Can electric elements be added retrospecively to heated towel rail?

jap200

Any electricians or plumbers out there?

We had heated towel rails put in two bathrooms a couple of years ago which are effectively radiators, so only heat up when the central heating is on.

I would like to know if it is technically possible to get electric elements fitted in them so that they could keep our towels warm and dry when our heating is off.

We do have convenient electric sockets on the other side of each wall where the towel rails are located.

If so, would this be a job for an electrician or a plumber?

Thank you.

swarby_2

they certainly can, just like the on in the link below, it would be a job for a plumber with electrical qualifications

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/72607/Plumbing/Towel-Radiators/Rica-Towel-Radiator-Heating-Element-853-BTU-250W

adaze

Yes it can be done, relatively simply, as swarby says, as you are bringing the elecs into the bathroom, I would think that "offically" you would need to notify BC (Part P, if you do anything in bathrooms/ kitchens).

I know the regs changed in January, and I think supplementary bonding in the bathroom is no longer required, provided you have the appropriate RCD fitted at the CU (I think!)

If you were "thinking" about doing it yourself you would need switched, fused spurs off of the sockets. If you aren't too sure about your electrics best to get a spark in as water and electrics never mix well!