wiring is required in the wall or roof cavity.

      Can I install the heated towel rail myself?

      The towel rail is supplied with complete installation instructions so if the towel rail is going to be plugged into a power point then you can easily install the towel rail yourself. However, if you are hardwiring the towel rail then you will require a qualified electrician to wire it up.

      What does the IP Rating mean?

      IP rating is the ingress protection rating on electrical products that determines where an electrical product can be installed in the bathroom.

      Where can I place my heated towel rail in my bathroom?

      The majority of the Thermorail range have an IP55 rating which is one of the highest ratings available for heated towel rails. This allows for placing the towel in most areas of the bathroom however you should always consult your electrician if your chosen position is suitable for the heated towel rail you have selected.

      What if I wanted a heated model in non-heated?

      The majority of the Thermorail heated towel rails have the wiring separate and no switch on the unit so the wiring can be easily removed, and the towel rail be installed as a non-heated model.

      What are the towel rails made from?

      All of the dry electric towel rails are made from quality stainless steel and polished to a mirror finish (unless otherwise specified).

      How can I take care of my stainless steel product?

      The stainless steel is very hardwearing and easy to maintain. Cleaning the towel rail should be done with a soft cloth and avoid hard scrubbing, scratching or using acid-based cleaning products.

      Do 12Volt Thermorails get as warm as standard 240Volt Thermorails?

      The 12Volt Thermorail range will get as warm and dry your towels as efficiently as the standard 240Volt Thermorails. This is because the amount of heat output is related to the wattage of the rail rather than the voltage. So, a 12Volt Thermorail will put out the same amount of heat as a 240Volt Thermorail with the same wattage.

      Are 12Volt rails more efficient that 240Volt rails?

      No, a 12Volt rail will use the same amount of electricity as a 240Volt rail of the same wattage.

      Where should the transformer be installed?

      The transformer can be installed in the ceiling or the wall cavity no further than two metres from the rails. If mounting in the wall cavity the transformer must be behind a switch plate to enable access and the transformer needs to have ventilation.

      How many single bar towel rails can I have in a set?

      The number of Single Bar 12Volt Rails that you include in a set is only limited by your imagination. To dry and warm your towels effectively you will need a minimum of 3 rails per set.

      Do I need to order a mounting system?

      No, the single bar rails have all the parts needed for installation however the mounting system is recommended when installing multiple bars as it makes it easier for the cable management and spacing.

      Can I wire multiple rails to one timer?

      Yes, absolutely, you can connect more than one heated towel rail to a single timer. There are just a few things to consider; You cannot exceed the load rating of the timer (this varies from 1 amp to 16 amps depending on the timer), and all the rails wired to one timer will be on at the same time, they cannot be set on individual schedules. Bear in mind that, for all 12volt units, these do still need to be wired through their transformers before being wired to the timer. The addition of a timer makes your life simple and rewarding with warm towels everyday and wiring multiple rails to one timer allows you to achieve this result easily and beautifully.

      Can my electrician install and hardwire a heated towel rail in existing room without damaging the tiles?

      In order to install and hardwire a Heated Towel Rail into an existing bathroom, the first most important consideration is whether your electrician is able to get power from the switch position to where the Heated Towel Rail will be mounted. If power to the mounting position is available, the electrician will need to drill a hole (12-15mm depending on the rail) in the tiles to hardwire the Heated Towel Rails power lead through the wall. For the other three legs, a screw hole into the tiles will be required for the mounts to be secured. Therefore, if the electrician can get power to the position and is able to drill the one hole without damaging the tile, then it is possible to install and hardwire a Heated Towel Rail into an existing room without any damage. Alternatively, the majority of the Thermorail range (excluding 12Volt) have the option to have exposed wiring, meaning they can be easily mounted to your wall and plugged into a nearby power point so that no wiring is required in the wall or roof cavity.
      • 1
      • 2
      • 3
      • 4

      Learn about Thermorail Electric Heated Towel Rails

      Filters

        See the Thermorail Range

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Why do I need a heated towel rail?

