Can you put an electric radiator in your bathroom?

We've all been taught that mixing electricity and water is something is something to be wary of, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners wonder whether it’s even possible to install an electric radiator or heated towel rail in a bathroom. After all, bathrooms are damp environments where safety is paramount.

The good news is that, when the correct products are chosen and professional installation rules are followed, electric heating in bathrooms is not only perfectly safe but also highly practical. Whether you’re renovating an en-suite, adding comfort to a downstairs cloakroom, or creating a new loft bathroom, electric radiators and towel rails can provide a reliable, stylish and flexible solution.

In this article, we’ll explore the safety rules, legal requirements, and practical benefits of electric bathroom heating. We’ll also explain IP ratings and bathroom zones, compare electric with central heating, and help you decide whether this option is right for your home.

Table of Contents

1. Why professional installation is non-negotiable
2. Bathroom electrical zones and IP ratings
3. How electric radiators are designed for safety
4. The benefits of electric bathroom heating
5. Running costs and efficiency
6. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
7. Electric heating at TradeRadiators.com

Why professional installation is non-negotiable

Before we cover products, ratings and benefits, one key fact needs to be clear: electric bathroom radiators and towel rails must only ever be installed by a qualified electrician.

In England and Wales, electrical work in bathrooms is governed by Part P of the Building Regulations. This means the electrician must carry out the installation to legal standards and issue a certificate on completion.

Attempting a DIY installation is not only unsafe but also unlawful. Bathrooms are classed as “special locations” due to the presence of water, making them high-risk environments.

A qualified professional will assess your bathroom layout, determine the safe installation zone, hardwire the unit correctly into your mains supply, and ensure everything is compliant with regulations.

Hiring a professional isn’t just a formality, it’s your guarantee of safety and peace of mind.

• Further reading: A Complete Guide To Electric Heating

Cost of an electric radiator installation

Here’s a rough guide to the costs for a professional electric radiator installation, courtesy of Checkatrade:

Bathroom electrical zones and IP ratings

One of the most important considerations for any electrical appliance in a bathroom is its Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This rating indicates how resistant the unit is to dust and water.

• The first number relates to protection against solids (like dust).
• The second number indicates protection against water. 
• For example, an IP44 radiator is protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and splashes of water from any direction.

Bathroom Zones Explained

Bathrooms are divided into zones that define how close appliances can be placed to water sources. These zones determine the minimum IP rating required:

• Zone 0: Inside the bath or shower itself. Only equipment rated IP67 (suitable for full immersion) is permitted here. Radiators cannot be placed in this zone.
• Zone 1: The area directly above the bath or shower up to 2.25m. Appliances here must be at least IP65 rated.
• Zone 2: Extends 0.6m outside the bath’s edge and 2.25m above the floor. Appliances in this zone must be IP44 or higher.
• Outside Zones: Anywhere beyond Zone 2, where moisture is less of a concern. Appliances must still be installed safely but the requirements are less strict.

This is why choosing a product designed for bathrooms, with an appropriate IP rating, is so important. The electric radiators and heated towel rails you'll find on the Trade Radiators webite are suitable for bathroom installation.

How electric radiators are designed for safety

Modern electric radiators and towel rails are specifically engineered with bathrooms in mind:

• Sealed heating elements - The heating element that converts electricity into warmth is fully sealed inside the unit, so it is never exposed to moisture.
• Hardwired connection - Instead of a standard plug and socket (which would be unsafe), bathroom radiators are hardwired into your mains supply. This eliminates the risk of water ingress.
• Safety cut-outs - Many electric radiators feature thermal safety cut-offs, meaning they automatically switch off if they start to overheat.
• Thermostatic controls - Adjustable thermostats prevent unnecessary energy use while ensuring safe, steady temperatures.

When installed correctly, electric radiators are just as safe as any other appliance in your bathroom.

The benefits of electric bathroom heating

Safety is the foundation, but the real appeal of electric radiators and towel rails lies in their flexibility and convenience.

1. Simple and less disruptive installation

Unlike central heating radiators, electric versions don’t require copper pipework or floorboards to be lifted. A professional can mount the radiator on your chosen wall and hardwire it directly to the mains supply. This is ideal for bathrooms in extensions, loft conversions, or downstairs rooms far from the main heating system.

• Further reading: How Do Radiators Work? - A Complete Guide

2. Independent operation

An electric radiator can be switched on as and when needed, without firing up the whole central heating system. This is especially useful in summer, when you might not want heating throughout the house but still want dry, warm towels.

3. Versatility of application

Electric heating is often the best solution for:

• Ensuites and loft bathrooms, where pipework is impractical.
• Downstairs cloakrooms, which may not be linked to central heating.
• New extensions, where adding to the existing system would be costly.

4. Style and functionality combined

From minimalist ladder towel rails to sleek vertical electric radiators, electric heating products come in a wide variety of designs. Many provide enough output to heat both towels and the entire bathroom.

• Further reading: The Best Electric Radiators

Running costs and efficiency

A common question is: are electric radiators more expensive to run than central heating?

Yes, per unit of energy, electricity is usually more expensive than gas. 

However, because you can heat just one room without running the whole system, many households actually save money. For example, switching on a 500W towel rail for 30 minutes a day is cheaper than heating the whole house just to dry towels.

Modern electric radiators also use precision thermostats and timers, ensuring you only use energy when you need it, so for occasional bathroom use, electric heating is often the most efficient choice.

• Further reading: Is an Electric Radiator Cheaper?

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Electric heating at TradeRadiators.com

So, can you put an electric radiator in your bathroom? The answer is yes, provided you choose the right product with the correct IP rating and hire a qualified electrician to install it. Safe, stylish, and practical, electric radiators and towel rails are an excellent way to add comfort and flexibility to any bathroom.

At Trade Radiators, we stock one of the UK’s most comprehensive ranges of electric radiators and electric towel rails. Whether you’re after a slimline towel rail for a small en-suite or a powerful designer radiator for a family bathroom, you’ll find options to suit every taste and budget.

• Huge choice: From contemporary chrome finishes to traditional column designs.
• Great value: Competitive trade prices, without compromising on quality.
• Fast delivery: Free UK mainland delivery, with many products available for next working day dispatch.

Take a look at our customer gallery for inspiration, and use our handy Heating Calculator to make sure you choose the right size and output for your space.