The heated towel rail is a device, which is mounted in the bathroom. It performs the function of drying bath linen and clothes. exept this, the design creates the necessary microclimate in a bathroom and is, essentially, additional heating device. The range of heated towel rails from stainless steel and other materials is very wide. Models are differentiated by their forms, type of installation, flowers, manufacturers, etc.. D.
The heated towel rail is a type of heating device, located in the bathroom
What do you need a heated towel rail?
Towel dryers heat the bathroom and dry things. The heat from it helps to evaporate excess moisture, which prevents the appearance of mold and fungi. Previously, these devices were the same shape and had a rather unpresentable appearance. The people nicknamed them "snakes". Today, the variety of types of these products allows the buyer to choose that model, which will suit the decor of his bathroom and will have all the necessary characteristics.
Types of devices:
- water;
- electric;
- combined.
water
The water heated towel rail works at the expense of central heating. Heating occurs by transporting hot water through its tubes. When choosing a water type of device in the first place should be based on the quality characteristics of water, transport of which will pass on a product. If the water has a high level of hardness, then the best choice in this case will be a heated towel rail made of material, resistant to corrosion.
Buying an imported model for use in a central heating system, it is necessary to find out whether it has the necessary technical characteristics to work 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 water towel dryers, which work on the principle of central heating batteries
Exist 3 types of heated towel rails. Each of them has its pros and cons. To choose the optimal device for a particular bathroom, you should study their characteristics or consult a specialist.
Water, in turn, are divided into structures:
- stainless steel;
- of non-ferrous metals;
- of black steel.
electric
Unlike water, these devices do not depend on the heating system. They need electricity to work. Such models can be used at will. It is very convenient, but, the disadvantage of such products is that, that they require additional electricity costs.
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, if desired, heating with water or electricity.
Materials for making towel rails
Usually, devices are made of such materials:
Stainless Steel. Models made of such alloys are the most reliable. Tolerate temperature changes, have good corrosion resistance. The surface of such devices is covered with a layer of chrome or nickel and polished for a mirror effect. The operating pressure of such dryers can be from 10 to 15 there is.
Stainless steel is able to withstand high temperatures and pressures, therefore from it dryer of various types is made
Due to that, that devices made of this material are very popular, there are many low-grade counterfeits on the market. For, to avoid buying counterfeit, you need to pay attention to the quality of welds and the availability of all necessary documentation for the product. Usually, low quality products are rough, uneven welds.
Copper. High thermal conductivity of copper allows products made of this material to better cope with their functions. Have a small weight.
Importantly! Devices made of different non-ferrous metals fit perfectly into any interior and, undoubtedly, 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 less resistance to pressure drops, than stainless steel models (normal values for brass heated towel rails should not exceed 3 there is). In high-rise buildings with central heating, pressure drops often occur, which can reach 10-12 there is. Because of this, such products are recommended to be installed only in houses with autonomous heating.
Advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel heated towel rails
As mentioned above, stainless steel is ideal for installation in apartments and work from the central heating network.
advantages:
- the device from stainless steel is mounted to system of water supply without transitional teflon linings, which is a big plus;
- corrosion will not damage the area, where stainless steel is connected to iron pipes;
- such devices perfectly cope with pressure and temperature differences inside systems;
- if desired, you can choose this variety, which will do its job thanks to the couple;
- stainless steel towel rails have a huge range of models, which differ in their shapes and colors.
- if necessary, one or more shelves can be mounted on the device.
shortcomings:
- carries out work only at the expense of water or steam;
- warms up longer, than electrical options.
With autonomous type of heating, which is found in private homes or country cottages, the operation of the towel dryer will depend on the power of the system.
Importantly! For apartment buildings with centralized water supply are best suited products of domestic manufacturers. Their parameters take into account the peculiarities of our heating.
Stainless steel dryers can be equipped with convenient shelves for storing towels
Varieties by type of connection
The type of connection of such devices may be: lateral, diagonal, as well as upper and lower.
side connection
Is the most common. This connection is reliable and ideal for the bathroom in a high-rise apartment. It has to do with that, that the device in this case is mounted directly to the riser. Due to the complexity of installation, the side type of connection bypasses other options, however, has a more presentable appearance
diagonal connection
Required when installing devices, which differ in their large size. This connection creates an increased flow of water through the tubes, which prevents rapid cooling of water.
Upper and lower types are used much less often. With the lower connection option, the heat transfer of the device is reduced.
Appearance of stainless steel heated towel rails
Stainless towel rail is a multi-channel heat exchanger, which consists of tubes of different sizes. In appearance, these devices are divided into: standard, upgraded, as well as elegant.
Default. This type includes M-shaped and U-shaped models, and their varieties. And also this kind includes a heated towel rail "ladder".
Upgraded. From the previous type differ in that, that they include additional devices: shelves, hangers, etc.. D.
Modern models of heated towel rails not only perform their direct "duty", but also serve as an element of bathroom decor
Elegant. Very different from other options in appearance. This type of towels are among the design options. They have different sizes, shapes and colors.
What technical parameters should be considered when choosing a stainless steel device?
Usually, technical characteristics of the heated towel rail can be studied in the passport of the device. These include:
Heat transfer. 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 the towel rail made of steel must be at least 100 W / m?.
pay attention! If the room is poorly ventilated, then the heat transfer rate will be lower.
Bandwidth. The influence of the design on the functioning of the central heating system depends on this indicator. The heated towel rail can create excess pressure and resistance in the system.
Temperature. Towel dryers have a certain standard of operating temperatures. If these indicators are systematically exceeded, a device of this color should be chosen in the system, so that the yellowness was not visible, which arises from the burning of paints. 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 blockages are a common phenomenon, they prevent the device from heating up evenly.
The heated towel rail is 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.