        Heated towel rails were once considered a luxury but now are widely used to provide warm dry towels in the cold winter months. Heated towel rails also create a more hygienic environment in your bathroom by keeping towels dry and free from germs or mould. Heated towel rails also help save electricity and water as they reduce the need for continuous towel washing and tumble drying.

        What is the difference between standard Electric Heated Towel Rails and Liquid Filled Rails?

        Our standard Electric Heated Towel Rails have a dry electric element which runs through the rail and is connected directly to the existing circuit. These rails heat up quickly, getting warm in about 5 minutes and reaching optimum temperature in approximately 30 minutes. The Electric Towel Rails get to around 35 degrees without a towel and 50-55 degrees beneath a towel which insulates the rail, making it warmer. Liquid Filled Rails, on the other hand, are pre-filled with a mix of water and inhibitor, then work using an electric element to heat the liquid inside. The Liquid Filled Rails take longer to heat up, only reaching optimum temperature after about 1 hour, however they will heat to around 55 degrees regardless of whether there is a towel on the rail or not and will also act as an additional heat source in the room. View this link for a further comparison.

        What temperature will the towel rail get to?

        A Thermorail heated towel rail will generally heat up to around 35 degrees and heats up a lot quicker than a hydronic rail. When a towel is placed over the bars the towel insulates the rail and absorbs the heat, meaning that beneath the towel the temperature will rise to between 50 – 55 degrees. A hydronic rail heats the entire rail to 55 degrees, taking longer to reach temperature, but helping add warmth to the bathroom. As the element is heating the water and not the air, covering the rail with a towel will not cause it to get any hotter.

        Will the towel rail heat my bathroom?

        Thermorail electric heated towel rails are designed as a towel warmer only and won’t add heat to your bathroom. However, hydronic and liquid filled rails are designed to not only heat your towel, but also add some warmth to the bathroom although they are still not designed as bathroom heaters.

        What is the heat up time on my towel rail?

        An electric towel rail will take 5 minutes to start getting warm and within approximately 30 minutes it will reach optimum temperature. A hydronic or liquid filled rail will take closer to an hour to reach its optimum temperature. Although the towel rail will get to temperature within 30 minutes it will take 1½- 3hrs to dry the towels (Dependant on ambient temperature and size, quantity and dampness of the towels)

        What is the best way to dry my towels?

        Contrary to what most people think if the towel is folded when placed on the towel rail it will actually dry better than if the towel is just draped over in a single layer. This is because the folded towel will insulate the towel rail allowing it to dry the towel quicker.

        My towels aren’t getting hot enough, is something wrong?

        Towel rails in Australia are designed to dry and gently warm the towel but not to get as hot as a radiator. So, although the towel rail will dry your towel and provide some warmth it will not be heated to the extent that a tumble dryer will heat your towel.

        What are BTU’s?

        BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and refers to the heat that a rail will add to your bathroom. The higher the BTU the more heat the rail will provide.

        How do I control my heated towel rail?

        Thermorails are safe to be left running continuously however most times it is preferable to have the ability to control when your heated towel rail is on and off and thus saving you energy. The majority of the range of Thermorails don’t have a switch on the unit but can be very simply wired to a standard switch. Alternatively, you can wire the Thermorail to a timer that can be programmed to turn on and off to suit your lifestyle.

        What does it cost to run a heated towel rail?

        A standard dry element rail can cost as little as 1 cent per hour to run. This can be further reduced by adding a timer to provide optimum control over running times.

        When ordering a Thermorail do I need to specify which wiring option I require?

        Any Thermorail that has Multiflex wiring (symbolised by an ‘M’ at the end of the code) has the option of being concealed or exposed wired at any of the four mounting points. All the parts required for any of these mounting options come as standard with the Thermorail – you do not need to purchase anything extra or specify the wiring required, this can be decided at the time of installation.

        What is Multiflex wiring?

        Multiflex wiring means there is a range of different wiring options within the one rail, so the wiring can be decided at the time of installation. The multiple wiring options available are at either the top or the bottom of the rail, on the left or right-hand side - making it possible to come from any of the four mounting points. Wiring can also be exposed (plug in) or concealed (hard wired).

        Can I retrofit a heated towel rail into an existing bathroom?

