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:
- RETRO heated towel rail
- INTEGRA 3 AXIS specialist dual fuel valve
- MOA 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
- Terma manufactures its heated towel rails to the highest quality standards, and the period-style RETRO is no exception.
- Features chunky cylindrical bars with traditional ball-joint detailing at the ends of each bar.
- The brackets are positioned discreetly on the rear corners, creating a clean, unobtrusive appearance once installed.
- Made from low carbon mild steel.
the specialist dual fuel valve
- INTEGRA 3 Axis dual fuel valves with an integrated T-piece, allowing a heating element to be installed on either the left or right side of a heated towel rail.
- Supplied as valve sets including pipes and wall covers, finished to match the radiator for a clean, coordinated appearance, and removing the need for a separate T-piece in dual fuel installations.
- Thermostatic 3 Axis Valve Set integrated with a T-piece, specially designed for installing at the corners of a radiator with pipes coming through the wall and a flush fronted finish where the TRVs will not protrude forward, Left Sided.
- 3 Axis (corner) orientation is ideal when pipework comes through the wall. Chrome in colour.
- Note: The Vario valves are not bi-directional — the TRV head should be fitted on the flow side, as per the overlay diagrams shown in the images.
the heating element
- The Terma MOA Element offers 5 heat settings from 30 °C to 60 °C, allowing control of the internal radiator temperature.
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 1 electrical rating.
controls & operation
- Selected temperature settings are shown 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.
- If you wish to control the maximum surface temperature of the towel rail (for example, to safeguard children), this element can be programmed to limit output:
- The 30°C to 60°C internal range is divided across 5 LED settings in 7.5°C increments.
- LED 1 = 30°C, LED 2 = 37.5°C, LED 3 = 45°C, LED 4 = 52.5°C, LED 5 = 60°C.
- You can cap the maximum temperature (e.g. LED 2 = 37.5°C) so it cannot be increased beyond that level.
- Instructions for this are included in the printed manual.
- Alternatively, consider contacting us to special order this model with the 43D, which is pre-set to 43°C for a safe low surface temperature without reprogramming.
- Looking for a heating element that automatically turns off (ideal for hotels or homes where you're conscious about energy use)?
- We offer two alternatives designed for timed operation - both of which you can contact us to special order this model with either of the elements inside instead:
- TDY – runs for 1, 2, or 3 hours, then switches off automatically, with adjustable temperature settings.
- DRY – runs for 1–5 hours, auto shut-off, and pre-set to 45°C.
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 Chrome.
- Finished in a shiny, mirror texture.
- Terma’s chrome finish is manufactured in Poland, rather than Turkey or the Far East, using a premium-quality, thick chrome plating process. As a result, chrome models are priced higher than their equivalent powder-coated coloured finishes, reflecting the superior quality and durability of the finish. Please note that this surcharge applies to all radiators and towel rails, with the exception of the LEO ladder rail range, as well as all chrome valves and accessories.
- 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.