CaCtus guide | page
5
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CACTUS
FAQ’S
Q. Can I place the towel rail more than 2 metres from the transformer?
A.
The main reason for the limit is NOT voltage drop, as this may be overcome with larger wire.
Modern electronic transformers operate at very high frequencies and extending the length of low
voltage wiring will cause unacceptable levels of radio frequency interference (buzzing on AM
radios). This may not just affect your own home, but potentiallly neighbours as well, and should be
taken seriously. Old technology ‘iron core’ transformers do not have this problem and may be used
to extend longer than 2 metres, provided that larger cable is used to counteract voltage drop.
Electricians may contact DC Short Ltd for further technical advice if needed.
Q. Is my towel rail operating at the correct temperature?
A.
Towel rails will not feel as hot on cold winter days as they do on hot summer days as they are
not thermostatically controlled. The towel rail contains no moving parts or electrical contacts, this
ensures a long life. A quick test to determine if the rail is functioning correctly follows:
1. Turn the towel rail on and leave for one hour with no towels.
2. After one hour each bar of the towel rail should be a similar temperature, but no more than
warm.
3. Cover each bar of the towel rail with a DRY FOLDED towel, three towels (a double layer of
towelling on each bar). Leave the towel rail on for another hour.
4. After one hour check that the temperature underneath the towelling on each bar is HOT to the
touch. The exposed surfaces should remain warm only.
Q. I have tested the transformer with a multimeter prior to installation and detect no voltage?
A.
Electronic transformers operate at high frequencies, above the sampling frequency of a
standard multimeter. It is unlikely that a multimeter will detect any voltage. It should also be noted
that electronic transformers will not start without a load connected.
If you need to test that the transformer is functioning correctly, EITHER connect the transformer to the
towel rail to see if it gets warm, OR temporarily connect a 50W halogen lamp to the transformer to see
if it lights up.
