Thinking about getting a heated towel rail but wondering what's actually involved in the installation? Good news. Installing a heated towel rail from Eskimo Heat is straightforward. Let's walk through exactly what to expect so there's no surprises.
The installation process is simpler than you think
Installing a heated towel rail like the Gordon typically takes a qualified electrician 1-2 hours from start to finish. That includes mounting the unit, running cables, connecting to power, and installing your control switch. It's not a major renovation project, and in most cases, your electrician can complete the job in a single visit.
The process involves mounting the rail to your wall, connecting the power cable to your electrical system, and installing a switch or timer for control. The Gordon heated towel rail comes with a universal mounting bracket that works on all wall surfaces including plaster, tiles, timber, and MDF, so installation is possible in virtually any bathroom.
You need a licensed electrician
This is important! Heated towel rails must be installed by a licensed electrician in Australia and New Zealand. It's not just a recommendation, it's the law. DIY electrical work is illegal for good reason. Bathrooms are wet environments, and electrical safety standards exist to protect you and your family.
Professional installation ensures your heated towel rail is correctly positioned according to bathroom electrical zones, properly earthed, connected to appropriate circuit protection, and compliant with AS/NZS 3000 wiring standards. It also keeps your warranty valid. Attempting DIY installation voids your warranty and creates serious safety risks.
The good news is that electricians are familiar with heated towel rail installations. It's a routine job for them, and labour costs are reasonable for the 1-2 hours involved.
What you need to decide before installation
Before your electrician arrives, you'll want to make a few decisions:
Where will it go? The Gordon heated towel rail needs to be at least 600mm away from baths, showers, and vanities. This is a safety requirement for IP44-rated bathroom appliances. Within those constraints, choose a location that's convenient for hanging towels and doesn't interfere with other bathroom fixtures. The vertical design (1000mm high x 208mm wide) means it fits well in narrow wall sections.
Visible or concealed cabling? The Gordon comes with a power flex cable that can exit from the bottom of the unit or through the rear. If you want visible cabling, the cable runs down the wall to your switch. For a cleaner look, your electrician can route the cable through the wall cavity using the rear exit point. Concealed cabling looks more professional but requires wall access.
What type of control? You can use a basic on/off switch, a programmable timer, or a smart WiFi switch. Basic switches are cheapest. Timer switches offer better energy management by automatically turning your heated towel rail on and off according to your schedule. Smart switches like the Clipsal Iconic Wiser give you mobile phone control. Decide before installation so your electrician brings the right equipment.
Where will the switch go? Most people install the control switch near the bathroom entrance for easy access. Some prefer it next to the vanity. Think about what will be most convenient for your daily routine.
What happens during installation
Your electrician will start by marking and drilling the mounting holes. The Gordon's bracket system makes this straightforward. They'll secure the bracket to the wall, ensuring it is level and properly anchored.
Next comes the electrical work. If you chose concealed cabling, they'll route the power cable through the wall to your switch location. For visible cabling, they'll run it down the wall surface. The heated towel rail connects to your home's 240V power supply. The Gordon draws just 200 watts, so it typically shares a circuit with other bathroom fixtures rather than needing a dedicated line.
They'll install your chosen switch or timer, making all necessary electrical connections and ensuring everything is properly earthed and protected. Finally, they'll mount the heated towel rail onto the bracket, test the system to confirm it is working correctly, and show you how to operate it.
Installation works on any wall type
One of the benefits of the Gordon heated towel rail is its versatile mounting system. The aluminium construction is lightweight compared to traditional liquid-filled rails, and the universal bracket adapts to different wall surfaces.
Whether you have plasterboard, tiles, timber paneling, or MDF, installation is possible. Your electrician will use appropriate fixings for your specific wall type to ensure secure mounting. The compact dimensions (1000mm H x 208mm W x 111mm D) mean minimal wall space is required.
Cost expectations for professional installation
Electrician rates vary by location, but expect to pay for 1-2 hours of labour. In Australian capital cities, this typically ranges from $150-300 depending on the complexity of your installation. Concealed cabling takes longer than visible cabling. Installing a smart switch may add time compared to a basic on/off switch.
Get a quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect. Most electricians can provide a fixed price once they understand your requirements. Professional installation is an investment in safety and peace of mind, and if your electrician has any questions they can contact us directly at hello@eskimoheat.com.au or view our installation page for installation guides.
Preparation before your electrician arrives
To make installation day smooth, take care of a few things beforehand:
- Clear the installation area of any obstacles. If you're installing near existing fixtures, make sure there's working space. Have your heated towel rail unboxed and ready, along with any switches or timers you've purchased separately.
- Make sure power to the bathroom circuit can be safely isolated. Your electrician will need to turn off power during installation.
Post-installation testing and care
Once installed, your electrician will test the heated towel rail to ensure it's working correctly. The Gordon heats up to its operating temperature of 43°C within 15-30 minutes. They'll verify the switch or timer is functioning properly and show you how to operate it. For detailed operating instructions and maintenance tips, refer to our installation guides.
The liquid-free electric heating element in the Gordon requires zero maintenance. Just occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to keep it looking good. The powder-coated finish is corrosion-resistant and designed for long-term bathroom use.
The bottom line on installation
Installing a heated towel rail is a straightforward job for a qualified electrician. Plan for 1-2 hours of work, make your decisions about cabling and controls beforehand, and use a licensed professional. You'll have warm, dry towels ready within a few hours of starting the project.
The Gordon heated towel rail is designed for easy installation on any wall surface, with flexible cabling options and compatibility with all standard switches and timers. Once it's installed, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Ready to get started? Check out our installation guides for detailed technical specifications, or explore the Gordon heated towel rail to see all available options.
