The four options next to each other
A bathroom can be heated differently than a living room: short, intense and at predictable moments. There are four electrical solutions, each with its own character.
- Electric towel radiator: The classic. Heats the space gradually and keeps your towels dry and warm. With a timer, he warms up before you get up. Slowly for those who want immediate warmth, but unbeatable in comfort per day.
- Infrared panel: radiant heat that you feel within minutes, focused on the place where you stand to dry. At the ceiling or high on the wall it takes no place. Also read our article about infrared heating.
- Electric floor heating: a warm tile floor, the main base heat that exists. Ideal for renovations where the floor opens anyway. More about this in our article on electric underfloor heating.
- Electric Convector: the fastest air heater and the cheapest in purchase. Fine as a temporary or additional solution, but pay attention to the placement zone and choose a model that can withstand moisture.
In practice, we often combine: underfloor heating or a towel radiator as a base, with an infrared panel for the fast heat during showering. Which combination fits depends on the size of the bathroom, your insulation and whether the floor can be opened. Do you doubt between a normal radiator and a convector for outside the wet zone, read our article about the electric radiator or convector.
AREI zones: what can be used in the bathroom?
The AREI divides the space around bath and shower into zones, and more stringent requirements apply per zone as you get closer to the water. On the main lines:
- Zone 0: in the bath or the shower box itself. There's no heater here, period.
- Zone 1: right above the bath or shower, up to a certain height. Only devices specifically designed for this purpose, with a high level of protection against water.
- Zone 2: the strip right next to the bath or shower. Devices must be at least waterproof here; IPX4 is often used as a rule of thumb.
- Outside the zones: Here the choice is most generous, although a bathroom remains a damp room and you should also choose a device with a decent IP value.
The IP value on the label shows how well a device is protected against dust and water: the higher the second digit, the better against water. The exact zoning limits and requirements depend on the layout of your bathroom, and ultimately the judge assesses the situation on the spot. Doubtfully, have the placement checked before you buy a device, not after.
Rule of thumb: the closer to the water, the stricter the requirements. A device that looks nice in the shop but does not mention zone indication or IP value should not be in your bathroom.
Connection: fixed, secured and on the right circuit
The connection behind it is as important as the device. Bathroom heating is preferably connected instead of with a socket plug, especially near the zones. The circuit should be properly secured and protected with the right residual-current device (RCD), and devices with a higher output such as underfloor heating or a large radiator will have their own circuit. This way your heating turns safely, and your installation gets through the inspection without any comments.
Frequently asked questions about electric heating in the bathroom
Cannot find your question? Call or email us for an answer from an installer rather than a salesperson.
What is the best electric heating for a bathroom?
There's no best for everyone. If you want warm towels and even heat, choose an electric towel radiator. If you want to feel warmth while showering, then an infrared panel is strong. If the floor still opens, electric underfloor heating is the greatest comfort. Often a combination of a base unit with an infrared panel is the best solution.
Can an electric heater hang over the shower or bath?
Only if the device is specifically suitable for that zone, with the appropriate level of protection against water, and is correctly connected. Straight above bathtub or shower is the strictest zone in the bathroom and most ordinary appliances are not allowed to hang there. Let this be assessed in advance: a misplaced device is a classic test point.
What does the IP value on a bathroom appliance mean?
The IP code indicates how well a device is protected from dust and water. The second number counts in the bathroom: the higher, the better against water. As a rule of thumb, at least splashproof (IPX4) is maintained in the zone next to the bath or shower. Exactly what value is required depends on the area in which the device comes.
Does bathroom heating need a separate electric circuit?
Equipment with limited power can sometimes be carried on an existing circuit if it has spares, but underfloor heating and larger radiators belong to its own correctly secured circle. The bathroom comes with the right differential protection. We look at your distribution board at the site visit and dimension the circles as the AREI asks.
Can bathroom heating be included in my bathroom renovation?
Sure, and that's even the ideal time. As soon as the floor and walls open, we put underfloor heating, new circles and connecting points immediately, neatly tuned to the areas around bath and shower. Check out our page on bathroom renovation or ask for a site visit, then we plan the electricity in the works.
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What applies to your situation?
Equipment selection, price, scheduling and any conditions will be confirmed for your project. This information does not replace an assessment of your installation or an individual quote.