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Yes, most of our wall-mounted towel warmers have a fixed power location in the lower right corner. All of our heated towel racks are electric "dry" (liquid/oil-free) units and most can be installed "upside down". Doing so will result in the power location relocating from the lower right corner to the upper left corner.
Please see the installation video here: https://www.warmlyyours.com/en-US/videos/towel-warmer-install
A WarmlyYours electric towel warmer can't be installed in a tub or shower enclosure. A WarmlyYours electric heated towel rack should be installed at least 24” away from a wet location like a shower, tub, etc. Always install a WarmlyYours electric towel warmer in compliance with all local building and electrical codes.
Yes. WarmlyYours towel warmers are to be installed in accordance with the instructions in the manual and CEC, NEC, and local code guidelines relating to electrical fixtures in bathrooms. A towel warmer with a hardwired connection must be on a GFCI-protected circuit and be wired by a professional who is certified to do electrical wiring. Towel warmer models with plug-in connections should be used with a GFCI outlet.
Yes, a regular (non-dimming) light switch can be used as an external switch to control a towel warmer, in addition to the built-in switch on the towel warmer itself.
However, do not use a dimmer switch — dimmer switches are not compatible with electric towel warmers and can damage the unit or create a safety hazard.
Note: A GFCI breaker powering the switch may be required by local Electrical Code.
Within the Product Dimensions of the WarmlyYours web page for your particular Towel Warmer, it is listed as the general 'Mounting Footprint'. Measure all dimensions of the delivered product prior to rough-in and installation because continuous improvements in the product may affect the finished dimensions.
Test the ohms of the unit to verify that it is within 5-10% of the resistance indicated in specs. Verify that there is at least 110 volts present into and out of the power supply. If the ohms are too high, the warmer will feel cooler. The lower the voltage, the cooler the unit.If these values are within specs, the towel warmer is working as designed.
A good starting point is to follow the recommendation often provided in the installation manual. The location of your electric towel warmer should take building code, safety, functionality, and aesthetics into consideration. If the towel warmer is mounted too low, towels may drag on the floor, causing tripping or mold issues. Mounting it higher reduces risk of burn, especially for children or those who may accidentally bump into it. If you are unsure what height is best for you, consult your WarmlyYours representative at +1 (800) 875-5285.
No — WarmlyYours electric towel warmers are not a fire hazard when used as directed. Here's why:
- TempSmart™ overheat protection: Every model (except the Elements) includes a built-in internal temperature limiter that automatically shuts the unit down if the surface exceeds 149°F (65°C) or 167°F (75°C) depending on the model — well below any threshold that could cause ignition.
- UL499 tested: All models are tested to UL499 standards, which specifically evaluate surface temperature limits and fire safety.
- cULus and cETLus listed: Independent certification confirms the units meet North American electrical safety requirements.
- IP44 rated: Protected against moisture ingress — safe for bathroom environments where water and electricity are in proximity.
As with any electrical appliance, towel warmers should never be covered with towels that block airflow entirely, and should be installed with the minimum clearances specified in the installation guide. Used correctly, they are one of the safest bathroom heating appliances available.
It depends on the type of repair:
- Switch replacement (plug-in models): Yes — this is a DIY-friendly repair. The switch can be removed, tested with an ohmmeter, and replaced without any electrical expertise.
- Switch replacement (hardwired models): The switch swap itself is simple, but because the unit is connected to your home wiring, we recommend having a licensed electrician handle any wiring-related work.
- Timer or control issues: Often resolvable by resetting the timer or checking power. No tools required.
- Heating element failure: This is not a DIY repair. Contact WarmlyYours support — depending on the unit's age, a replacement may be the better option.
WarmlyYours offers free 24/7 technical support at 800-875-5285 to help diagnose any issue before you attempt a repair.
Yes! Unlike bucket-style warmers designed only for dry towels, heated towel racks with exposed bars are built to handle both wet and dry towels. In fact, drying damp towels is one of the primary benefits of owning a heated towel rack.
Drying wet towels: The gentle warmth (typically 100-140°F on the bars) evaporates moisture, keeping towels fresh and reducing musty odors and mildew. Most towels dry within a few hours depending on thickness and bathroom humidity.
Warming dry towels: Hang dry towels about 15-30 minutes before your shower or bath for a luxuriously warm towel when you step out—like a spa experience at home.
Tips for best results:
- Spread towels across multiple bars rather than bunching them up
- This maximizes surface contact with the heated bars and speeds drying
- Our heated towel racks are UL/cUL listed for safe use in humid bathroom environments
Yes — WarmlyYours towel warmers are designed to operate continuously and safely. TempSmart™ overheat protection automatically regulates surface temperature, preventing it from exceeding safe limits regardless of how long the unit runs. That said, most homeowners use a programmable timer or countdown timer to run the warmer only when needed — typically 30 minutes to 2 hours before showering — which also reduces energy consumption. A 150-watt towel warmer costs approximately $0.59/day per day to run continuously, making it one of the most energy-efficient bathroom comfort appliances available.
The dash represents the "on" position because it signifies a closed circuit, allowing power to flow. The O represents the "off" position, indicating an open circuit where power is disconnected. You can further identify the on/off state of the towel warmer by the LED coming on around the switch when powered.
Replacing a towel warmer switch is straightforward and can usually be done in minutes:
- With the switch already detached from testing, make note of which wire connects to which pin before disconnecting anything.
- Disconnect the wires from the old (faulty) switch.
- Connect your new replacement switch using the exact same wire-to-pin configuration.
- Before sliding the switch back into the towel warmer body, locate the ridge on the switch and the matching ridge on the rubber protective cover — these must align with the ridge inside the towel warmer housing for the switch to seat correctly.
