Rutland London is proud to be one of very few manufacturers of brass heated towel rails producing products for installation on central heating systems in accordance with the safety and performance requirements outlined in EN 442.

What is EN 442?

EN 442 is a harmonised standard governed by the Construction Products Regulation which covers construction products being sold in the United Kingdom and European Union. It is a legal requirement of the Construction Products Regulation for manufacturers of brass heated towel rails for central heating systems to manufacture and declare the performance of their heating products in accordance with EN 442.

Why is compliance with EN 442 important?

Compliance with EN 442 is important to ensure radiators and heating products sold within the United Kingdom and European Union are both safe and efficient. Compliance is a legal requirement for all manufacturers selling heating products in the United Kingdom and European Union regardless of the size or location of the manufacturer. 

It is estimated by The Manufacturers Association of Radiators and Convectors (MARC) that over 40% of radiator products on offer in the UK may not be compliant. Non-compliant heated towel rails are potentially both dangerous and inefficient and pose a significant to the safety of end users.

It is also noted that should a non-compliant heated towel rail fail - possibly causing flood damage or harm to a building’s occupants - there are likely to be issues with the building’s insurance as it is a requirement for most insurance policies that heating products installed within insured buildings are compliant and manufactured in accordance with EN 442.

Are there non-compliant manufacturers in the United Kingdom?

Yes, Rutland London is sadly aware that the issue of non-compliance is pronounced within the boutique brass heated towel rail market where there are manufacturers and retailers (many based in England and Northern Ireland) who either do not show any sign of compliance, or have misinterpreted the requirements of the CPR and EN 442

It is disappointing that many of these manufacturers are offering products at a premium price, whilst the reality is that these products are possibly more dangerous and inefficient than cheaper, mass-market alternatives.

Common non-compliance issues relating to EN 442 by manufacturers of brass heated towel rails for central heating systems include:

1. Assuming a manufacturer producing bespoke heated towel rails does not have to be compliant with EN 442.

This is untrue.

Manufacturers can only claim a derogation under the CPR and exemption from EN 442 if they physically manufacture and install the bespoke heated towel rail themselves. 

Rutland London offers compliant bespoke heated towel rails which are supplied with a Declaration of Performance to prove conformity with EN 442. It is noted that no performance is declared for heat outputs for Rutland London bespoke heated towel rails unless specifically requested by the Client.

2. Assuming that a small boutique manufacturer does not have to be compliant with EN 442.

This is untrue.

All manufacturers producing brass heated towel rails for sale in the United Kingdom and European Union must declare the performance of their heating products in accordance with EN 442 regardless of their size or location.

An exemption exists whereby manufacturers with a turnover of under €2million can self-certify their products rather than undertaking type-testing by an independent test house. Rutland London believes accurate heat outputs can only be identified through detailed lab investigation and also for our Client’s peace of mind, it is critical to have the safety of our brass heated towel rails independently tested and verified. 

3. Assuming that a retailer selling brass heated towel rails under their own brand does not have to be compliant. 

This is untrue. 

Any organisation placing heating products on the market in either the United Kingdom or European Union under their own brand name assumes the responsibility of a manufacturer and must be compliant with the CPR and EN 442 regardless of whether they are actually a manufacturer or simply a retailer repackaging products under their own brand.

Will brass heated towel rails have to be compliant with EN 442 after Brexit? 

Yes, EN 442 will still apply to all brass heated towel rails manufactured in the United Kingdom past 1 January 2021 and it is currently forecast that the United Kingdom will adopt current European Union harmonised standards, including EN 442 from 1 January 2021.

Brass heated towel rails being sold into Europe will still have to show compliance with EN 442 via a CE label on the product and its packaging. During 2021, manufacturers in the United Kingdom will have to develop UKCA markings for products and packaging to prove the compliance of products being sold within the United Kingdom.

Products being sold within the United Kingdom must have the UKCA marking applied to the product and packaging by 1 January 2022. 


Why choose brass heated towel rails from Rutland London?

Rutland London is one of very few manufacturers of luxury brass heated towel rails able to prove the safety and performance characteristics of our full suite of brass heated towel rails for central heating systems in accordance with EN 442. This means that our central heating towel rails have been rigorously tested to ensure they are suitable for installation on both commercial and residential projects.

Unlike many manufacturers and retailers who have made incorrect assumptions regarding their interpretation of EN 442, Rutland London has sought independent legal and compliance advice to ensure we can offer our Clients complete peace of mind.

It is the opinion of Rutland London that to supply Interior Designers, Architects, Contractors and Homeowners with non-compliant product is a dereliction of a manufacturer's legal responsibilities and undermines the reputation of the United Kingdom’s bathroom brassware industry.

Support & Sales:

Should you require proof of the conformity of central heating configured brass heated towel rails manufactured by Rutland London, we are able to supply Declarations of Performance (DoP) on request. Please email all DoP requests to support@rutlandlondon.co.uk.

For more information regarding handmade brass heated towel rails manufactured by Rutland London in England, please email sales@rutlandlondon.co.uk.