Electric Towel Rail Elements
Dual-fuel towel rails use an electric heating element so they can run independently of the central heating, useful in summer or bathrooms on their own circuit.
Dual-fuel towel rails use an electric heating element so they can run independently of the central heating, useful in summer or bathrooms on their own circuit. When the element fails, the rail stops heating on electric mode while still working fine when the heating's on.
What it does
A sealed heating element, similar in principle to an immersion heater, sits inside the rail and warms the fluid inside it when switched on independently of the boiler.
How it fails
The element itself burns out with age, its thermostat sticks, or the seal where it enters the rail starts to weep.
Repair or replace
The element is a self-contained cartridge and is always replaced as a unit rather than repaired internally.
Fix a towel rail that won't heat electrically
Tell us whether the rail heats fine on the central heating and only the electric mode has stopped, and we'll bring a replacement element where the model allows.
Questions we get asked
Which parts of a towel rail job need a qualified trade?
No, this is electrical and plumbing work rather than gas work.
Can I replace the element myself?
It involves draining part of the rail and working with an electrical fitting near water, so we'd recommend having it done professionally.
Why does the rail trip the electrics?
That usually points to water having reached the electrical connection, which is a reason to stop using it and have it checked rather than keep resetting the trip.