Heated Towel Rail Plug In The Side Of A Bathtub?

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TyreguyNZ

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#293171 3-Jan-2022 18:16

Hi All,

We are currently in a rented house with the heated towel rail plug in the side of the bathtub, to me it doesn't seem safe, anyone know if it would be legal/illegal?

I would say it is a stupid/dangerous place to put it but am wondering about the legality of it especially in a rental property.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

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#2842544 3-Jan-2022 18:52

WOW just WOW I am lost for words

TyreguyNZ

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#2842548 3-Jan-2022 19:03

Thanks Linux, the top of the plug is 300mm above the floor, i will pull the fuse to it and get the landlord to sort it asap.

SomeoneSomewhere

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#2842549 3-Jan-2022 19:13

It's a PCU, which is not strictly a 'socket' - I think it would be a "switch/accessory", which means to be in Zone 1 or Zone 2 it needs to be IPx4. IP-rated PCUs are available.

However, still not allowed below 300mm.

andrewNZ

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#2842550 3-Jan-2022 19:17

A permanent connection unit is NOT a socket outlet.

The stated zone (zone 2) does appear correct.

In this case I'd class it as "Switches and other accessories" which must be minimum IPx4.
That one is probably IP56.

Ref: AS/NZS3000:2007 6.2.4.3

ETA. Also consider that the install must meet the rules from the time it was installed. This may change things.

Ge0rge

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#2842551 3-Jan-2022 19:19

andrewNZ: A permanent connection unit is NOT a socket outlet.

The stated zone (zone 2) does appear correct.

In this case I'd class it as "Switches and other accessories" which must be minimum IPx4.
That one is probably IP56.

Ref: AS/NZS3000:2007 6.2.4.3

I stand corrected. Surely the fact it's below 0.3m is an issue though?

djtOtago

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#2842553 3-Jan-2022 19:41

There is always the possibility it is a low voltage towel rail. Just using a 240v mains style PCU plate to wire it in as that was all the electrician had. The low voltage transformer could be in the bath cavity.

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Jase2985

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#2842557 3-Jan-2022 20:10

TyreguyNZ:

Thanks Linux, the top of the plug is 300mm above the floor, i will pull the fuse to it and get the landlord to sort it asap.

your going to do that based on linux's post with zero technical knowledge in it?

Have a look at the 2 electricians that have posted then make a decision.

without knowing the make/model of the towel rail its hard to say

eracode

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#2842560 3-Jan-2022 20:34

Jase2985:

your going to do that based on linux's post with zero technical knowledge in it?

Have a look at the 2 electricians that have posted then make a decision.

Yep - often borders on trolling. Don’t understand why OP said thanks.

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gregmcc

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#2842575 3-Jan-2022 21:37

It could be and ELV (extra low voltage) towel rail wired to a PCU, in a rental it's unlikely to be as these are over $400 each.

If it's not an 12Volt unit, it is illegal (again dependent on when originally installed) looking at the PCU it is a PDL 600 series it is modern <10 yrs, it could be the IP rated version but without opening it up it is hard to tell.

See if you can find a nameplate sticker and get a good photo of it and post here.

As far as using it, you are right to turn off, at the switch in this case is not ideal as the switch could reasonably be expected to get wet.

Rikkitic

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#2842593 3-Jan-2022 21:47

If that is not low voltage I would regard it as extremely dangerous. Think of it as throwing a live toaster in your bath water. Definitely pull the fuse until you know otherwise.

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gzt

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#2842600 3-Jan-2022 22:21

If it's low voltage you'll still want to know exactly where the transformer is before deciding it too is safe. Even then, this still looks scary as all hell and any sane person is going to do exactly what you did. Imo not a big deal to ask an electrician to relocate that to where it should be. Peace of mind for everyone.

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SomeoneSomewhere

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#2842601 3-Jan-2022 22:22

I wouldn't call it extremely dangerous. It's not up to modern safety standards, but you would have to slop a sizeable amount of water over the side and then have more go wrong. Treat it with caution but it's nowhere near a live toaster in the water.

Rikkitic

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#2842604 3-Jan-2022 22:36

SomeoneSomewhere:

I wouldn't call it extremely dangerous. It's not up to modern safety standards, but you would have to slop a sizeable amount of water over the side and then have more go wrong. Treat it with caution but it's nowhere near a live toaster in the water.

If it is 230 volts AC, it is extremely dangerous in that configuration. Apart from that, you have no idea how it is wired and laid out under the tub.

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SomeoneSomewhere

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#2842610 3-Jan-2022 22:52

There's nothing inherently wrong with having wiring under the tub - for starters, a spa bath has to have it. Water isn't very likely to get there unless your tub catastrophically fails. The rules are only concerned with outlets, switches, lights etc. located near water. Not cable.

If it's an IP56 PCU, I would argue that there's not too much wrong with it. Yes, it's under the 300mm minimum and thus illegal and must be fixed, but your bathroom is not likely to end up a foot deep in water anyway. It's something to be aware of and cautious of, not something to run screaming away from like a downed line or actual exposed conductors.

SepticSceptic

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#2842612 3-Jan-2022 23:00

It's a bulls-eye target for kids to pour water over at bath time..

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