Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

tedzwedz · 10th Jan 2021, 11:00 pm

Hi

HNY

I have this Dimplex radiator in my bathroom, still going strong BUT the cable has now snapped, any ideas? It was put in early 1980s I think so is one of the more modern ones (I think they started in the 60's)

At the top of the string there is a plastic bit which goes into the pull switch, this has snapped off just outside the switch but is very short (and I suspect brittle). Sadly I don't think gluing it back on is an option.

I have taken the cover off the radiator, the switch is called a Nettle 250w 10Amp switch. there are two inputs and 2 outputs

Anyone know if I can get a replacement OR a modern replacement? There is a bit of space in the case if another shape is needed etc which is good.

Cheers guys!

Techman · 10th Jan 2021, 11:32 pm

The plastic bit that the pull cord connects to on my bathroom heater went brittle and snapped off years ago. I just set it to permanently on at the heater switch and switch it on and off at the isolator which is up on the wall outside the bathroom. I never bothered to see if replacements were available, but someone might know. You could probably make the part if you wanted a bit of a challenge.

tedzwedz · 10th Jan 2021, 11:40 pm

That's an interesting way of doing it I guess! I presume if I get pliers I can pull it down again hopefully just enough to turn on.

Trouble is my switch is in the water pump cupboard so not very accessible!

Techman · 11th Jan 2021, 12:11 am

Yes, you should be able to pull the stub with care, although it'll obviously be brittle and may break even shorter.

Shame the isolator fuse switch is in that cupboard, but it might just get you by while you look for a replacement part.

broadgage · 11th Jan 2021, 12:32 am

Either bypass the built in switch, or set it to permanently on. Fit a new switch, of the pull cord variety near the heater.

Skywave · 11th Jan 2021, 12:56 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadgage

Fit a new switch of the pull-cord variety near the heater.

That is the route I would take, but I would certainly check that the current rating of that new switch is adequate for the current drawn by that heater.

Al.

Herald1360 · 11th Jan 2021, 12:46 pm

One rated for an electric shower should be suitable!

tedzwedz · 11th Jan 2021, 1:19 pm

I've opened it up fully and got it hanging on a handy hook below.

Could I insert a wall switch here on the left where the power cable comes in off the wall similar to the one at the other end in the water cupboard (shown)?

Best Edward

tedzwedz · 11th Jan 2021, 1:56 pm

Thanks for all your messages BTW!

Herald1360 · 11th Jan 2021, 2:19 pm

You could do as you suggest, but I don't think it would be acceptable in a bathroom to have an "ordinary" switch, at least not in the UK.

Nothing to stop you from mounting a ceiling pull cord shower switch and routing the connection to the heater via said switch, though.....

Something like this:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-g...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

with one of these:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-g...mm-white/83819

(Other makes/types/sources are available)

broadgage · 11th Jan 2021, 2:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skywave

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadgage

Fit a new switch of the pull-cord variety near the heater.

That is the route I would take, but I would certainly check that the current rating of that new switch is adequate for the current drawn by that heater.

Al.

Yes, but pull cord switches are generaly rated for a minimum of 5 amps for older types and 6 amps for newer production. I have never seen one for less.
These heaters are typically 750 watts, so just over 3 amps.

tedzwedz · 11th Jan 2021, 3:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herald1360

You could do as you suggest, but I don't think it would be acceptable in a bathroom to have an "ordinary" switch, at least not in the UK.

Nothing to stop you from mounting a ceiling pull cord shower switch and routing the connection to the heater via said switch, though.....

Something like this:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-g...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

with one of these:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-g...mm-white/83819

(Other makes/types/sources are available)

Thank you, good idea, I could put this between the wall and heater.

tedzwedz · 11th Jan 2021, 3:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadgage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skywave

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadgage

Fit a new switch of the pull-cord variety near the heater.

That is the route I would take, but I would certainly check that the current rating of that new switch is adequate for the current drawn by that heater.

Al.

Yes, but pull cord switches are generaly rated for a minimum of 5 amps for older types and 6 amps for newer production. I have never seen one for less.
These heaters are typically 750 watts, so just over 3 amps.

