The Ancora Products
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if the 3193 BTU output of the Ancora is sufficient to heat my specific bathroom size?
To ensure the Ancora provides enough heat, you must calculate the heat loss of your room rather than guessing. You need to measure the height, width, and length of your bathroom in meters to find the volume, and then adjust for factors like window size (double glazing) and external wall insulation. You can use the specific Delta T 50 rating of 3193 BTUs provided for this model as a baseline. If your bathroom requires more heat than this single unit provides, you may need to install it alongside a secondary heat source or underfloor heating to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature in colder months.
What specific components are required to convert the Ancora Designer Towel Rail into a dual fuel system?
Converting the Ancora to dual fuel allows you to heat the rail electrically in summer when your central heating is off. To achieve this technical setup, you require a T-piece fitting, a compatible electric heating element, and a set of radiator valves. The electric element is inserted into one side of the T-piece (which connects to the bottom inlet), while the central heating valve connects to the other. You must ensure the wattage of the chosen element (e.g., 300W or 600W) matches the fluid volume and thermal capacity of the Ancora to prevent overheating or inefficient warming.
What is the best method to secure the 24kg Ancora radiator to a stud or plasterboard wall safely?
Since the Ancora weighs 24kg before being filled with water, mounting it on a standard plasterboard wall without reinforcement is dangerous. For a technical solution, you should identify the location of the timber studs and anchor the brackets directly into them. If the stud spacing does not align with the radiator brackets, you must install a timber noggin (horizontal brace) behind the plasterboard or use heavy-duty toggle bolts designed for high loads. This ensures the fixings do not pull out under the combined weight of the steel radiator and the water content.
How does the vertical orientation and 490mm width of the Ancora influence pipework and valve installation?
The Ancora is a vertical radiator with bottom connections. When roughing in pipework, you cannot simply set the pipes at the 490mm radiator width. You must allow for the width of the radiator valves, which typically adds approximately 80mm to 100mm to the total pipe centers depending on the valve type used. Failing to account for this valve allowance will result in pipes that are too narrow, requiring difficult alterations to your floor or wall plumbing. Always purchase the valves first to measure the exact distance required before laying copper or plastic pipework.
Can I use a thermostatic heating element with the Ancora for precise temperature control in electric mode?
Yes, using a thermostatic electric element is highly recommended for the Ancora when used in dual fuel or electric-only mode. Unlike a basic fixed wattage element that runs constantly at full power, a thermostatic element monitors the internal water temperature or room temperature and modulates the power usage. This prevents the rail from becoming dangerously hot to the touch and saves energy. Ensure the element fits the standard BSP thread of the radiator and has a safety cut-out feature to prevent dry firing or overheating.
What are the advantages of the stainless steel construction of the Ancora for humid bathroom environments?
The Ancora is crafted from high-grade materials often including stainless steel or durable mild steel with high-quality plating. In a bathroom environment with high humidity and condensation, inferior metals can rust quickly, leading to leaks and paint flaking. Stainless steel provides superior resistance to oxidation and corrosion. This material choice ensures that the designer finish (whether Anthracite or White) remains intact and the structural integrity of the radiator is preserved against internal system corrosion and external moisture for the duration of the 10 year guarantee.
How do I maintain the finish of the Anthracite or White Ancora to prevent surface damage?
To clean the designer finish of the Ancora, you should never use abrasive scouring pads or acidic chemical cleaners, as these can strip the lacquer or scratch the paintwork. The technical recommendation is to use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with warm soapy water. If the radiator is cold, dry it immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Regular dusting is also important to maintain heat output efficiency, as a layer of dust acts as an insulator and reduces the convection of warm air into the room.
Does the 78mm depth specification include the distance from the wall or just the radiator frame itself?
The 78mm depth listed in the specifications refers to the physical thickness of the radiator frame itself. It does not account for the wall projection once mounted. When planning your bathroom layout, you must add the length of the wall brackets (typically 60mm to 80mm) to this figure to determine how far the radiator will protrude into the room. This total projection distance is critical for problem solving in small bathrooms to ensure the radiator does not obstruct door swings or walkways.
What type of radiator valves are compatible with the bottom connections of the Ancora towel rail?
The Ancora features standard BSP connections at the bottom. The type of valve you need depends on where your pipes are coming from. If your pipes come up from the floor, you require Straight Valves. If your pipes come out of the wall, you require Angled or Corner Valves. Corner valves are often the best technical choice for wall pipes as they allow the valve head to sit neatly within the profile of the radiator rather than protruding into the room, creating a cleaner designer look and reducing the risk of accidental knocks.