Would you like to install a dry-inertia heated towel rail in your bathroom? This Bestherm guide will walk you through a successful, durable, and compliant installation step by step, so you can enjoy optimal thermal comfort every day.
The importance of a compliant and safe installation.
The requirements of the NFC 15-100 standard
An improperly installed heated towel rail can compromise safety, shorten the appliance's lifespan, and impair its thermal performance. It is essential to observe the safety distances, regulatory zones, and electrical requirements of the NFC 15-100 electrical standard
Choosing the right location for your heated towel rail
The safety distances to observe in a bathroom
Choosing the right location for your heated towel rail is essential to ensure safety and performance. For a compliant installation, it is recommended to:
- Install the appliance at least 60 cm from a water source
- Position the bottom of the appliance at least 60 cm above the floor to optimize sensor operation
- Mount the appliance on a dry, sound, and sturdy wall, away from direct splashes and drafts.
All Bestherm heated towel rails are suitable for bathrooms thanks to their Class II (double insulation) and IP24 rating, ensuring optimal resistance to water splashes.
Safe electrical connection for your heated towel rail
An electric heated towel rail must never be plugged into a standard wall outlet. It must be connected directly to a secure cable outlet, in accordance with the NFC 15-100 standard.
Before making the connection, it is essential to follow these instructions:
- Switch off the power at the main circuit breaker
- Use a 3-wire cable with the following color codes:
- Blue or light gray: Neutral
- Brown or red: Live
- Black: Control wire (optional, for programming)
- Connect it in a wall-mounted junction box, never to an electrical outlet
- Protect the circuit with a 30 mA residual-current circuit breaker
- Never connect the pilot wire to the earth, and insulate it if it is not used
💡 Bestherm tip: if in doubt, call a qualified electrician.
Install the heated towel rail away from water outlets
The NFC 15-100 electrical standard defines several safety zones around water outlets, determining the types of electrical appliances permitted in each area. These zones ensure user safety by limiting the risks of contact with water and splashes, particularly in bathrooms:
| APPLIANCES | PROTECTION MEASURE | ZONE 0 (IPX7) | ZONE 1 (IPX5) | ZONE 2 (IPX4) | OUTSIDE ZONES |
| Electric heating | Class I | Prohibited | Prohibited | Prohibited | Permitted |
| Electric heating | Class II | Prohibited | Prohibited | Permitted | Permitted |
Need help installing your heated towel rail?
Do you have questions or need personalized assistance? Our customer service team is available at the following address: service.clients@hom-y.fr
To ensure compliant and safe installation, we recommend hiring a qualified professional electrician.
FAQ: Installing an electric heated towel rail in a bathroom
How far from a shower or bathtub should you install a heated towel rail?
To comply with the NFC 15-100 standard, it is recommended to install a heated towel rail at least 60 cm from water outlets.
This distance helps reduce the risks associated with water splashes and ensures safe use of the appliance in the bathroom.
Can an electric heated towel rail be plugged into a power outlet?
No. An electric heated towel rail must never be connected to a standard wall outlet.
It must be connected directly to a dedicated cable outlet protected by a suitable device, in accordance with the requirements of the NFC 15-100 standard.
Which heated towel rail should you choose for a bathroom?
For safe installation, it is recommended to choose a Class II heated towel rail (double insulation) with a minimum IP24 protection rating.
These characteristics ensure suitable protection against water splashes and allow installation in accordance with the permitted zones of the bathroom.
