Towel rail woes

[Flobalob]

We''ve just fitted an electric towel rail & have run into a few problems.
We've 1/2 filled it with water, is that correct? We've only had it on for about 20 mins as it got so hot it would have burnt you if you'd touched it, surely that can't be right?
It's a used rail (so no instructions!) & we've used a new 600w element, there's no thermostat/timer.
Have we not filled it correctly, or is there something else we've not done, I wont have it switched on as I don't want it blowing up.

Many thanks to anyone who can offer some advice.

 

[twgas]

I dont think its a good idea to fill an electric only towel rail with water, and if it doesnt have a stat it WILL explode at some point. you are wise to not use it.

 

[steve32]

NO you do not just fill it with water most use thermal transfer fluid or some use an oil-based fluid

The element must be the correct w for the size of the rail if it's a single heat element.

Single heat elements ensure that the electric towel rails maintain a constant temperature when switched on, or you can opt for a thermostatic element with a built-in manual control, so you can turn the temperature up and down depending on the level of heat you need.

 

[Flobalob]

*deleted*

 

[Flobalob]

NO you do not just fill it with water most use thermal transfer fluid or some use an oil-based fluid

The element must be the correct w for the size of the rail if it's a single heat element.

Single heat elements ensure that the electric towel rails maintain a constant temperature when switched on, or you can opt for a thermostatic element with a built-in manual control, so you can turn the temperature up and down depending on the level of heat you need.

Many thanks for taking the time to reply.
So where do we get this fliud? We were told water with or without antifreeze. How would we know if the element is the right size, we just went by an online guide we found that recommended sizes for different sq footage of room, is that wrong?

 

[steve32]

When you buy a new unit they are pre filled with the correct fluid, the correct heating element is fitted, and they come with full instructions.

 

[Flobalob]

When you buy a new unit they are pre filled with the correct fluid, the correct heating element is fitted, and they come with full instructions.

Yes, but this is a used unit, if it were new & with instructions, we'd not have there questions.
Just did a search on here & members say to use deionised water/water and a little radiator/ch corrosion inhibitor so a little confused being told not to use it?

 

[arasca]

When you buy a new unit they are pre filled with the correct fluid, the correct heating element is fitted, and they come with full instructions.

Yes, but this is a used unit, if it were new & with instructions, we'd not have there questions.
Just did a search on here & members say to use deionised water/water and a little radiator/ch corrosion inhibitor so a little confused being told not to use it?

Hi
Please fallow bellow:

o Convert/Install a Towel Radiator as an “Electric Only” Version:
Turn the towel radiator upside down and screw the electric element into either side of the towel radiator. Use PTFE tape wrapped clockwise around all male threads to assist in making watertight and complete sealed joints.
Insert and screw blanking plug to the other side of the towel radiator. Use PTFE tape wrapped clockwise around all male threads to assist in making watertight and complete sealed joints.
Turn the towel radiator correct way up and fill the radiator to the top manually with water using the top inlet point, leaving 2-3 cm (1 inch) gap for the water to expand (air gap)
Note: use pure water only but you can also use other lubricants to dilute such as anti-freeze. In all cases 75% of the liquid must be pure water.
Insert and screw bleed valve (air-vent) to the 3rd inlet point on top of the towel radiator.
Mount the towel radiator on the wall
Connect the electric element to the mains supply as instructed below.
After placing a towel or similar beneath the radiator to soak up spillage, loosen the bleed valve bolt on top of the towel radiator.
Turn electric element, cover the towel radiator with a couple of towels and leave it until the radiator warms up and reaches its full temperature.
Once fully heated, tighten the bleed valve on top of the radiator and check for leaks (do NOT over tighten!)

Hope that helps