Repairing an electric heated towel rail: an overview of popular breakdowns and how to fix them

Electric heated towel rail - This is a convenient and practical household appliance. It provides a comfortable microclimate in the bathroom, prevents the appearance of fungus and allows you to quickly dry towels. He serves a very long time. But sometimes force majeure circumstances happen, which you can fight with your own hands.

We will tell you how to identify a breakdown, and then repair the electrical heated towel railthat has ceased to fulfill its functions. Here you will learn not only about the rules for the restoration of disability, but also about a simple option to improve the operation of the device.

Based on our recommendations, you can repair the heated towel rail yourself, which is connected to the power supply, to fully restore its functions.

Why the electric does not work heated towel rail?

The cause of a breakdown or malfunction heated towel rail often becomes a chain of nodes connecting the device to the power grid.

The search for problems begins with a survey of the outlet. The plug is removed and carefully inspect the inlets.

Due to the breakdown of the heated towel rail in the bathroom or in the combined bathroom, an excessively high level of humidity is formed and there is a risk of mold

In the absence of visual damage, the node is examined using an indicator screwdriver. If there is no current, the outlet is replaced with a working one, when the current is there, they go on to check the temperature regulator. It is gently rotated and listened to the sound. The sound of a faint click indicates the contacts are working and means that the device is working.

Further trouble is sought in the power line. With increased loads on the network, it becomes hot and the device automatically turns off. In this situation, the equipment is again connected to the power supply and carefully monitored.

Repeated knocking out of the automatic plug clearly indicates that there is a short circuit in the connection system, which must be detected and eliminated.

Overheating of the eyeliner is one of the most common causes of a malfunction of the electric heated towel rail, therefore, in case of equipment failure, it is from it that the inspection can be started

Diagnostics of the system for a fault is carried out using multimeter. It is tuned to fix the DC resistance level.

Connection cord heated towel rail to the network is removed from the outlet, and then measure the resistance TENA and wires. Indicators TENA should tend to zero and be slightly less than 1 ohm. The resistance of the wire should approach infinity, since the circuit connecting the neutral and phase conductors is open.

A multimeter is a useful and convenient device that allows you to quickly identify the location of a circuit in the electrical system. It can be useful in the diagnosis of wiring, batteries, batteries

If other numbers are displayed on the device’s display, the damaged eyeliner must be changed. This takes a minimum of time and effort, provided that it is mounted in an open form.

If the hidden laying method is used, to eliminate the problem for a while it is required to remove fragments of the external wall decoration, carry out the necessary repair work and only then return the decor elements back.

A heated towel rail with a hidden power branch in the interior looks more attractive, but it will be more difficult to repair the wiring if it is damaged

Identification of damage in the electrical circuit

According to the rules of safe operation heated towel rail, installation of the outlet directly in the bathroom is carried out only if it is connected to the system through safety devices. Compliant network PUEput circuit breakerdevice RCD and the wiring leading to the outlet.

The residual current device will protect the heated towel rail from overvoltage and short circuit. The choice of the RCD category depends on the voltage, the value of the rated current and the number of poles

To detect a fault area, first check the position of all circuit breakers:

• Disconnected main circuit breaker when switched on RCD indicates a short circuit in the system.
• The main machine is turned on when it is turned off RCD signals a decrease in insulation resistance by TENE device.
• If when unplugged heated towel rail both disconnected machines are easily turned on and do not knock out; problems should be sought in the device itself. When one of them turns off the protective system immediately after switching on, the problem is the connection.
• If when plugged into a power outlet heated towel rail the machines turn on, but one of them knocks out, the malfunction is in the towel dryer.

A machine that is not working with two machines turned on clearly indicates that it may have partially burned out or has already completely burned out. TEN and it needs to be replaced.

Electrical appliance malfunctions

Electric heated towel rails are divided into two types. Some are called solid-filled and graphite is used as a heating substance. The second - liquid - work on special mineral oil, water or antifreeze.

When solid or liquid heated towel rail ceases to function, primarily indicate the area of ​​malfunction. If the wiring and the external power network are checked and in perfect order, it is most likely that the problem lies in the equipment itself.

A detailed search begins with determining whether heated towel rail weaker or not warm at all.To do this, turn on the device in standard mode, and after 5-7 minutes, check the level of heating in the main TENA.

