Electric towel rails work by heating a liquid (usually water or oil) inside the rail using an electric heating element. Here is a breakdown of how they function:
1. Electric Element
The core component is an electric heating element inserted into the towel rail. This element heats up when connected to a power source, much like the heating element in an electric radiator.
2. Heating Process
The heating element warms the liquid inside the towel rail, which circulates throughout the rail distributing heat evenly across the bars.
3. Thermostat Control (Optional)
Some electric towel rails come with a thermostat to regulate the temperature, allowing for greater energy efficiency and control over the heat output. Advanced models may even have timers or Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control.
4. Dry or Wet System
There are two main types:
- Dry System: Some towel rails use a dry heating element with no liquid inside. Instead, the bars themselves heat up directly through the element.
- Wet System: More common, this system uses a liquid (water or oil) inside the rails which heats up and spreads warmth evenly.
5. Installation
Electric towel rails are typically easy to install and only require an electrical connection to function without needing to be connected to your central heating system. They can be plugged into a socket or hardwired into the wall for a seamless look.
6. Energy Efficiency
They are generally energy-efficient and often used as a supplemental heat source in bathrooms to dry towels and add warmth to the space.