There are a lot of towel rails in the market. How do you decide which model is best for you? It can get quite confusing with so many options available.
Low voltage, normal voltage etc.
This blog will help you understand the differences between low and normal voltage rails.
Does it really matter if your towel rail is low voltage? Here are the key differences you may want to consider:
Electrical Connection of the Heated Towel Rail
A 12V heated towel rail must only be directly connected to the household wiring while most of the 240V heated towel rails can be connected directly or plugged into a powerpoint. Additionally, a 12V towel rail must be connected to a transformer whereas the 240V doesn’t need to. It can be plugged to any 240V power supply. Due to some of these complexities it may cost a little more for your Electrician to install a low voltage rail.
You may even be able to retro fit a standard rail without making many changes to the bathroom.
Location in the Bathroom
As the 12V heated towel rail uses low voltage, it can be placed anywhere in the bathroom. You can even place it in the shower area as long as the transformer and timers are placed in the correct location according to its IP rating. On the other hand, a 240V heated towel rail must only be placed on locations deemed safe by its IP rating. Make sure you consult your electrician on where to install the heated towel rail.
Heat Dissipation
A lot of people may think that a 12V heated towel rail will not get as warm as the 240V type. This is a common misconception. A 12V and 240V towel rail of the same wattage and size will emit the same amount of heat.
However you will need to make sure you purchase the right number of rails. Most low voltage rails are installed as “Single rails”. You simply install as many as you like in a ladder format. We suggest at least 3 to ensure that the towel is dried adequately.
Running Costs
Another common misconception is that the 12V towel rail costs less to run than the 240V variant. An electrical device’s voltage is not the basis of the cost’s computation. Again, it is the product’s wattage that determines the running costs. With this, we can say that using heated towel rails is very cost effective.
In summary, heated towel rails are economical to use and there is no significant difference between the 12V and 240V type. It is best to still consult your electrician when installing a heated towel rail.
We hope that clears up the differences for you and helps you make a great decision for your new bathroom.
Hotwire offers a great range of low and standard rails.
You can find out more on our website or by contacting our office.
You may also want to read these articles:
Heated Towel Rail IP Ratings
https://www.hotwireheating.com.au/heated-towel-rails-and-ip-ratings/
Hotwire Towel Rails
https://www.hotwireheating.com.au/heated-towel-rail-launch/
Choosing the right Heated Towel Rail
https://www.hotwireheating.com.au/heated-towel-rail-for-your-bathroom/
