RE: Bathroom Towel Rail Sizing and control

["Neil Ball" <neilball@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Towel rails have a much lower output than a radiator of a similar size. If
you have an existing radiator then measure it up and take a look at the
specs of a similar radiator for its heat output. As long as the output from
your towel rail is similar then no problem. If it does have a higher rating
then you could fit an in-line TRV to stop the room overheating, but you
cannot get warm towels if the towel rail is off!

HTH

Neil B.
-----Original Message-----
From: Simon Ryley [mailto:simon.ryley@xxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 15:36
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subject: [ukha_d] Bathroom Towel Rail Sizing and control


Slightly off topic this one, but it does have relevance.

I am about to buy a new towel rail for the bathroom in the flat.  To
give the most towel hanging / warming space, I am looking at a 1720 *
600mm monster.  However, I'm concerned that the heat output will be too
much and the room will end up being way to warm.  Being a bathroom the
door is mainly shut, so the heating system thermostat in the hall won't
be aware of the high temp in the bathroom.  Does anyone know if the
standard rules for sizing rads to rooms also work for heated towel rails?

A solution may be to have a temperature control of the rad using some
kind of automated valve.  The flow to the valve could be kept at a
sensible level when the room isn't being used, but boosted after a
shower to help dry the room and the towels out...

Anyone else have a similar system to this?

Simon