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Bathroom infrared heater with timer?

7 replies

backtonormalname · 18/02/2020 12:21

We have a infrared heater in our bathroom that has no spare wall for a radiator. However, heater has no timer on it and sometimes we have forgotten to turn it off when going out in a rush.
I've been looking around for one that has a timer but can't find one. Has anyone ever seen one with a timer? We tried a fan bathroom approved one that does have a timer and thermostat but it just doesn't heat the room up as well as the heat seems to rise too quick (quite high ceilinged room)
Any ideas or experience much appreciated

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minipie · 18/02/2020 12:25

Is it plug in or hard wired in?

If it’s plug in, simple, buy a plug in timer switch and plug the heater into it. Then you can set the timer as you wish.

If it’s hard wired you can still wire in a separate timer switch but will need an electrician to do it.

backtonormalname · 18/02/2020 12:34

Thanks for the reply minipie. It is hard wired. Are there timer switches that are bathroom safe do you know?no problem to get a spark in to do it but we want to know what we are asking for first.

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minipie · 18/02/2020 12:47

from a quick google there are ones that are outdoor safe so must be bathroom safe eg

this one but it’s not pretty!

Ask the electrician before he/she comes round - they may know of one you can order that will work.

minipie · 18/02/2020 12:49

these ones are designed for towel rails so should be bathroom safe

backtonormalname · 18/02/2020 14:31

thank you for taking the time again to look.

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PigletJohn · 18/02/2020 14:40

As it's an infra-red heater I think you need a timer that is manual "on" and auto "off"

because it gets very hot it wouldn't be safe to have it automatically come on when unattended.

A suitable timer would be
www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/HOE30.html which allows you to turn it on for a timed period of up to two hours (this one has no fuse so would only be suitable for a dedicated circuit which is already fused elsewhere)

or this
www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SMFBT4N.html which does have a fuse and can replace an existing FCU.

The makers have similar models with different time periods

UK has rules relating to electrical fittings in bathrooms. You can fit such a switch outside the bathroom door, or inside the bathroom provided it is far enough away from the footprint of a fixed bath or shower. Bathroom "zones" are not measured from WCs, bidets or washbasins. A qualified electrician will also know the regulations for distance, bonding, and RCD protection.

Many electrical fittings are allowed in a UK bathroom if they conform to the zones measured from fixed baths or showers. Even plug sockets are now permitted if they are three metres or more away, but the size of a normal UK bathroom means this is usually impossible so it is simpler, but less accurate, to say they are not permitted.

Many people think you aren't allowed an ordinary wall lightswitch, but, again this may be permissible, subject to measurement.

These rules do not apply to rooms that do not contain a fixed bath or shower and are therefore not bathrooms. A room with just a washbasin and/or WC is not a bathroom.

backtonormalname · 18/02/2020 22:19

Thank you PigletJohn

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