        The majority of the Thermorail range (excluding the 12Volt Range) have the option to have exposed wiring. This means that the heated towel rail can be very easily mounted to your wall in an existing bathroom and plugged into a nearby power point meaning that no wiring is required in the wall or roof cavity.

        Can I install the heated towel rail myself?

        The towel rail is supplied with complete installation instructions so if the towel rail is going to be plugged into a power point then you can easily install the towel rail yourself. However, if you are hardwiring the towel rail then you will require a qualified electrician to wire it up.

        What does the IP Rating mean?

        IP rating is the ingress protection rating on electrical products that determines where an electrical product can be installed in the bathroom.

        Where can I place my heated towel rail in my bathroom?

        The majority of the Thermorail range have an IP55 rating which is one of the highest ratings available for heated towel rails. This allows for placing the towel in most areas of the bathroom however you should always consult your electrician if your chosen position is suitable for the heated towel rail you have selected.

        What if I wanted a heated model in non-heated?

        The majority of the Thermorail heated towel rails have the wiring separate and no switch on the unit so the wiring can be easily removed, and the towel rail be installed as a non-heated model.

        What are the towel rails made from?

        All of the dry electric towel rails are made from quality stainless steel and polished to a mirror finish (unless otherwise specified).

        How can I take care of my stainless steel product?

        The stainless steel is very hardwearing and easy to maintain. Cleaning the towel rail should be done with a soft cloth and avoid hard scrubbing, scratching or using acid-based cleaning products.

        Do 12Volt Thermorails get as warm as standard 240Volt Thermorails?

        The 12Volt Thermorail range will get as warm and dry your towels as efficiently as the standard 240Volt Thermorails. This is because the amount of heat output is related to the wattage of the rail rather than the voltage. So, a 12Volt Thermorail will put out the same amount of heat as a 240Volt Thermorail with the same wattage.

        Are 12Volt rails more efficient that 240Volt rails?

        No, a 12Volt rail will use the same amount of electricity as a 240Volt rail of the same wattage.

        Where should the transformer be installed?

        The transformer can be installed in the ceiling or the wall cavity no further than two metres from the rails. If mounting in the wall cavity the transformer must be behind a switch plate to enable access and the transformer needs to have ventilation.

        How many single bar towel rails can I have in a set?

        The number of Single Bar 12Volt Rails that you include in a set is only limited by your imagination. To dry and warm your towels effectively you will need a minimum of 3 rails per set.

        Do I need to order a mounting system?

        No, the single bar rails have all the parts needed for installation however the mounting system is recommended when installing multiple bars as it makes it easier for the cable management and spacing.

        Can I wire multiple rails to one timer?

        Yes, absolutely, you can connect more than one heated towel rail to a single timer. There are just a few things to consider; You cannot exceed the load rating of the timer (this varies from 1 amp to 16 amps depending on the timer), and all the rails wired to one timer will be on at the same time, they cannot be set on individual schedules. Bear in mind that, for all 12volt units, these do still need to be wired through their transformers before being wired to the timer. The addition of a timer makes your life simple and rewarding with warm towels everyday and wiring multiple rails to one timer allows you to achieve this result easily and beautifully.

        Can my electrician install and hardwire a heated towel rail in existing room without damaging the tiles?

        In order to install and hardwire a Heated Towel Rail into an existing bathroom, the first most important consideration is whether your electrician is able to get power from the switch position to where the Heated Towel Rail will be mounted. If power to the mounting position is available, the electrician will need to drill a hole (12-15mm depending on the rail) in the tiles to hardwire the Heated Towel Rails power lead through the wall. For the other three legs, a screw hole into the tiles will be required for the mounts to be secured. Therefore, if the electrician can get power to the position and is able to drill the one hole without damaging the tile, then it is possible to install and hardwire a Heated Towel Rail into an existing room without any damage. Alternatively, the majority of the Thermorail range (excluding 12Volt) have the option to have exposed wiring, meaning they can be easily mounted to your wall and plugged into a nearby power point so that no wiring is required in the wall or roof cavity.
        • 1
        • 2
        • 3
        • 4

        Learn about Thermorail Electric Heated Towel Rails

        Filters

          See the Range

          Frequently Asked Questions

          Why do I need a heated towel rail?