- Slide the switch back into place and snap the rubber cover over it.
- Restore power and test the unit.
Replacement switches are available through WarmlyYours. Call 800-875-5285 or visit the towel warmer support portal to order the correct part for your model.
To test your towel warmer switch, you'll need a digital ohmmeter and a small screwdriver. Here's how:
- Use a small screwdriver to remove the rubber cover and gently pry the switch from the towel warmer body.
- Disconnect the wires from the metal pins at the back of the switch. You'll see two silver pins and one gold pin.
- Attach the ohmmeter probes to the two silver pins and set the ohmmeter to read ohms.
- Toggle the switch on and off. If the reading on the ohmmeter display does not change, the switch has failed and must be replaced.
- If the reading does change, the switch is functioning — the issue lies elsewhere (power supply, timer, or heating element).
WarmlyYours technical support (800-875-5285) can walk you through this process and ship a replacement switch if needed.
A quality electric towel warmer made from 304-grade stainless steel will typically last 25 years or more with normal use. WarmlyYours towel warmers are built to this standard and backed by a 2–5 year warranty depending on model.
The most common component to fail over time is the on/off switch — not the heating element or the stainless steel body. Switches are inexpensive and easy to replace, so a switch failure doesn't mean the unit needs to be discarded.
Lower-quality towel warmers made from chrome-plated steel or lesser alloys can begin to rust or corrode within a few years, especially in humid bathroom environments. Always look for 304-grade (18/8) stainless steel construction and a cULus or cETLus safety listing when purchasing.
Most WarmlyYours towel warmers reach their optimal operating temperature within 15 to 20 minutes. For the best results, we recommend hanging your towels on the unit at least 30 to 45 minutes before use. This allows enough time for the heat to penetrate the fabric layers and provide a cozy experience.
If a warmer towel is desired, try folding the towel over or unfold it to experiment, try a thicker towel (traps more heat, resulting in higher surface temperatures), a different fabric (cotton vs. blends), leave the towel warmer on longer before the shower (thicker towel plus longer heating time), or place a second towel on the warmer to trap more heat. Keep in mind, the towel will at some point reach its maximum temperature on the towel rack. If that time is an hour, leaving the warmer on all day will not raise the maximum temperature of that towel or warmer, but if you would like to experiment, that's OK, too.
WarmlyYours towel warmers meet rigorous North American and international safety standards, including:
- cULus and cETLus listed — certified for electrical safety in both the U.S. and Canada
- IP44 rated — protected against moisture ingress, suitable for bathroom installation
- UL499 tested — surface temperature limits verified under standard test conditions
- TempSmart™ overheat protection — proprietary internal limiter that caps surface temperature at 149°F (65°C) or 167°F (75°C) depending on the model
WarmlyYours founder Julia Billen has personally contributed to shaping these standards through active participation in TC61 USTAG (IEC appliance safety), STP 1673, STP 1042, and the Infrared Heating Panel Association — ensuring that WarmlyYours products not only meet the standards but help define them.
The ideal location for your towel warmer depends on your bathroom layout and how you plan to use it. Here are the best placement options:
1. Near the shower or tub (recommended)
Install your heated towel rack within arm's reach of your shower or bathtub, but outside the splash zone. This lets you grab a warm towel immediately when stepping out. Electrical codes require towel warmers to be at least 24 inches from the edge of a bathtub or shower.
2. On an interior wall
Mounting on an interior wall (not an exterior wall) can make installation easier and may provide better heat retention. Interior walls often have easier access for electrical wiring.
3. Away from drafts
Avoid placing your towel warmer near windows, doors, or HVAC vents where drafts could reduce its efficiency.
4. At proper height
Wall-mounted towel warmers are typically installed with the bottom bar about 24-36 inches from the floor, allowing easy access while keeping towels off the ground.
Freestanding option: If wall mounting isn't ideal, our freestanding towel warmers offer flexibility—place them anywhere with access to a standard outlet.
If your towel warmer was working fine and suddenly stopped, work through this checklist:
- Check power first: For plug-in models, verify the outlet is working and the GFCI hasn't tripped (press the reset button). For hardwired models, check your circuit breaker panel.
- Check the timer: If the unit has a countdown or programmable timer, it may have reached the end of a cycle. Reset or manually switch it on.
- Test the switch: A failed switch is the #1 cause of sudden stoppage. Use a digital ohmmeter to confirm.
- Check for overheating: WarmlyYours models with TempSmart™ technology will automatically shut off if a towel is bunched directly against the surface for an extended period. Remove any obstructions and allow it to cool before restarting.
- Inspect wiring connections: For hardwired models, loose wire connections can cause intermittent failure. This should be inspected by a licensed electrician.
If none of these resolve the issue, contact WarmlyYours support at 800-875-5285 — free 24/7 technical assistance is available.
The most common reasons an electric towel warmer stops heating up are:
- Faulty switch: The switch is the most frequent culprit. Test it with a digital ohmmeter — if the reading doesn't change when you toggle it on and off, the switch has failed and needs replacing.
- No power supply: Check that the unit is plugged in (plug-in models) or that the circuit breaker hasn't tripped (hardwired models). Confirm the GFCI outlet hasn't been tripped — press the reset button on the outlet.
- Timer not set correctly: If your towel warmer has a programmable timer or countdown timer, it may simply be in the off cycle. Check the timer settings.
- Failed heating element: Less common, but the internal heating element can fail after many years of use. Contact WarmlyYours support at 800-875-5285 to diagnose.
Start by testing the switch — it resolves the majority of "not heating" issues without needing a service call.