What is Lot 20 and Why Does it Matter When Buying an Electric Towel Rail?
When you're shopping for a new electric heated towel rail, you'll see various specifications: wattage, size, IP rating, and, increasingly, the phrase "Lot 20 Compliant" or "Ecodesign Ready". While it might seem like technical jargon, Lot 20 is one of the most important standards you should look for. It's a direct indicator of the product's efficiency, intelligence, and its ability to save you money.
But what exactly is this regulation? In simple terms, Lot 20 is a piece of energy-saving legislation designed to eliminate inefficient, wasteful electric heaters from the market. Understanding what it means is key to making a smart, future-proof investment. This guide from Companyblue will explain everything you need to know about Lot 20 and why it matters for your wallet and the environment.
What is Lot 20? A Simple Explanation
Lot 20 is part of the Ecodesign Directive, a set of regulations originally set by the EU and retained in UK law, aimed at improving the energy efficiency of products and reducing carbon emissions. Specifically, Lot 20 applies to all 'local space heaters' – that includes portable heaters, electric radiators, infrared panels, and, crucially, electric heated towel rails.
The legislation doesn't ban electric heating. Instead, it sets a minimum efficiency standard that all-electric heaters manufactured for sale in the UK from 2018 onwards must meet. To achieve this standard, the appliance can't just have a simple on/off switch; it must incorporate intelligent, energy-saving control features.
What Makes a Towel Rail Lot 20 Compliant? The Smart Features
To meet the Lot 20 standard, an electric towel rail must have a baseline efficiency and then gain extra 'points' by including a range of smart controls. A compliant model must feature:
- 24/7 Programmable Timer: The ability to set a detailed heating schedule for every day of the week is mandatory. This ensures the towel rail is only using power when you actually need it, rather than being left on by mistake.
- Precise Electronic Thermostat: The unit must have an accurate electronic thermostat, allowing you to set a specific temperature for the room. This prevents overheating and the wasted energy that comes with it.
In addition to the above, it must also include at least one of the following advanced energy-saving features:
- Open Window or Door Detection: This is a clever sensor that detects a sudden, sharp drop in room temperature (e.g., when you open a window). To avoid trying to heat the whole neighbourhood, the thermostat automatically switches the heater off or to a low-power anti-frost mode until it detects the temperature has stabilised.
- Adaptive Start Control: This feature allows the thermostat to learn how long it takes for your bathroom to reach the desired temperature. If you set it to be 21°C at 7:00 AM, an adaptive start controller will calculate when it needs to switch on (e.g., at 6:45 AM) to hit that target at exactly the right time, ensuring maximum efficiency.
- Distance Control (Wi-Fi/Geofencing): The ability to control the heater remotely via a smartphone app, often including geofencing which automatically turns the heating on or off based on your phone's location.
The Benefits for You, The Customer
Lot 20 isn't just a tick-box exercise for manufacturers; it provides tangible benefits for you.
- Lower Energy Bills: This is the biggest advantage. The combination of scheduling, temperature control, and smart features like open window detection drastically reduces wasted electricity. A Lot 20 compliant towel rail can be up to 90% cheaper to run than a basic non-compliant model.
- Greater Comfort and Control: You can create a heating schedule that perfectly matches your lifestyle, ensuring your bathroom and towels are always warm precisely when you need them to be.
- A Mark of Quality: Seeing the "Lot 20 Compliant" label is your guarantee that you are buying a modern, high-quality, and technologically advanced product.
- Better for the Environment: By using significantly less energy, these heaters help to reduce the UK's overall carbon footprint.
At Company Blue, we are committed to efficiency and quality, which is why the electric towel rails we stock are fully Lot 20 compliant, giving you peace of mind with every purchase.
FAQ: Understanding Lot 20 Compliance
Here are our answers to the most common questions about this important regulation.
Does Lot 20 apply to central heating or dual fuel towel rails?
This is a key point. Lot 20 only applies to appliances that are solely heated by mains electricity. Therefore, a standard central heating towel rail is exempt. A dual fuel towel rail is also exempt because it has the option of being heated by the 'wet' central heating system. However, the electric heating elements sold for dual fuel conversion are often designed with Lot 20 compliant smart thermostats, giving you the best of both worlds.
Is it illegal to sell a non-compliant electric heater in the UK?
Yes. It has been a legal requirement since 1st January 2018 for manufacturers and retailers to ensure that any local space heaters they place on the market comply with the Ecodesign Lot 20 standard. Buying from a reputable retailer like Company Blue guarantees you are purchasing a compliant and legal product.
Is a Lot 20 compliant towel rail more expensive?
While the initial purchase price might be slightly higher than an old, basic on/off model, the long-term cost is significantly lower. The energy savings on your electricity bill will quickly pay back the initial investment. In today's market, Lot 20 compliance is the standard for quality electric heaters, not a premium luxury.
Can I make my old electric towel rail Lot 20 compliant?
You can't make the rail itself compliant, but you can significantly improve its efficiency. The best way is to have an electrician replace the existing basic heating element with a modern, Lot 20 compliant smart heating element. These elements have the required thermostat and smart features built-in, effectively giving your old towel rail a brand-new, efficient brain.
What happens if I don't use the smart features?
If you don't use the timer or set the thermostat correctly, the towel rail will essentially operate like an old, inefficient model, and you won't see the energy-saving benefits. The features are designed to be user-friendly, so it's well worth spending 10 minutes setting up a schedule to maximise your savings.