          Heated towel rails were once considered a luxury but now are widely used to provide warm dry towels in the cold winter months. Heated towel rails also create a more hygienic environment in your bathroom by keeping towels dry and free from germs or mould. Heated towel rails also help save electricity and water as they reduce the need for continuous towel washing and tumble drying.

          What is the difference between standard Electric Heated Towel Rails and Liquid Filled Rails?

          Our standard Electric Heated Towel Rails have a dry electric element which runs through the rail and is connected directly to the existing circuit. These rails heat up quickly, getting warm in about 5 minutes and reaching optimum temperature in approximately 30 minutes. The Electric Towel Rails get to around 35 degrees without a towel and 50-55 degrees beneath a towel which insulates the rail, making it warmer. Liquid Filled Rails, on the other hand, are pre-filled with a mix of water and inhibitor, then work using an electric element to heat the liquid inside. The Liquid Filled Rails take longer to heat up, only reaching optimum temperature after about 1 hour, however they will heat to around 55 degrees regardless of whether there is a towel on the rail or not and will also act as an additional heat source in the room. View this link for a further comparison.

          What temperature will the towel rail get to?

          A Thermorail heated towel rail will generally heat up to around 35 degrees and heats up a lot quicker than a hydronic rail. When a towel is placed over the bars the towel insulates the rail and absorbs the heat, meaning that beneath the towel the temperature will rise to between 50 – 55 degrees. A hydronic rail heats the entire rail to 55 degrees, taking longer to reach temperature, but helping add warmth to the bathroom. As the element is heating the water and not the air, covering the rail with a towel will not cause it to get any hotter.

          Will the towel rail heat my bathroom?

          Thermorail electric heated towel rails are designed as a towel warmer only and won’t add heat to your bathroom. However, hydronic and liquid filled rails are designed to not only heat your towel, but also add some warmth to the bathroom although they are still not designed as bathroom heaters.

          What is the heat up time on my towel rail?

          An electric towel rail will take 5 minutes to start getting warm and within approximately 30 minutes it will reach optimum temperature. A hydronic or liquid filled rail will take closer to an hour to reach its optimum temperature. Although the towel rail will get to temperature within 30 minutes it will take 1½- 3hrs to dry the towels (Dependant on ambient temperature and size, quantity and dampness of the towels)

          What is the best way to dry my towels?

          Contrary to what most people think if the towel is folded when placed on the towel rail it will actually dry better than if the towel is just draped over in a single layer. This is because the folded towel will insulate the towel rail allowing it to dry the towel quicker.

          My towels aren’t getting hot enough, is something wrong?

          Towel rails in Australia are designed to dry and gently warm the towel but not to get as hot as a radiator. So, although the towel rail will dry your towel and provide some warmth it will not be heated to the extent that a tumble dryer will heat your towel.

          What are BTU’s?

          BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and refers to the heat that a rail will add to your bathroom. The higher the BTU the more heat the rail will provide.

          How do I control my heated towel rail?

          Thermorails are safe to be left running continuously however most times it is preferable to have the ability to control when your heated towel rail is on and off and thus saving you energy. The majority of the range of Thermorails don’t have a switch on the unit but can be very simply wired to a standard switch. Alternatively, you can wire the Thermorail to a timer that can be programmed to turn on and off to suit your lifestyle.

          What does it cost to run a heated towel rail?

          A standard dry element rail can cost as little as 1 cent per hour to run. This can be further reduced by adding a timer to provide optimum control over running times.

          When ordering a Thermorail do I need to specify which wiring option I require?

          Any Thermorail that has Multiflex wiring (symbolised by an ‘M’ at the end of the code) has the option of being concealed or exposed wired at any of the four mounting points. All the parts required for any of these mounting options come as standard with the Thermorail – you do not need to purchase anything extra or specify the wiring required, this can be decided at the time of installation.

          What is Multiflex wiring?

          Multiflex wiring means there is a range of different wiring options within the one rail, so the wiring can be decided at the time of installation. The multiple wiring options available are at either the top or the bottom of the rail, on the left or right-hand side - making it possible to come from any of the four mounting points. Wiring can also be exposed (plug in) or concealed (hard wired).

