Towel radiator element

[NDG Elecs]

Hi Lads n Ladies,

Replacing an electric towel rad element and found the old element was split open along much of it. Just wandering what would cause this to happen.

The rad in question is also connected to the wet central heating, and the FCU has a label warning only to use the electric element when central heating is off. Would a combination of both the wet and electric elements being on at same time possibly cause this? Or is it a case of cheap manufacturing and a weak point in the element casing has got progressively worse.

Want to sound relatively knowledgeable when I talk to the owner later!!

Thanks, Neil

 

[Darkwood]

They run constantly with no stat as far as I'm aware so putting them on with the wet heating on only wastes energy, elements do sometimes split with age or poor manufacturing - if its lasted a while then its just one of those things, elements like filament lamps do have a given life expectancy and breakdown as they are used but obviously elements are more robust and lower temps than a lamp so last a lot longer.

 

[NDG Elecs]

It lasted approx 4 yrs, so not too bad. I will blame the manufacturing/possible misuse then. The MIs specifically state only use when central heating is off. Ie to dry tea towels in the summer. Cheers DW.