Can You Use an Electric Heater in the Bathroom?

February 11th, 2020 by Chris Chapman

Maybe you are thinking about buying an electric heater to cheer up your cold, uninviting bathroom on wintry days. If so, there are a number of important factors that you will need to consider first. Most importantly, you may be wondering whether the appliance you opt for is safe to use in a bathroom setting, where it may be subject to water splashes and a steamy atmosphere. The answer to this is ‘yes’ provided the heater carries the appropriate IP rating for its location, and it is installed by a qualified electrician.

What are IP ratings?

showering Electric heaters – like other electrical appliances – come with an IP (Ingress Protection or International Protection) rating. This means that each appliance has met the international standards of protection as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the equivalent British standard, EN 60529. This IP safety code classifies and determines the degree of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion (body parts such as hands and fingers), dust, accidental contact, and the harmful penetration of water. In simple terms, provided your electric heater has received at least an IP X4 rating (the minimal requirements for appliances installed in a home bathroom) or above, you can lie back in your bath, relax, and enjoy your bathroom heating with total confidence.

How do I understand the IP Ratings?

The IP rating system is made up of 2 digits. The first indicates the appliance's protection against solid particles and items and the second is a measure of its protection against water and steam. This second number is more important when choosing an electric heater for the bathroom. Let's consider an IP X4 rating for an electric heater. On the IP code system 0 to 8, we now know that each number represents a different form of protection so the higher the number, the better protected an appliance is. However, if an IP rating has an X instead of a number, it means that the heater has no protection rating in that area. In this example, therefore, ‘X4’ indicates that no testing has been carried out against solid objects but it has been tested against moisture, for which it has been scored a 4. (It should be noted that you will not need an IP rating if you are not intending to use an electrical appliance outdoors or in the bathroom).

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Choosing a Qualified Electrician to Hard Wire Your Appliance

All bathroom electrical appliances need to be hardwired by a qualified electrician so as to be compliant with relevant safety regulations. Further, a professional electrician will be able to assess the additional load on your property’s electricity supply and make suggestions accordingly. It would be best to consult with your electrician first before choosing a heater as they will have knowledge of IEE wiring regulations. Finally, hardwiring will give you a clean, aesthetically-looking fit which only a professional can achieve.

Considering the Best Electrical Heater for Your Bathroom

Apart from providing instantaneous heat and helping you to save money on your energy bill, an electric heater can help to prevent damp while efficiently warming up a chilly room. However, there are a few other points to take into consideration before choosing your heater:

size and shape of bathroom
safety features
running costs
thermostat vs manual

Size and Shape of Bathroom

small bathroom When considering a bathroom heater, you should measure your bathroom carefully and work out how many square feet you will need to heat. It is also important to consider the layout of the room and choose the most appropriate area for installation.

Safety Features

Make sure the heater you choose carries a safety certification label from an independent testing organisation, such as the UL mark, the ETL label from Intertek, or CSA. You should also look for heaters with a smart sensor which automatically shuts off the heater when it overheats, and a tip-over switch that does the same if the heater is knocked over.

Running Costs

Besides the cost of installing an electric heater, you should take into account the costs of keeping it running. Saving money on purchase and installation in the short-term may result in far higher running costs down the line, so aim to buy the most efficient heater you can afford.

Thermostat vs Manual

If you live in a busy household with a large family, where the bathroom is used constantly, you will doubtless benefit from thermostat-controlled heating, preferably with a fully programmable 24/7 timer. It can be set to come on at certain times throughout the day and will maintain the chosen temperature for as long as you want. It may also be programmed to turn on during the night, in order to protect pipes against frost. Otherwise, a bathroom that is used more infrequently can readily be kept warm with a manual system.

Types of Electrical Heaters

There are several types of electric heaters suitable for installation in your bathroom that are splash-proof and safe. These include compact and stylish ceiling- or wall-mounted heaters, which are ideal for providing heat in a smaller bathroom and exceptionally energy-efficient. Alternatively, there are fully enclosed slimline electric panel heaters which take up minimal room and can replace old and inefficient central heating radiators. Whichever you choose, look for the logo, “ERP Lot 20 Compliant Heaters” that meet the highest European energy-efficient standards. Then you will be able to start enjoying a warmer bathroom experience and stop worrying about heating bills!

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