          Can I retrofit a heated towel rail into an existing bathroom?

          The majority of the Thermorail range (excluding the 12Volt Range) have the option to have exposed wiring. This means that the heated towel rail can be very easily mounted to your wall in an existing bathroom and plugged into a nearby power point meaning that no wiring is required in the wall or roof cavity.

          Can I install the heated towel rail myself?

          The towel rail is supplied with complete installation instructions so if the towel rail is going to be plugged into a power point then you can easily install the towel rail yourself. However, if you are hardwiring the towel rail then you will require a qualified electrician to wire it up.

          What does the IP Rating mean?

          IP rating is the ingress protection rating on electrical products that determines where an electrical product can be installed in the bathroom.

          Where can I place my heated towel rail in my bathroom?

          The majority of the Thermorail range have an IP55 rating which is one of the highest ratings available for heated towel rails. This allows for placing the towel in most areas of the bathroom however you should always consult your electrician if your chosen position is suitable for the heated towel rail you have selected.

          What if I wanted a heated model in non-heated?

          The majority of the Thermorail heated towel rails have the wiring separate and no switch on the unit so the wiring can be easily removed, and the towel rail be installed as a non-heated model.

          What are the towel rails made from?

          All of the dry electric towel rails are made from quality stainless steel and polished to a mirror finish (unless otherwise specified).

          How can I take care of my stainless steel product?

          The stainless steel is very hardwearing and easy to maintain. Cleaning the towel rail should be done with a soft cloth and avoid hard scrubbing, scratching or using acid-based cleaning products.

          Do 12Volt Thermorails get as warm as standard 240Volt Thermorails?

          The 12Volt Thermorail range will get as warm and dry your towels as efficiently as the standard 240Volt Thermorails. This is because the amount of heat output is related to the wattage of the rail rather than the voltage. So, a 12Volt Thermorail will put out the same amount of heat as a 240Volt Thermorail with the same wattage.

          Are 12Volt rails more efficient that 240Volt rails?

          No, a 12Volt rail will use the same amount of electricity as a 240Volt rail of the same wattage.

          Where should the transformer be installed?

          The transformer can be installed in the ceiling or the wall cavity no further than two metres from the rails. If mounting in the wall cavity the transformer must be behind a switch plate to enable access and the transformer needs to have ventilation.

          How many single bar towel rails can I have in a set?

          The number of Single Bar 12Volt Rails that you include in a set is only limited by your imagination. To dry and warm your towels effectively you will need a minimum of 3 rails per set.

          Do I need to order a mounting system?

          No, the single bar rails have all the parts needed for installation however the mounting system is recommended when installing multiple bars as it makes it easier for the cable management and spacing.

          Can I wire multiple rails to one timer?

          Yes, absolutely, you can connect more than one heated towel rail to a single timer. There are just a few things to consider; You cannot exceed the load rating of the timer (this varies from 1 amp to 16 amps depending on the timer), and all the rails wired to one timer will be on at the same time, they cannot be set on individual schedules. Bear in mind that, for all 12volt units, these do still need to be wired through their transformers before being wired to the timer. The addition of a timer makes your life simple and rewarding with warm towels everyday and wiring multiple rails to one timer allows you to achieve this result easily and beautifully.

          Can my electrician install and hardwire a heated towel rail in existing room without damaging the tiles?

          In order to install and hardwire a Heated Towel Rail into an existing bathroom, the first most important consideration is whether your electrician is able to get power from the switch position to where the Heated Towel Rail will be mounted. If power to the mounting position is available, the electrician will need to drill a hole (12-15mm depending on the rail) in the tiles to hardwire the Heated Towel Rails power lead through the wall. For the other three legs, a screw hole into the tiles will be required for the mounts to be secured. Therefore, if the electrician can get power to the position and is able to drill the one hole without damaging the tile, then it is possible to install and hardwire a Heated Towel Rail into an existing room without any damage. Alternatively, the majority of the Thermorail range (excluding 12Volt) have the option to have exposed wiring, meaning they can be easily mounted to your wall and plugged into a nearby power point so that no wiring is required in the wall or roof cavity.
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