Time Switch for Heated Towel Rail

[AndyHanson]

I'm looking for a digital time switch that will control a heated towel rail in the bathroom. I know there are various models available but am looking for a small unit (1 gang fitting) and preferably in chrome finish. Does anyone know where I can locate one of these?

Thanks

 

[securespark]

Shouldn't fit this in bathroom...what is the situation?

 

[AndyHanson]

Know you're not supposed to fit this in bathroom due to electrical safety. I can always install it outside, but to be honest, there's no danger of any contact with water where I intend mounting it - it's a large bathroom. Still on the lookout for suppliers.

 

[breezer]

, but to be honest, there's no danger of any contact with water where I intend mounting it .

that reminds me

Reporter to owner of new ship "that sure is a big ship is it safe?"

owner "yes it sure is big, and the TITANIC is very safe"

best cure for accident , don't have one , don't invite one.

and i have never seen a silver timer (unless you count the samgamo industrila ones)

 

[il78]

Cheap as chips......bargain hunters....

 

[AndyHanson]

I would be interested to know the logic behind not installing this unit for safety reasons when you have shaver sockets in every bathroom, often very close to the sink! These are NOT protected by RCD's which my unit would be. While shaver sockets are not part of the Ring Main, they are wired into the lighting circuit and carry an inherent risk from electric shock. Modern bathrooms are increasingly incorporating control panels for all sorts of electrical items from plasma TV's to jacuzzi baths. I would also suggest that it's much safer having a timer controlled heater which switches itself off automatically rather than accidentally being left on all day!

The problem of finding a chrome finished unit must be another example of how far behind the UK is with the rest of the world. Visit the States and these units are found in many bathrooms of high quality hotels.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Shaver sockets have transformers in them, thus providing a high impedance supply, thus preventing much current from being drawn, thus making them safe. They are not just 2-pin sockets connected directly to the mains.

 

[AndyHanson]

They might have transformers which draw little current but they are not waterproof and the transformers themselves ARE connected directly to the supply. Both in Europe and the States, bathrooms have sockets for both shavers and other electrical devices BUT they are fitted with integrated RCDs. The devices in the UK may not be unsafe BUT they are no safer than what I was proposing.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They might have transformers which draw little current but they are not waterproof and the transformers themselves ARE connected directly to the supply.

They are as waterproof as they need to be (IPx4) given the locations where they are allowed to be fitted.

Both in Europe and the States, bathrooms have sockets for both shavers and other electrical devices BUT they are fitted with integrated RCDs. The devices in the UK may not be unsafe BUT they are no safer than what I was proposing.

Oh I agree - I don't see why sockets with RCD protection of 30mA or less shouldn't be perfectly safe. But that isn't the point. Repeat after me:

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

I will not look for logic, consistency or reason in the wiring regulations. That way lies madness.

 

[AndyHanson]

 

[securespark]

Could I dare suggest zone three or airing cupboard as a location. Ordinary switches are permissible in zone three, and airing cupboards are outside the zones altogether. The one thing you must never do in any part of the bathroom is install a socket outlet.

 

[AndyHanson]

Thanks for the advice. I have an airing cupboard directly outside the bathroom so this would be an ideal location. Still need to find a suitable supplier for the time switch. Also want to keep the unit small. Have looked at Timeguard switches and Honeywell. Any recommendations from those that have used these would be welcome.

 

[securespark]

Only used Timeguard Lighting security switches. Timeguard have been good for me. Fitted many over the years and the only one to go wrong was replaced two days later through the post nqa (no questions asked)

Also, many timeguard products have 3 year g'tees.

 

[securespark]

Just had a thought....


If the timeswitch goes in the airing cupboard, you don't need a smart chrome one........


PS another thought....


Electric towel rails are designed to be left on all time. In a small loo/bathroom, they are designed to take the chill off the room.

But that doesn't mean you can't turn them off, of course!

 

[AndyHanson]

The rail I have is a dual fuel one. Therefore the electrical element is only to be used when the Central Heating system is off i.e. during the summer months. Leaving the rail on all the time has several disadvantages:
1. It'll cost you a fortune due to the high running costs
2. The bathroom will become uncomfortably hot in the summer months if the room is relatively small. This is especially true for the more modern rails which double as a radiator.
3. It's a waste of energy to leave a device like this running all the time, especially when it's not needed.

The fact that these rails are not normally fitted in combination with a time switch leads to an unnecessary waste of energy and the related increase in running costs. I take the point about a chrome one not needed if fitted in the airing cupboard!