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 plumber. Here we give you complete expert guidance for this specific valve set — so you source all parts needed to ensure a smooth and successful installation of your specialist dual fuel towel rails when your tradesman arrives.
design & material
- This is the best valve to buy for installing a towel rail as dual fuel, as it allows the flow/return to be 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, left sided (TRV head on the left hand side of the product, valve body on the right side). Chrome in colour.
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 only the water inside this towel rail. You can keep both of the valves open.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: When running as electric, do not close both valves on the towel rail, as the water will expand when heated and you need an open towel rail to allow it to expand.
- If you want to learn more about dual fuel — read our dedicated dual fuel towel rail guide here.
function & compatibility
- Allows dual fuel operation while keeping one side of the towel rail free for a heating element.
- Note: The Vario valves are not bi-directional — you need to select the correct left or right orientation based on the location of the TRV head and the flow, as these should be on the same side.
installation
- Supplied as a complete installation kit — no additional fittings required.
- Includes pipes and wall covers for a neat and professional installation.
- Note: The pipes are 50mm in length, ideal for pipes through wall installations. For pipes through floor installations, check the valve accessories section for longer pipes, though not all colours may be available in extended lengths.
box contents
- 1x Coloured integrated thermostatic valve body (to fit a radiator with 50mm pipe centres) with Immersion Tube
- 1x Coloured Plastic/Brass Thermostatic head
- 2x Coloured Nut for multilayer pipe adapter
- 2x Coloured Nut for copper pipe adapter
- 2x Coloured 50mm Pipes
- 1x Coloured Steel/Brass Wall Masking Cover with 2 Holes
- 2x Brass Nipple for multilayer pipe adapter
warranty & compliance
- Manufactured to meet UK and EU plumbing regulations.
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.
