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 tradesmen. Here we give you complete expert guidance for this dual fuel towel rail — supplying all parts required — so you can ensure a smooth and successful installation when your tradesman arrives - note for dual fuel you may need both an electrician and plumber which is why you are best place to know what you need yourself in the case of dual fuel.
heat output
- Firstly, if you haven't already done so - use our heat calculator to work out your specific requirements for your room to ensure you are looking at the right size heated towel rail.
- As this is a dual fuel model you would work this out twice - once for central heating and then again for electric to ensure the respective outputs this rail gives match both requirements - use the central heating as the lead source and just closest match the electric output.
a complete dual fuel towel rail : with all components included
- This is a complete dual fuel towel rail with everything you need to simply install it and set this up as dual fuel - no fuss, no mess.
- These are state of the art dual fuel towel rails provided with the very best specialist dual fuel items for a high end looking finish - as often dual fuel installations can look cumbersome in comparison to this.
- You will receive all items as seen in the main images which includes:
- MANTIS heated towel rail
- UNICO specialist dual fuel valve
- MEG heating element
- + CABLE MASKING (if included in chosen specification)
what is a dual fuel towel rail?
- Dual fuel means you can run the same towel rail in two ways — as electric via the use of a heating element in the summer (when you may only want to dry your towels or clothes) and as central heating in the winter (when the full system is on).
- The water inside the towel rail comes from your central heating system as normal — when the main system is off this water will sit idle, and in the summer the element installed in the towel rail will warm the water located inside just this towel rail. You can keep both of the valves open.
- If you want to learn more about dual fuel, read our dedicated dual fuel towel rail guide here.
the heated towel rail
- MANTIS is a low profile shallow projection model of 72mm deep from the wall.
- MANTIS is designed with single-layered bars.
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The Horizontal bars are 40x10mm and the outer upright bars are 40x30mm.
- Made from low carbon mild steel.
the specialist dual fuel valve
- This specialist dual fuel valve is the best valve to for a dual fuel towel rail as the flow/return is located on the same side of the radiator — leaving the opposing side free for the heating element (so no T-Piece is required, unlike a standard dual fuel set-up).
- The flow and return travel through the valve via the immersion tube: flow goes up the tube and the return comes back down the outside of the tube.
- Angled orientation.
- Choose left or right side as you need for your specific installation - see the image which shows both orientations show side by side to see which suits your room setup and pipework setup best.
the heating element
- The Terma MEG Element offers 5 heat settings from 30°C to 60°C, regulating the internal radiator temperature.
element specifics
- Compact dimensions: 66mm length from thread down, 55mm diameter clock-shaped face.
- Internal probe lengths vary depending on the wattage — see the diagram in the image gallery.
- Straight cable supplied, no plug.
- IPx4 rated, safe for use in bathrooms.
- Class 1 electrical rating.
controls & operation
- Settings are displayed via 5 LED indicators for easy visual reference.
- No timer or 2-hour drying function is built into the element itself.
- The element is compatible with an external timer and will remember its settings when switched off.
- Features three control buttons: Power, Temperature + and Temperature -.
standard option vs. masking option
- You can choose to buy this element with or without the masking cover on the rear.
- The masking cover conceals the wire up to the entry point into the wall, providing a neater, tidier appearance.
- Important note: Masking requires the wall to be trowelled out; if walls or tiles are already finished, the standard (non-masking) option is recommended.
- The cable housing unit can be cut down for radiators that sit closer to the wall than the standard depth (65mm to back of element).
- Ideal for installations where a flush-to-wall appearance is desired.
- Cannot be extended for deeper wall projections.
straight cable vs. spiral cable
- If your electric supply is very close to the towel rail the spiral cable option will keep the cable tight and coiled. See the demo images to see the straight vs. spiral.
- As this item is made to order you can configure it exactly as you'd like it to be made for you.
colour & finish
- Heated Towel Rail is Painted in Matt Signal Grey RAL 7004.
- Finished in a matt, smooth texture.
- This is a standard powder paint.
- The element is chrome with a grey cable.
safety & compliance
- Fully built and tested to EN442 standards and UKCA certified.
- Heat outputs are independently verified by an external testing house to ensure accuracy.
guarantee & warranty
- Rail: 12-year manufacturer’s warranty for long-term reassurance.
- Element and Valve: 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Usual lifespan of a heating element is 4 to 7 years depending on use.