Thank you for this, why is the internal Nettle switch 10amp out of interest, seems way over!?

G6Tanuki · 11th Jan 2021, 3:11 pm

You can get pull-switches rated at 45-50A - they're used as electric shower isolators.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-50a-1-...ch-white/12094

I think that would be a more-sensible option than a 'lighting' pull-switch; though the heater may only be rated at 750W I guess that will be its output when hot. When the element is cold it could suck a few more Amps than the 3 it will take once hot.

emeritus · 11th Jan 2021, 3:38 pm

I don't think the resistance of the wire used in this type of radiator changes significantly with temperature. It would be different if it were a high power tungsten lamp, which would draw a much higher current on switch-on.

60 oldjohn · 11th Jan 2021, 3:54 pm

Have you tried Espares? https://www.espares.co.uk/search/at1...eaters/dimplex they sell to the general public. The plastic "see saw" switch part attached to the string pull broke in our Dimplex wall fan heater I bought one and a spare. No connection just a happy customer.
Looks like they have gone up in price since I ordered a spare.
John.

Humber888 · 11th Jan 2021, 4:55 pm

This thread prompted me to look at the model number of the Dimplex heater in our bathroom and see if a replacement heating element can still be had - just in case. It is an IRD 750 and it seems a compatible element is still available. The pull switch still works well.

tedzwedz · 11th Jan 2021, 5:11 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60 oldjohn

Have you tried Espares? https://www.espares.co.uk/search/at1...eaters/dimplex they sell to the general public. The plastic "see saw" switch part attached to the string pull broke in our Dimplex wall fan heater I bought one and a spare. No connection just a happy customer.
Looks like they have gone up in price since I ordered a spare.
John.

Thank you, crikey they are expensive though!

Herald1360 · 11th Jan 2021, 6:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadgage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skywave

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadgage

Fit a new switch of the pull-cord variety near the heater.

That is the route I would take, but I would certainly check that the current rating of that new switch is adequate for the current drawn by that heater.

Al.

Yes, but pull cord switches are generaly rated for a minimum of 5 amps for older types and 6 amps for newer production. I have never seen one for less.
These heaters are typically 750 watts, so just over 3 amps.

Isn't there confusion between maximum and minimum here? There are switches with minimum current ratings but this normally relates to their being unsuitable for reliable switching on of low level signal currents. I've never heard of light switches with a minimum current rating.

turretslug · 12th Jan 2021, 12:35 am

I assume that broadgage meant that 5 amps was the minimum maximum current rating seen in pull switches- if that's not confusing the issue further!

Re. the "cold" current question, surely a given amps "running" of filament bulbs would have a proportionately lower cold resistance than the same running amps of heater anyway, i.e. if the switch was rated for x amps of light-switching, it would have an easier life when used to switch the same amps of heater. Admittedly, the heater would have a slower warm-up but it would only be a handful of seconds anyway from that higher cold resistance.

10th Jan 2021, 11:00 pm	#1
tedzwedz Triode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: London & York, North Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 17	Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator Hi HNY I have this Dimplex radiator in my bathroom, still going strong BUT the cable has now snapped, any ideas? It was put in early 1980s I think so is one of the more modern ones (I think they started in the 60's) At the top of the string there is a plastic bit which goes into the pull switch, this has snapped off just outside the switch but is very short (and I suspect brittle). Sadly I don't think gluing it back on is an option. I have taken the cover off the radiator, the switch is called a Nettle 250w 10Amp switch. there are two inputs and 2 outputs Anyone know if I can get a replacement OR a modern replacement? There is a bit of space in the case if another shape is needed etc which is good. Cheers guys! Attached Thumbnails

10th Jan 2021, 11:32 pm	#2
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator The plastic bit that the pull cord connects to on my bathroom heater went brittle and snapped off years ago. I just set it to permanently on at the heater switch and switch it on and off at the isolator which is up on the wall outside the bathroom. I never bothered to see if replacements were available, but someone might know. You could probably make the part if you wanted a bit of a challenge.

