A heated towel rail is a device that is mounted in the bathroom. It performs the function of drying bath linen and clothes. In addition, the design creates the desired microclimate in the bathroom and is, in fact, an additional heating device. The range of stainless steel towel warmers and other materials is very wide. Models differentiate in their shapes, type of installation, colors, manufacturers, etc.
A heated towel rail is a type of heater placed in the bathroom
Content
What is a heated towel rail for?
Heated towel rails carry out heating of a bathroom and drying of things. The heat from it contributes to the evaporation of excess moisture, which prevents the appearance of mold and fungi. Previously, these devices were of the same shape and had a fairly unpresentable appearance. The people called them "coils". Today, the variety of types of these products allows the buyer to choose the model that fits the decor of his bathroom and will have all the necessary characteristics.
Types of fixtures:
- water;
- electric;
- combined.
Water
A water heated towel rail operates through central heating. Heating is done by transporting hot water through its pipes. When choosing a water type of device, first of all, it is worth starting from the qualitative characteristics of the water, the transport of which will pass through the product. If water has a high level of hardness, then the best choice in this case is a heated towel rail made of a material that is not susceptible to corrosion.
When purchasing an imported model for use in a central heating system, it is worthwhile to find out if it has the necessary technical characteristics for working in our conditions. If this is not done, the walls of the product will be damaged by aggressive water and the device will not last long.
The most popular are water heated towel rails, which work on the principle of central heating batteries
There are 3 types of heated towel rails. Each of them has its pros and cons. To select the optimal device for a particular bathroom, you should study their characteristics or consult a specialist.
Water, in turn, are divided into structures:
- from stainless steel;
- from non-ferrous metals;
- made of black steel.
Electric
Unlike water, these devices are independent of the heating system. Their work requires electricity. Use of such models is optional. This is very convenient, however, the disadvantage of such products is that they require additional costs for electricity.
Combined
This species differs from others in its practicality. The peculiarity of combined heated towel rails is that they allow you to combine the two previous types and use water or electricity heating if desired.
Towel dryer materials
As a rule, devices are made from the following materials:
Stainless steel. Models of such alloys are the most reliable. They tolerate temperature changes and have good resistance to corrosion. The surface of such devices is coated with a layer of chromium or nickel and polished for a mirror effect. The operating pressure of such dryers can be from 10 to 15 bar.
Stainless steel is able to withstand high temperatures and pressures, which is why different types of dryers are made from it
Due to the fact that devices made of this material are very popular, there are many low-grade fakes on the market. In order to avoid buying fake products, you need to pay attention to the quality of the welds and the availability of all necessary documentation for the goods. As a rule, products of poor quality have rough, uneven welded joints.
Copper. The high thermal conductivity of copper allows products made of this material to better cope with their functions. Have a small weight.
Important! Devices from different non-ferrous metals perfectly fit into any interior and, of course, pleasing to the eye. However, such models have poor resistance to high temperatures and harmful impurities in the water.
Devices made of copper and its alloys are recommended for installation in homes with autonomous heating
Brass. Brass devices have a lower resistance to pressure drops than stainless steel models (normal values for brass towel rails should not exceed 3 bar). In high-rise buildings with centralized heating, pressure drops often occur, which can reach 10–12 bar. Because of this, such products are advised to be installed only in homes with autonomous heating.
Advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel heated towel rails
As mentioned above, stainless steel is an ideal option for installation in apartments and work from a centralized heating network.
Advantages:
- a stainless steel device is mounted to the water supply system without transition teflon gaskets, which is a big plus;
- corrosion will not damage areas where stainless steel connects to iron pipes;
- such devices perfectly cope with pressure and temperature drops inside the systems;
- if desired, you can choose a variety that will carry out its work thanks to a couple;
- stainless steel heated towel rails have a huge range of models that differ in their shapes and coloring.
- if necessary, one or more shelves can be mounted on the device.
Disadvantages:
- carries out work only at the expense of water or steam;
- warms up longer than electrical options.
With an autonomous type of heating, which is found in private houses or country cottages, the operation of the heated towel rail will depend on the capacity of the system.
Important! For apartment buildings with centralized water supply, products of domestic manufacturers are best suited. Their parameters take into account the features of our heating.
Stainless steel dryers can be equipped with convenient shelves for storing towels
Varieties by connection type
The type of connection of such devices can be: lateral, diagonal, as well as upper and lower.
Side connection
It is the most common. Such a connection is reliable and ideal for a bathroom in a high-rise apartment. This is due to the fact that the device in this case is mounted directly to the riser. By the complexity of installation, the side connection type bypasses other options, however, it has a more presentable appearance
Diagonal connection
Demanded during the installation of devices that are distinguished by their large size. Such a connection creates an enhanced flow of water through the tubes, which prevents the rapid cooling of the water.
The upper and lower types are used much less frequently. With the lower version of the connection, the heat transfer of the device is reduced.
Appearance of stainless steel heated towel rails
Corrosion-proof heated towel rail is a multi-channel heat exchanger, which consists of tubes of different sizes. In appearance, these devices are conventionally divided into: standard, modernized, as well as elegant.
Standard. This type includes M-shaped and U-shaped models, and their varieties. And also the ladder heated towel rail is included in this type.
Upgraded. They differ from the previous type in that they include additional devices: shelves, hangers, etc.
Modern models of heated towel rails not only fulfill their direct "duty", but also serve as an element of bathroom decor
Elegant. Very different from other options in appearance. This type of heated towel rails is referred to as design options. They have a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.
What technical parameters should be considered when choosing a stainless steel device?
As a rule, the technical characteristics of a heated towel rail can be studied in the device passport. These include:
Heat dissipation. It depends on two factors: wall thickness and water temperature in the system to which the device is connected. According to the established standard, the heat transfer of a heated towel rail made of steel should be at least 100 W / m².
Note! If the room is poorly ventilated, the rate of heat transfer will be lower.
Throughput rate. The influence of the design on the functioning of the central heating system depends on this indicator. The heated towel rail can create excessive pressure and resistance in the system.
Temperature. Towel dryers have a specific operating temperature standard. With a systematic excess of these indicators in the system, it is worth choosing a device of such a color that the yellowness that arises from the burning of paints is not visible. Gold or bronze color is best.
The presence of shut-off valves. This part allows you to cope with the air plug inside the dryer. Air clogging is a common phenomenon, they prevent uniform heating of the device.
Heated towel rail - a necessary device in the bathroom. Modern models are multifunctional and play not only the role of a heater, but also a decorative element that complements the interior.
