Hints And Advice

In order to assist your choice of towel rail, the following check points should help to avoid the specification of an unsuitable model.

  • Ensure the space you have is of adequate dimensions and that suitable services can be directed to the location.
  • Check you have sufficient room to accept the projection of the towel rail without impeding access or door opening etc.
  • Ensure the towel rail of your choice is suited to the circuit available. Never install an item containing Ferrous Metal (Steel) parts on an open circuit.
  • Never install a towel rail without providing for suitable isolation.
  • Consider the benefits of an electrical immersion heater for continued operation in the summer months. When utilised, one isolating valve should be turned off to prevent circulation through the system. Appropriate measures should also be taken to ensure the continued venting and filling of the product. On no account should the electric option be operated in tandem with the central heating.
  • All Vogue UK products must be installed in accordance with BS5449, BS7593 and BS7671 or with those enforced by the appropriate regulatory bodies for the country or region in which the unit will be located to avoid invalidation of the guarantee.

Typically, there are two types of water circuit in a domestic residence, as follows:

Indirect or Closed Hot Water circuit

A sealed system, often referred to as the “central heating” and onto which any towel warmer can be installed regardless of the material from which it is manufactured. Closed or sealed systems should contain a BS7593 corrosion inhibitor required to maintain both the system and the towel warmer as failure to do so could result in corrosion or even failure.

Direct or Open Hot Water circuit

An open system is fed directly from the main water supply which is then heated most typically by a boiler and then distributed throughout the house to the taps, bath, shower etc. and to the appliances (e.g., washing machine) onto which only towel warmers manufactured totally from brass or stainless steel can be installed. Any model made from or consisting of ferrous metal (steel) components cannot be installed on a Direct/Open circuit.

CAUTION: when a brass unit is installed in conjunction with some water softeners there can be a risk of dezincification.This may occur because aggressive chemicals within the softened water can attack the zinc content ofthe brass causing the composition of the tubing to breakdown and eventually leak.

There are two types of HEATING ONLY options as follows: HEATING ONLY (HO) – Suitable for ALL circuits For connection to either direct (open) or indirect (closed) central heating or hot water circuit. HEATING ONLY (HO) – Suitable for indirect (closed) circuits only For connection to an indirect (closed) central heating circuit ONLY. Cannot be installed on an open circuit due to the item containing ferrous metal (steel) parts.
  • Ensure the towel rail of your choice is suited to the circuit available. Never install an item containing Ferrous Metal (Steel) parts on an open circuit.
  • Wherever possible Vogue towel rails are manufactured using dezincification resistant brass. However, it should be understood the term ‘resistant’ does not entirely preclude the possibility of dezincification occurring. If you intend to install the product on an open (direct) hot water circuit, make reference to your local water authority to ensure dezincification has not previously occurred.
  • Towel rails manufactured from brass tubing should not be installed on an open circuit if a water softener is present. Product compatibility is the responsibility of the installer.
  • In aggressive water areas, or where water softeners are installed, dezincification resistant materials are available and can be specified for certain models.

ELECTRIC ONLY (EO) A completely independent unit requiring only a fused spur electric connection in close proximity. Standard format for electric towel rails is fluid filled. Thermal transfer fluid is heated by an electric element located at the bottom of the towel rail. The element is a sealed cartridge and therefore can be easily changed in case of failure.
  • Installation should only be conducted by a qualified electrician and must comply with current IEE wiring regulations and BS7671 or with those enforced by the appropriate regulatory bodies for the country or region in which the unit will be located.
  • Always ensure the towel rail is protected by a suitably rated fuse (typically 5amp) or proprietary brand residual circuit breaker.
  • The electrical element within the towel rail is manufactured and inspected to European Standard EN60335-1 (CENELEC) – CE 61/50. It is splash proof only and must never be immersed.
  • The towel rail must always be installed with the element at the bottom of the unit. Thermal circulation will not occur if the towel rail is installed with the element at the top. Consequential damage to the element will then occur.
  • Electric Only towel rails are designed for continuous operation and are perfectly safe if left switched on permanently. If timed operation is required the time clock utilised should be rated to the wattage of the electric element.