10th Jan 2021, 11:40 pm	#3
tedzwedz Triode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: London & York, North Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 17	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator That's an interesting way of doing it I guess! I presume if I get pliers I can pull it down again hopefully just enough to turn on. Trouble is my switch is in the water pump cupboard so not very accessible!

11th Jan 2021, 12:11 am	#4
Techman Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Lincolnshire, UK. Posts: 5,000	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator Yes, you should be able to pull the stub with care, although it'll obviously be brittle and may break even shorter. Shame the isolator fuse switch is in that cupboard, but it might just get you by while you look for a replacement part.

11th Jan 2021, 12:32 am	#5
broadgage Nonode Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: North Somerset, UK. Posts: 2,129	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator Either bypass the built in switch, or set it to permanently on. Fit a new switch, of the pull cord variety near the heater.

11th Jan 2021, 12:46 pm	#7
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,535	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator One rated for an electric shower should be suitable! __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O

11th Jan 2021, 1:19 pm	#8
tedzwedz Triode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: London & York, North Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 17	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator I've opened it up fully and got it hanging on a handy hook below. Could I insert a wall switch here on the left where the power cable comes in off the wall similar to the one at the other end in the water cupboard (shown)? Best Edward Attached Thumbnails

11th Jan 2021, 1:56 pm	#9
tedzwedz Triode Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: London & York, North Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 17	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator Thanks for all your messages BTW!

11th Jan 2021, 2:19 pm	#10
Herald1360 Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Leominster, Herefordshire, UK. Posts: 16,535	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator You could do as you suggest, but I don't think it would be acceptable in a bathroom to have an "ordinary" switch, at least not in the UK. Nothing to stop you from mounting a ceiling pull cord shower switch and routing the connection to the heater via said switch, though..... Something like this: https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-g...E&gclsrc=aw.ds with one of these: https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-g...mm-white/83819 (Other makes/types/sources are available) __________________ ....__________ ....\|____\|\|__\|__\_____ .=.\| _---\__\|__\|_---_\|. .........O..Chris....O

11th Jan 2021, 3:11 pm	#14
G6Tanuki Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 13,996	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator You can get pull-switches rated at 45-50A - they're used as electric shower isolators. https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-50a-1-...ch-white/12094 I think that would be a more-sensible option than a 'lighting' pull-switch; though the heater may only be rated at 750W I guess that will be its output when hot. When the element is cold it could suck a few more Amps than the 3 it will take once hot.

11th Jan 2021, 3:38 pm	#15
emeritus Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Brentwood, Essex, UK. Posts: 5,337	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator I don't think the resistance of the wire used in this type of radiator changes significantly with temperature. It would be different if it were a high power tungsten lamp, which would draw a much higher current on switch-on.

11th Jan 2021, 3:54 pm	#16
60 oldjohn Dekatron Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 3,986	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator Have you tried Espares? https://www.espares.co.uk/search/at1...eaters/dimplex they sell to the general public. The plastic "see saw" switch part attached to the string pull broke in our Dimplex wall fan heater I bought one and a spare. No connection just a happy customer. Looks like they have gone up in price since I ordered a spare. John. __________________ My favourite text message "I'll be there in five minutes, if not read again" Last edited by 60 oldjohn; 11th Jan 2021 at 4:01 pm.

11th Jan 2021, 4:55 pm	#17
Humber888 Heptode Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bromley, London, UK. Posts: 702	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator This thread prompted me to look at the model number of the Dimplex heater in our bathroom and see if a replacement heating element can still be had - just in case. It is an IRD 750 and it seems a compatible element is still available. The pull switch still works well.

12th Jan 2021, 12:35 am	#20
turretslug Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Surrey, UK. Posts: 4,394	Re: Vintage Dimplex Wall hanging bathroom radiator I assume that broadgage meant that 5 amps was the minimum maximum current rating seen in pull switches- if that's not confusing the issue further! Re. the "cold" current question, surely a given amps "running" of filament bulbs would have a proportionately lower cold resistance than the same running amps of heater anyway, i.e. if the switch was rated for x amps of light-switching, it would have an easier life when used to switch the same amps of heater. Admittedly, the heater would have a slower warm-up but it would only be a handful of seconds anyway from that higher cold resistance.