Here at the heat is on, we put the knowledge of what you need directly in your hands as the homeowner, so you needn’t ask or wait for information from your electrician. Here we give you complete expert guidance for this specific heating element — so you can source all parts needed to ensure a smooth and successful installation of your electric / dual fuel towel rail or radiator when your tradesman arrives.
what is a heating element?
- A heating element is used as the heat source in an electric towel rail or radiator.
- It works by heating the water or oil inside the radiator, in the same way an element heats water inside a kettle.
- We have a full guide on heating elements if you want to learn even more — click here to read the dedicated guide.
temperature control & operation
- Class 2 / double-insulated: Terma SOA is a Class 2 heating element with no earth wire, making it compliant for use in bathrooms and other zones where Class 2 protection is required.
- SOA is the Class 2 version of MOA — for standard UK installations, choose MOA instead of SOA.
- Commonly installed in France, Spain, and other regions requiring Class 2 compliance.
- Ideal for UK owners of holiday homes abroad who need compliant, easy-to-install heating solutions.
- The Terma SOA Element offers 5 heat settings from 30 °C to 60 °C, allowing control of the internal radiator temperature.
- Selected temperature settings are displayed via 5 LED indicators for clear visual feedback.
- Includes a built-in 2-hour drying function, ideal for drying towels or clothing.
- No timer is built into the element itself; however, it is compatible with an external timer and will remember its settings when switched off.
- Operation is controlled via four buttons: Power, Temperature +, Temperature −, and Dryer.
element specifics
- 66 mm length measured from the thread down, with a 55 mm diameter clock-style face.
- Internal probe lengths vary depending on the selected wattage — refer to the diagram in the image gallery.
- Straight cable supplied, no plug.
- IPx5 rated, suitable for use in bathroom environments.
- Class 2 double-insulated design for enhanced electrical safety.
wattage selection advice
- Choosing the correct wattage heating element is essential for safe and effective performance.
- Select an element with a wattage as close as possible to the radiator’s central heating (hydronic) output measured in watts.
- If the output is listed only in BTUs, convert using the formula: BTUs ÷ 3.41 = Watts.
installation
- Full installation instructions are supplied in the accompanying manual, but the following points are useful to read in advance.
- The element must never be switched on in open air — it must be fully submerged in the heating medium to operate safely.
- The supplied cable is 1.5 metres long and may be shortened or extended (daisy-chained only) as required.
- Heating elements that have been fitted cannot be accepted for change-of-mind returns.
- When installing the element, always use a spanner on the metal neck. Do not apply force to the plastic head, as this may cause damage or cracking.
electrification advice
- Before electrifying any towel rail or radiator, confirm with the manufacturer that the model is suitable for use with a heating element.
- Not all towel rails or radiators are compatible, as internal design and heat circulation vary between models.
- Installing an element into an unsuitable radiator may lead to poor performance or failure, which would not be a fault of the element.
dual fuel advice
- When using this element as part of a dual fuel installation (electric in summer, central heating in winter), the towel rail should be bled regularly.
- Air can gradually build up inside the system, which may cause overheating if the element operates without sufficient water circulation.
- A heating element must never be operated dry, as this can cause excessive surface temperatures and damage towels or clothing.
- This works on the same principle as a kettle — never run it without water inside.
guarantee & replacement
- Backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- The typical lifespan of a heating element is between 4 and 7 years, depending on usage.
- At end of life, the SOA heating element can be fully unscrewed and replaced as a single complete unit.