When at this point the unit becomes simply warm, but not fiery, they try to increase the temperature by additionally adjusting the thermostat.

If the temperature adjustment procedure helps, the problem is only the incorrect operation of the control equipment and no further action is required

When heated towel rail warms up as much as possible only in the area TENA, and then remains barely warm or even cold, there is a possibility that it is simply clogged and needs a good cleaning. Do it yourself with your own hands at home.

The device is unplugged, removed from the wall and turned over so that the heating fluid does not leak. Using a wrench, unscrew the main valve and clean the inlet with wire.

Then the unit is assembled, checked for leaks, returned to its usual place and connected to the power supply. Normal operation of the device in standard mode means that the repair was successful.

If TEN does not heat up at all, the source of the problem is sought in the electrical part of the unit.

Troubleshooting in electrical system

When it is already known for certain that the problem of the idle heated towel rail It’s not in the mains, but in the device itself, you need to urgently find the place of the malfunction. Devices that operate on the basis of a heating cable are in most cases not repairable or require a complete replacement of the main element.

Almost all Heating elements the units are repaired without problems and after service work normally in standard mode.

To make a diagnosis TENA, you need to get to the contacts connecting it to the system power supply. To do this, first remove the casing covering the contact part. This process in each model is carried out differently and its description is usually available in the user manual attached to heated towel rail.

To check the functionality of the heater, you must again use the tester (multimeter). After checking the heater with a multimeter, you can find out exactly whether it requires replacement or not.

Wires connecting TEN with a common system, soldered or fastened with special contacts. They are carefully disconnected. Then with multimeter call individually, first the wire, and then himself TEN.

The measurement scale is set to “Ω” and the maximum value is indicated. Measurement is made between the three passing wires and fix the indicator. It should be as high as possible. Data tending to 0 indicates a short circuit in the system.

If between the outlet and TENOM there is some kind of regulatory equipment, before measuring it is turned off and tested separately. Ignoring this item will result in incorrect data.

If there is a timer on the heated towel rail, the circuit between its contacts is also checked. Lack of circuit - a sure signal that the timer requires replacement

Inspection of the heating element begins with checking the circuit between the power contacts. Then determine the presence and level of resistance between the power contacts and the housing. If there is no circuit between the power contacts, then either it’s broken TEN, or a temperature regulator.

Low resistance value between power contacts and housing TENA speaks about its damage or breakdown. In such a situation, the element is removed and replaced with a new one.

Replacement work TENA

Configuration of most electric models heated towel rails provides for the replacement of a failed heating element with a new one. The procedure is not too complicated, and you can do it yourself at home with a screwdriver, pliers and a set of wrenches.

Before starting repairs, you need to find out what type TEN used in model heated towel rail. The most common are wet TENYin which the heating element is in contact with the liquid coolant.

Before fixing such units, they are removed from the wall, turned over, unscrew the inlet valve and drain the working fluid (water, oil, distillate solution). Then unscrew the threaded connections fastening the element to the housing, replace the faulty TEN to workable, pour heat-transferring liquid, close the outlet openings and check the installation for leaks.

To replace the heating element, the heated towel rail must be disconnected from the central power supply, in other words - unplug the plug from the socket to disconnect the device

In the "dry" versions, where the heating element and the coolant are separated from each other, the faulty TEN they simply unscrew it from the case and put a new one in its place.

Upon completion of work multimeter call TEN entirely and only when positive results are obtained in all areas, the equipment is installed back onto the wall and the equipment is connected to the power supply system.

Modernization of a cheap Chinese model

Consider an example of improving the budget model of electric drying, established by an economical developer. According to the home master who implemented this option, most of these appliances in the new house are out of order. We will analyze not only the idea, but also the mistakes made by him in order to step on the rake already tested by the owner.

Found the cause of common breakdowns. When hanging wet things on the appliance, for the drying of which it is actually intended, a cheap Chinese product will burn out because of excessive temperature and fusion of the wiring. To exclude such negative situations, it was decided to put a thermostat.

System depressurization and fluid loss

The cause of the unit malfunction is a violation of the integrity of the tank with the coolant and, as a result, leakage of the working fluid. The culprits of this problem are usually o-rings that have worn out during intensive use or have simply worked out their temporary life.

The easiest way to detect a breakdown. A puddle with a leaking liquid of an oily yellow or dark hue is formed on the bathroom floor directly under heated towel rail and clearly indicates a malfunction.

