Frequently Asked Questions
What are Amba towel warmers?
- Amba towel warmers are heated towel bars. They are designed to keep towels warm and dry. This helps to reduce laundry loads and prevents towels and bathrobes from becoming musty and smelly. Saves water. The towel warmer helps control humidity in the bathroom which reduces the occurrence of mold and mildew.
- The price for all finishes is the same. Finishes offered are brushed, polished, oil rubbed bronze and white. Other finishes available by special order.
- Amba’s mission is to deliver high quality affordable products. Our products are all made of solid 304 Stainless Steel. Our products are less likely to rust or flake like those products which are chrome plated. Amba offers a wide range of styles, sizes and finishes all at affordable prices.
- The hydronic unit is heated by hot water which is used for heating the whole house via a radiator system. The hydronic unit is controlled by a valve that lets the hot water flow through the towel warmer heating it and consequently the towels. The down side of the hydronic system is that in summer when the radiator heating system is not in use the towel warmers cannot be used. Electric towel warmers are heated by an electrical element inside the towel rail. Electric units are simpler to install, can be installed anywhere and can be used all year round. Amba offers two different electric systems. The Jeeves range which is heated by an element immersed in a glycol/water mixture. All other Amba towel warmers are heated by a “dry” element i.e. there is not liquid inside the rails.
- Although our units are high end and are primarily used for hardwire installation, any of our Jeeves collection models can be easily converted to a plug in unit. The units come with a 25 inch long wire which can be cut to any length and fitted with a standard plug available at any hardware store.
- It matches closely to Brasstech or Jado's oil rubbed bronze finish. It is dark brown with a slight sheen.
- The primary benefit of a towel warmer is to keep towels warm and dry and consequently reduce the need for excessive laundering of towels. Towels will not be as hot as they are when they first come out of a dryer. To maintain that type of heat the towel warmers would need to be as hot as an iron. This would end up scorching the towels as well as being a safety hazard not to mention a waste of power.
- Every day, we find people using our products in new and creative ways. Some recent examples are:
- Drying Bathing Suits
- Commercial use in hotel bathrooms
- To hang Pressed Pants on
- Bathrobes
- In boat, cabins and yachts
- To dry delicate garments -installed in the Laundry room.
- To keep kitchen cloths and oven mitts dry- installed in the kitchen
- For wet jackets, ski boots, socks etc…- installed in Mudrooms
- The liquid is a mixture of Water with a small percentage of Glycol. It is an oily substance that diffuses the heat from the heating element and stops the liquid from freezing.
- The units are made of 304 Stainless Steel, which is less likely to corrode/rust.
- Yes, both vertical and horizontal bars heat up.
- This is due to the fact that thermal fluid convection is used to heat the unit. The bottom bar is not as hot as the top bar. This is especially noticeable when the unit has just been switched on. The bottom bar has been included for cosmetic reasons.
- The towel rails have been designed to operate continuously and, depending on the model, use the power equivalent to only one or two light bulbs.
- This is a safety precaution. If the unit exceeds 242F the unit will automatically cut out.
- YES! The towel rails have no exposed elements with a safe surface temperature (Min. 154ºF – Max. 158º F). The towel rails have a built in thermostat and internal thermal cut-out for optimal energy consumption and safety. The rails should be installed by an electrician according to the local electrical code (which may be required to be GFCI) Most wiring in bathrooms are already GFCI. A “GFCI” is a ground fault circuit interrupter. A GFCI is an inexpensive electrical device that prevents the problem of electrocution.
- The units have a built in thermostat & internal thermal cutout, the unit will cycle itself to an average temperature of 154 to 158˚ degrees Fahrenheit. It switches itself on and off just like a hot water tank.
- If for any reason it overheats, there is a safety cutout switch and the unit will shut off. A switch should always be provided so that the units can be switched off when not in use, for example, when a vacation is taken.
- The Jeeves units are UL certified in Canada and the USA. The Elory, Quadro, Vega, Antus and Sirio collections are ETL certified for Canada and the USA.
- Install it as you would a wall light, All Jeeves models are under 2 amps.
- Standard washers can be added as spacers to the bracket so that the unit is level.
- No, the Jeeves range cannot be mounted upside down. The wire element is at the bottom of the unit as thermal fluid convection is used to heat the rails. The Elory, Sirioi, Antus, Vega and Quadro models can be mounted upside down.
- The purpose of a 7 day 24 hour programmable timer is basically to tell the unit when you want it to turn on and off. We recommend programmable timers in places like vacation homes. If you visit your lake house/ beach house etc., every weekend you can set a programmable timer to come on Friday afternoon and shut off when you leave Sunday.
- For your home we recommend a standard light/wall switch. The unit works best if kept on at all times, the wattage is so low it’s as if you were to leave a hall light on.
- Firstly, from a design standpoint, we feel that a bulky switch attached to the rail is not aesthetically pleasing. Secondly, having a separate switch allows one to place the switch in the most convenient position, for example, in another room. One can match the switch to the other fittings and décor of the room. Thirdly, because it is not part of the unit, damage to the switch does not impair the functioning of the towel rail. An independent switch is simple to repair; damage to a switch integrated in a unit creates problems with returns and repairs.
- The same as you would for wiring a light bulb. (12 – 16 gauge wire)
- Yes, the wiring can be placed on the left for any Jeeves Model in the Polished and Brushed finishes. Please be aware there is a fee associated with this change. Your retailer will be able to provide you the actual cost. Requesting a change must be done at the time the order is placed.
- The element is made in Italy, the stainless steel tubing and welding in South Africa and the smaller components (connectors and plates) are from the USA
- Horizontal ¾ inch and Vertical 1 inch
- Some are 110 Volts and some are 115 all specified for the N. American market.
- AMBA sells through retailers. We do not sell to the end user. We feel that retail stores:
- Offer a full package service to their customers (faucets, tubs, sinks etc…).
- Are able to give better discounts.
- Are set up with credit.
- Have knowledge and back up in installing Amba products.
- Manage technical issues.
