Oil Filled radiator Help!!!!

[Bruv]

My wife came home with an oil filled radiator, now.......we live in an old place that has ancient wiring, still have a wired fuse box for example.
I know there are strict rules for electricity in the bathroom, now I want to know if it can be wired off the lighting circuit, or does it need a dedicated supply.
Any help would be gratefully received

 

[Spark123]

I wouldn't do it like that, what KW rating is it?
Either a dedicated supply or a supply off a socket circuit is more normal, saying that it opens a can of worms if you don't have RCD protection of all circuits in the bathroom. Ideally you need an electrician to take a look.

 

[Bruv]

Blimey that was quick!!
It says on the box 150 Watts 240v 50 Hz Can't see any KW rating, it does say it needs to be protected by a 30mA differential circuit breaker and that it should be connected to a fused connection unit incorporating contact separation in all poles.
I don't understand any of that so that is why I am asking here.

 

[Taylortwocities]

What make/model of radiator is it?

You have three challenges:
1. Is the radiator suitable for use in a bathroom? I just had a look at a couple on the web and they are not suitable.
2. Where will you power it from? A lighting circuit is VERY unlikely to be meaty enough for even a modest heater. Sockets are not allowed in bathrooms within 3metres of a bath/shower.
3. Wherever it is powered from will have to be RCD protected. Given the age of your installation, I wonder if you have RCD protection, at all.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Just seen your post. 150watts is the equivalent of 2 or 3 light bulbs. Is it worth the hassle?

 

[Bruv]

What make/model of radiator is it?

You have three challenges:
1. Is the radiator suitable for use in a bathroom? I just had a look at a couple on the web and they are not suitable.
2. Where will you power it from? A lighting circuit is VERY unlikely to be meaty enough for even a modest heater. Sockets are not allowed in bathrooms within 3metres of a bath/shower.
3. Wherever it is powered from will have to be RCD protected. Given the age of your installation, I wonder if you have RCD protection, at all.

It is a towel rail, where else would you put one ?
Could I not fit a RCD attachment to my old fashioned fuse board ?

 

[Taylortwocities]

It is a towel rail, where else would you put one ?
Could I not fit a RCD attachment to my old fashioned fuse board ?

Ah, thats a bit clearer.
You will need RCD protection on the feed for the radiator. It is possible to fit a RCD to the circuit, but not easily to a wired fusebox.
Usually the radiator would be powered from a socket circuit. Usually you would put a fused connector there with an RCD. Is there a suitable socket near the bathroom?

 

[Bruv]

I have an RCD to one circuit in my fuse board now following an earlier electrical problem.
There is a kitchen separated by a small hallway with an available plug circuit.

Or would it be easier to take the radiator back and get a fan heater ?

 

[deadshort]

Hi, if you want to heat the room quickly just for the duration of a bath or shower a wall mounted bathroom fan heater is the answer. It does not matter what you install it MUST be done properly.
Dimplex do a bathroom fan heater.

Regards,

DS

 

[stillp]

Or would it be easier to take the radiator back and get a fan heater ?

It might be more effective, but it still needs an RCD in circuit.

 

[ericmark]

A RCD FCU

can be used. But this is not really a DIY job.