To fix the breakdown heated towel rail disconnect from the system power supply, removed from the wall, unscrew the valve at the inlet, drain the working fluid and carefully disassemble in the place of depressurization using an adjustable wrench or a special tool provided by the design of the model.

The damaged o-ring is removed and a new one, which is included with appliance.

If all branded o-rings have already been used, the product is bought in a specialized store. For heated towel rail suitable cushioning elements made of solid and semi-solid monolithic rubber grades.

They remain operational at temperatures from -40 to + 80 ° С, and some more modern species do not lose their physical characteristics even at temperatures from -20 to + 90 ° С.

For the manufacture of gaskets for household electrical devices using technical rubber TMKShch (GOST 7338-90). The abbreviation means that the products are resistant to alkaline effects and have heat and frost resistance. They are recommended to be installed only in those systems where the pressure does not exceed 25 bar

The only drawback of rubber gaskets is their fragility. During operation, they quickly lose their elastic structure, delaminate or crack. Setting them in heated towel rail it should be borne in mind that they will have to be changed quite often.

Sealing and gasket products made of paronite are more practical and easily withstand pressure in the system up to 64 bar. Unlike rubber options, they quietly tolerate high heat load (up to + 200 ° C), are resistant to sudden changes in temperature and are not afraid of the strong pressure characteristic of heating systems.

However, paronite includes chrysolite asbestos, which is considered harmful to human health. It contains some types of carcinogens that can provoke malignant and benign formations. In the Eurozone countries, asbestos is prohibited, so professionals do not recommend using paronite gaskets for home appliances.

Silicone gaskets are non-toxic and exhibit good working qualities, but their price is quite high. In addition, in hermetically sealed systems at temperatures above + 150 ° С, the material softens, exhibits porosity, loses hardness and loses its original strength.

Details from fluoride Polymers are more expensive, but have unrivaled physical, anti-friction and electrical properties. Ftoroplast demonstrates complete harmlessness to humans and instantly attenuates with spontaneous combustion.

Gaskets and gaskets made of this progressive material practically do not age, withstand record-breaking high loads, work efficiently in aggressive conditions, perfectly tolerate operating temperatures up to + 150 ° C and pressure up to 160 bar.

Replacing the rubber or silicone O-rings with PTFE on the heated towel rail once, you can forget about leaks forever

After replacing the gasket, the drained working fluid is poured into the unit. If its volume is not enough, the right amount is added from the spare tank. If desired, the heat-conducting composition is completely changed to a new one. So that the system does not break, it is imperative that they leave an air cushion of 3 to 5 centimeters.

At the end of the service, the unit is reassembled, the inlet valve is screwed up, checked for leaks, hung up at the usual place and connected to the electric network. Heated towel railfunctioning in normal mode means that the repair was successful.

PRavila installation and operation of equipment

In order for the equipment to work efficiently and not fail, at installing an electric heated towel rail and operation of the device, some simple rules should be followed:

1. Do not place the unit in close proximity to the place where the water flows. To avoid problems, hang the household appliance as far from the bathtub or shower as possible.
2. When connecting the device to the system power supply you need to apply an eyeliner that can withstand intense current loads.
3. For correct and safe operation heated towel rail protective devices must be installed. Differential machine, circuit breaker and RCD they will protect the equipment from burnout and ensure normal functioning even with unauthorized energy drops.
4. The presence of a grounding contact is the most important position when installing an electrical heated towel rail. In the event of an insulation breakdown, it will prevent electric shock to the user.

The socket should not be built-in, but external and must moisture proof. If possible, it is better to place it outside the bathroom, having done through drilling in a suitable place on the wall.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The roller clearly demonstrates the process of replacing the phase wire of electric drying:

Troubleshoot and Post Repair heated towel rail can be done at home. This requires multimeter, screwdriver, adjustable wrench and pliers.

When carrying out work, you must follow basic safety rules and follow the tips contained in the instructions that came with the equipment. If there is doubt in your abilities, you should contact the center of branded warranty service or call a qualified specialist at home. It will quickly detect the problem area and fix any problems that arise.

You can write a post about how you fixed your own electric dryer and attach a photo in the block located under the text of the article. Please comment on the information presented by us, ask questions, a divider with useful information on the topic.