OK guys.
Lets go an look in some books, and other references.
Now, I am not always right (!) and like to be educated.
But here's the griff according to TTC.
First of all, let's look at what the requirements are in zone 1.........
Zone 1
Equipment to be IPX4 minimum, IPX5 if water jets are used for cleaning.
Current using equipment may be installed providing it is 25V AC (RMS) maximum or 60V DC SLEV or PELV, the source being installed outside the zones.
Items such as whirlpool units, showers, pumps, fans, towel rails, water heaters and light fittings may also be installed, see the manufacturers instructions.
Only switchgear with a maximum 12V AC RMS or 30V DC SELV may be installed, the source being outside the zones. This doesn't apply to switches inside current using equipment.
Couldn't be clearer, hey?
Well, in the true IET way you have first to determine what an item of "current using equipment" is. BS7671 tells us (in definitions) that current using equipment converts electricity into another form of energy. Like heat for our towel radiator element.
This leads us to another question
What sort of equipment is there that is non-curent using?
That will be stuff like switches and fused connection units.
Looks like we are on the trail to an answer then.
I wonder which section of BS7671 deals with bathrooms & showers....701!
Oh look, theres a handy paragraph titled " 701.55 Current-using equipment"
Lets look down the list. Hmm, can't see televisions, no sign of hair dryers.
But wait, here, under Zone 1
it sayeth that you can install a towel rail in Zone 1, providing that the IP stuff is met......
and it is suitable for use in Zone 1 and installed according to the maker's instructions.
So, that's it kids. Nothing else to see here.
IP X4, RCD protected Towel rail element is allowed. No problems, end of story. No more discussion needed.
Here's mine (IP55)
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