12 Volt vs 240 Volt Heated Towel Rails: Where Each One Belongs in Your Bathroom
Choosing between a 12 Volt and 240 Volt heated towel rail comes down to where you want to install it. Low voltage rails suit wet areas and give you more placement freedom, while 240 Volt rails work well in Zone 2 and all outside zones.
If you are choosing a heated towel rail, the voltage is important because it decides where you can safely install it. The goal is to keep your layout safe while still giving you the design freedom to put the rail exactly where you want it. Knowing the difference between 12 Volt and 240 Volt rails helps you plan around the standard bathroom zones and avoid surprises on installation day.
What to Know About Australian Bathroom Zones
Australian electrical standards divide bathrooms into safety zones. Each zone sets rules on what type of fixture you can install based on how close it is to water. You will hear electricians refer to Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 and the outside zones. Heated towel rails must match these rules because rails combine heat and electricity.
- Zone 0 sits inside the bath or shower itself
- Zone 1 covers the area directly above the bath or inside a shower recess
- Zone 2 covers the splash zone around the bath, shower or basin
- Everything outside these areas counts as an outside zone
Higher IP ratings give better moisture protection. Most Thermorail heated towel rails sit at IP55, which meets Zone 1 or 2 requirements with the correct voltage.
When to Choose a 12 Volt Heated Towel Rail
A 12 Volt rail runs on low voltage, which makes it suitable for wet areas. Installers use a transformer to convert the power, which lets you place the rail safely in Zone 1. This opens up your layout if you want warm towels right next to the shower.
Key benefits:
- Safe for wet areas including Zone 1
- Flexible placement when space is tight
- Ideal for small bathrooms or narrow walls
- Helps you design around tricky shower layouts
When to Choose a 240 Volt Heated Towel Rail
A 240 Volt rail is the standard choice for most bathrooms. It does not need a transformer and can be wired directly by your electrician. These rails suit Zone 2 and all outside zones. Many models can be exposed wired, which makes retrofitting easier in older homes.
Key benefits:
- Suitable for Zone 2 and outside zones
- Straightforward installation
- Ideal for upgrades or renovations
- Good for larger bathrooms with more wall freedom
If you can install a 240 Volt rail, most electricians recommend choosing this option.
Where Each Rail Type Can Be Installed
Image source: Thermogroup
Zone 0: Inside a shower or bath. Only low voltage fittings up to 12 Volt are allowed and they must be IPX7 rated.
Zone 1: Directly above the bath or inside the shower recess. Minimum IP44 rating. Electricians typically choose 12 Volt rails here.
Zone 2: The surrounding splash zone. Minimum IP44 rating. A 240 Volt rail is safe in this area.
Outside Zones: Everything beyond Zone 2. You can use any 240 Volt rail here.
What IP Ratings Mean
Every fitting in a bathroom must show an IP rating. The first number measures protection against dust or foreign objects. The second number measures protection against water. Higher numbers mean stronger resistance. For example, an IP55 heated towel rail protects against limited dust ingress and low pressure water jets. Most rails in the Buildmat range sit at IP55. You gain reliable protection without limiting placement in typical bathrooms.
Plan the Best Position for Your Towel Rail
Your towel rail works best when it is easy to reach from the shower and keeps towels warm without blocking your wall space. Think about:
- How close you want it to be to the shower
- The amount of clear wall space available
- Where the power source will sit
- The height that lets towels hang without touching the floor
Many people install their rail between the shower and vanity so towels stay dry, warm and within reach.
Talk to Your Electrician Before You Finalise Placement
Electrical standards can vary slightly by state. Your electrician will check the zones, confirm the correct voltage and make sure the rail meets the IP rating requirements for your bathroom layout. This keeps your installation safe and compliant.
Need help choosing the right heated towel rail?
You can speak with our team or visit the Buildmat showroom if you want guidance on sizing, placement or product options. We are here to make the process easier.
Phone: 1300 123 122
Email: sales@buildmat.com.au
Showroom: 46 Brindley St, Dandenong South VIC 3175 Australia
FAQs
Can I install a 240 Volt heated towel rail near my shower?
Only if the location sits in Zone 2 or an outside zone. Anything inside Zone 1 usually requires a 12 Volt rail because it is a wet area.
Do I need a transformer for a 12 Volt heated towel rail?
Yes. A 12 Volt rail runs through a transformer that your electrician installs outside the wet zone. This step keeps the rail compliant and safe.
What IP rating should a heated towel rail have?
Most bathrooms require a minimum of IP44 for Zone 1 or 2. Many Thermorail models sit at IP55 for stronger water protection.
How do I know which zone my wall is in?
Zones depend on how close the rail sits to the shower or bath. Your electrician will measure the distance and confirm whether the area is Zone 0, 1, 2 or outside zones.
Is a 240 Volt rail better than a 12 Volt rail?
Each one suits a different area. A 240 Volt rail is practical for most bathrooms, while a 12 Volt rail suits wet areas that need low voltage for safety.
Can I retrofit a heated towel rail during a renovation?
Yes. Many 240 Volt models offer exposed wiring, which can plug into an existing power point. Your electrician can advise on the simplest option for your layout.
Where should I position my heated towel rail for best results?
Place it within easy reach of your shower, high enough for towels to hang freely, and on a wall with clear space. The right position keeps towels warm without blocking your room layout.
