Electric heater siting

[5oysterman2]

Morning guys. I've been looking for a electric radiator for an alcove in downstairs toilet.

The width of the gap is 430 mm. I've seen a couple that in theory would fit the gap, but on reading further they need quite a lot of clearance each side. Before i give up on the idea is this the norm for electric radiators?

What's the reason for the clearance, damage to the radiator or surrounding walls? Cheers for any replies

 

[blup]

Its for fire safety, heat transfers even when the source and the combustible material are separated by an air gap (convection I think). You will be taking a risk if you don't follow the manufacturers guidance.

Blup

 

[5oysterman2]

Its for fire safety, heat transfers even when the source and the combustible material are separated by an air gap (convection I think). You will be taking a risk if you don't follow the manufacturers guidance.

Blup

Cheers Blup. Does this go for every type of electrical radiator or are there some that i could use.

 

[JohnD]

Oil-filled electric radiators run at a lower temperature than electric convectors, so might have a smaller gap. You must read the manufacturers instructions.

Are the walls tiled brick, or is there combustible material nearby?

 

[5oysterman2]

Oil-filled electric radiators run at a lower temperature than electric convectors, so might have a smaller gap. You must read the manufacturers instructions.

Are the walls tiled brick, or is there combustible material nearby?

Brick walls(plastered ) & only combustible material nearby is skirting board.

 

[JohnD]

And how deep is the alcove?
(Oil-filled heaters are sometimes quite bulky)

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

(convection I think).

Convection and IR radiation. Likely the concerns are mostly about damage to decorations, rather than risk of fire.

 

[5oysterman2]

And how deep is the alcove?
(Oil-filled heaters are sometimes quite bulky)

Apologies for not replying quicker. 170mm deep

 

[JohnD]

I think you can get one to fit.

You might also consider an electrically heated towel rail (not a chrome one)

 

[ebee]

Whichever you get just remember that manufacturers advice is there for a reason (yes it often has a safety measure built into that figure but I`d advise usually following those instructions as a minimum guidance)

 

[5oysterman2]

Whichever you get just remember that manufacturers advice is there for a reason (yes it often has a safety measure built into that figure but I`d advise usually following those instructions as a minimum guidance)

Definitely will follow manufacturers instructions.

 

[big-all]

general comments
a say 400w radiator in a confined space may turn into a maximum 250w output as it cuts in and out as it can't shift the heat fast enough through reduced convection and radiation