HEATING & ELECTRIC (HE) Also known as dual fuel or dual energy. Connected to a central heating circuit and including an electrical element which allows for operation in summer months when the central heating is NOT in use.
  • Ensure the towel rail of your choice is suited to the circuit available. Never install an item containing Ferrous Metal (Steel) parts on an open circuit.
  • Wherever possible Vogue towel rails are manufactured using dezincification resistant brass. However, it should be understood the term ‘resistant’ does not entirely preclude the possibility of dezincification occurring. If you intend to install the product on an open (direct) hot water circuit, make reference to your local water authority to ensure dezincification has not previously occurred.
  • Towel rails manufactured from brass tubing should not be installed on an open circuit if a water softener is present. Product compatibility is the responsibility of the installer.
  • In aggressive water areas, or where water softeners are installed, dezincification resistant materials are available and can be specified for certain models.
  • Installation should only be conducted by a qualified electrician and must comply with current IEE wiring regulations and BS7671 or with those enforced by the appropriate regulatory bodies for the country or region in which the unit will be located. The heating element in dual fuel units should be installed prior to leak testing of the system but not powered up until the system is full of water and operational. The towel rail must be individually earth bonded.
  • Always ensure the towel rail is protected by a suitably rated fuse (typically 5amp) or proprietary brand residual circuit breaker.
  • The electrical element within the towel rail is manufactured and inspected to European Standard EN60335-1 (CENELEC) – CE 61/50. It is splash proof only and must never be immersed.
  • The towel rail must always be installed with the element at the bottom of the unit. Thermal circulation will not occur if the towel rail is installed with the element at the top. Consequential damage to the element will then occur.
  • The heating element in dual fuel models must never be operated without the towel rail being completely full of water and connected to the central heating system. The system design must guarantee constant filling of the unit. Special care must be taken after any service work requiring ‘drain down’ of the system.
  • In dual energy models allowance for thermal expansion must be made by having the return valve partially open. The flow valve must be closed to prevent cycling through the system. Manufacturers notes do not override legal obligations.
  • On no account should the electric operation of dual fuel models be utilised in conjunction with the central heating operation.

All heating elements must be IP rated – a system for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. IP stands for ‘Ingress Protection’, followed by two numbers which refer to the level of protection according to where the product is able to be sited within the bathroom.

It is important to install an electric towel rail in the correct bathroom zone i.e. the zone referred to in the IP rating of the element.

Suitable for installation into Zones 1 and 2 of the bathroom for non high pressure water jet applications.

Manufactured in accordance with: EN60335-1 / BS EN ISO 9001

Each standard element contains an internal preset over temperature switch and fail safe fuse. There is no thermostatic control with this element although a suitably rated rheostat (CD-VR) will give thermal control when fitted into the electrical supply circuit.

All heating elements are CE approved.

The diagrams and information below are a guide to Bathroom Zones as referred to in IP ratings of the Heating Elements section. Please refer to the latest edition of BS7871 to ensure conformity.

It is important to install an electric towel rail in the correct bathroom zone i.e. the zone referred to in the IP rating of the element. This is not an installation guide and reference should be made to the latest edition of the IEE wirings Regulations or a qualified electrician.

Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower tray itself. Any appliance used in this zone must be rated at least IP67 which is total immersion proof.

Zone 1 is the area above the bath or shower tray to a height of 2.25m from the floor. In this zone a minimum rating of IP44 is required and elements must also be protected by a 30m. A residual current device (RCD) to protect the circuit. The electrical connection to the power supply for these elements must be in Zone 2 of the bathroom in compliance with BS7671:2001 – IEE Wiring Regulations.

Zone 2 is an area stretching 0.6m outside the perimeter of the bath and to a height of 2.25 m from the floor. In this zone an IP rating of at least IP44 is required. In addition it is good practice to consider the area around a wash basin, within a 60cm radius of any tap to be considered as zone 2.

For full details reference should be made to the latest copy of the IEE wiring regulations and all applicable British Standard Specifications – European norm.

All heat outputs are shown at 50ºCΔt, in compliance with BSEN442 – Specification for Radiators and Convectors.To convert to 60ºCΔt, multiply heat output by conversion factor 1.268 (approximate figure). All measurements given are nominal dimensions only (mm), and are not binding.

Manufactured from hot brass stamped fittings and high quality brass tube complying to BS2871.

Some models manufactured from high grade CR steel tubing and/or containing steel components suitable for closed/indirect circuits only. All rails are pressure tested to 100p.s.i (6.9 bar) air immersed in water.

All models are fitted with 2 x 1/2″ BSP F.I. connections. Alternative M.I. or compression fitting is available on request. 3/4″BSP connections available at extra cost on some models. A manual bleed air vent is fitted to all hot water/dual fuel models. Auto air vents available on request at additional cost.

Symbols

Manufacturing Material

plain-brass

Brass

Highest quality DZR Brass (CuZn36As) for handcrafted towel warmers is available in a range of superior polished and plated finishes and can also be supplied in powder coated RAL colours. It is corrosion resistant and very versatile. It can also be brazed, soldered and has the capacity to be formed with high quality assurance.

Mild Steel

Mild Steel

High quality Mild Steel, used in an ever more extensive range of modern and traditional towel warmers. Available in a vast array of plated and powder coated finishes and for some models, affording significant price benefits over its Brass and Stainless Steel equivalents.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

High quality 304 grade Stainless Steel (for 316 grade POA) for handcrafted towel warmers is available in polished or brushed finishes with an easy to clean, hygienic surface and is corrosion resistant. It has high strength and durability and can be installed on any system with high quality assurance.

Heating Method

heating only close circuit

Heating Only (HO)

Suitable for indirect (closed) circuits only

Heating only

Heating Only (HO)

Suitable for ALL circuits

Electric Only

Electric only (EO)

Dual Energy

Heating & Electric (HE)

Dual Heating

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