If you're installing an Eskimo heated towel rail, understanding your power and cabling options will help you make the right choice for your bathroom setup. This guide covers everything from basic hardwiring to smart control options, so you know exactly what to expect when your electrician arrives.
Hardwired installation is the standard
Eskimo heated towel rails, including the Gordon, are designed primarily for hardwired installation to your home's 240V power supply. While the unit can technically be plugged into a standard power point, we recommend hardwired installation for the best results. Hardwiring connects the unit directly to your electrical system, providing a clean, professional look without visible cords and ensuring reliable power supply.
The Gordon heated towel rail operates on standard Australian and New Zealand 240V (50Hz) power supply and draws just 200 watts, making it highly energy-efficient. This low power consumption means it can typically share a circuit with other bathroom fixtures, though your electrician will confirm the best configuration for your specific setup.
Cabling options: visible or concealed?
Your Eskimo heated towel rail comes with a power flex cable pre-installed, and you have two options for how to route it:
Visible cable installation: By default, the power cable exits from the bottom of the unit. This is the quickest installation method and works well if you're mounting the rail near an existing power point or switch. The cable runs out of the bottom of the unit then up the wall to your switch.
Concealed cable installation: For a cleaner look, you can hide the cable inside your wall. The Gordon has an alternative exit hole on the rear of the unit towards the bottom. Simply move the flex cable through this rear exit, and your electrician can run it through the wall cavity to your switch location. This gives you a completely clean installation with no visible wiring.
Most homeowners prefer the concealed option for new installations or bathroom renovations where walls are already open. If you're retrofitting into an existing bathroom, the visible cable option might be more practical unless you're prepared for some wall patching.
Control options: from simple switches to smart automation
Once your heated towel rail is wired, you need a way to control it. Eskimo heated towel rails work with any standard switch, but your choice of control significantly impacts convenience and energy efficiency.
Basic on/off switch: The simplest option is a standard wall switch. This gives you manual control to turn the heated towel rail on when needed and off when not in use. It works fine if you're disciplined about remembering to switch it on before you shower and off afterwards.
Programmable timer switches: For better energy management, we recommend timer switches. These allow you to set automatic on/off schedules that match your daily routine. Program your Gordon heated towel rail to turn on an hour before your morning shower and off two hours later, ensuring warm, dry towels while minimising running costs.
Smart WiFi switches: The best option for convenience and control is a smart switch. We recommend two options:
Clipsal Iconic Wiser Smart Switch - This 10A Wiser-enabled switch integrates with the Clipsal smart home ecosystem, allowing control via smartphone app and voice assistants.
Infinite Automation Smart Switch 10A - Another excellent smart switch option that provides mobile phone control and programmable scheduling.
Smart switches let you turn your heated towel rail on remotely, adjust schedules on the fly, and monitor energy usage. The upfront cost is higher than basic switches, but the convenience and energy savings typically justify the investment within the first year.
Bathroom placement and safety requirements
The Gordon heated towel rail has an IP44 rating, which means it's suitable for bathroom Zone 2 installation. This rating indicates protection against solid particles over 1mm and water splashing from any direction.
Minimum clearance requirements:
- 600mm from baths
- 600mm from showers
- 600mm from vanities
These clearances ensure the unit stays outside direct water spray zones while remaining safely accessible. Your licensed electrician will verify correct placement according to Australian electrical standards AS/NZS 3000.
The Gordon's compact dimensions (1000mm H x 208mm W x 111mm D) make it easy to position within these safety requirements while maximizing wall space efficiency. The vertical design means you can fit it in narrow wall sections where traditional horizontal ladder rails won't work.
Installation specifications and compliance
Eskimo heated towel rails meet all Australian and New Zealand electrical safety standards. The Gordon is certified to AS/NZS 60334.2.43:2005 and carries RCM compliance.
Key specifications:
- Aluminium corrosion-resistant construction for rapid heat-up
- Installs on all wall surfaces (plaster, tiles, timber, MDF)
- 240V (50Hz) AU/NZ power supply
- Energy-efficient 200-watt output
- Liquid-free electric heating element
- IP44 bathroom electrical Zone 2 rating
The liquid-free electric heating element is particularly important. Unlike older hydronic models that used liquid inside the tubes, modern dry element technology eliminates any risk of leaks, provides faster heat-up times, and requires zero maintenance.
Always use a licensed electrician!
While we've outlined the technical details, Eskimo strongly recommends using a licensed electrician for all heated towel rail installations. Professional installation ensures:
- Correct circuit sizing and protection
- Proper cable routing and connections
- Compliance with electrical safety standards
- Valid warranty coverage
- RCD/safety switch protection where required
DIY electrical work is illegal in Australia and New Zealand for good reason. Improper installation can create safety hazards and void your warranty. A qualified electrician typically completes a heated towel rail installation in under two hours, including switch connection. For detailed step-by-step installation instructions, refer to our official installation guides.
Planning your installation
Before your electrician arrives, consider:
Cable routing: Do you want visible or concealed cabling? Concealed looks better but requires wall access.
Switch location: Where will your control switch be most convenient? Near the bathroom entry is typical, but some prefer it next to the vanity.
Control type: Will you use a basic switch, programmable timer, or smart switch? Smart switches require WiFi connectivity in your bathroom.
Existing circuits: Does your bathroom have capacity for the additional 200-watt load, or will a dedicated circuit be needed?
Discussing these points with your electrician during the quote stage ensures no surprises during installation and helps you get the exact setup you want.
The bottom line
The Gordon heated towel rail offers flexible installation options to suit any bathroom configuration. Whether you choose visible or concealed cabling and basic or smart controls, the hardwired design provides reliable, efficient operation.
The combination of 240V standard power, low 200-watt consumption, and IP44 bathroom rating means professional installation is straightforward. Budget for 1-2 hours of electrician time plus your choice of switch, and you'll have warm, dry towels ready whenever you need them.
Ready to get started? Check out our installation guides or explore the Gordon heated towel rail to see all available options.
