The ThermoSphere HTB-VR-900 is a 12V SELV vertical heated towel bar with a slim round profile, built for bathrooms where safety and space are both non-negotiable. Standing 900mm tall and finished in 304-grade stainless steel, it delivers gentle, constant background warmth from a self-regulating 12V dry electrical element — no plumbing, no mains voltage on the wall, and no bulky footprint.
Because it runs on extra-low voltage (SELV), this towel bar can be installed in any bathroom zone, including Zone 1 and Zone 0 areas around baths and showers, once wired through a suitably rated 12V transformer. Every unit ships with a removable robe hook and is backed by a five-year manufacturer guarantee.
12V SELV
Safe extra-low voltage
22–30W
Heat output by finish
304
Grade stainless steel
5 Yrs
Manufacturer guarantee
Transformer required — not supplied
This is a 12V SELV product and must be wired via a suitably rated 12V transformer installed in accordance with BS 7671 bathroom zoning rules. The transformer is not included — confirm your transformer spec and mounting location (typically outside the bathroom or in an appropriate zone) before installation. Installation should be carried out by a competent person in line with Part P requirements.
Finish changes the wattage
Heat output on the HTB-VR-900 ranges from 22W to 30W depending on the finish selected — the polished stainless steel version is rated at 30W. Check the specific finish’s output if you are sizing the towel bar against a room heat-loss calculation.
Safe SELV heating
Runs on 12V SELV, keeping mains voltage off the towel bar itself — ideal for wet zones close to baths and showers.
Slim round profile
A compact round tube profile (38mm diameter bar) suited to narrow walls and contemporary bathroom layouts.
304 stainless steel
Built from corrosion-resistant 304-grade stainless steel for long-term durability in humid environments.
Self-regulating element
The patented self-regulating dry heating element maintains consistent warmth without a separate thermostat.
Concealed wiring
Cable connection is concealed within the bottom mounting bracket for a clean, uninterrupted finish.
Removable robe hook
Comes with an optional, removable robe hook — fit it for extra hanging space or leave it off for a minimalist look.
Technical Specification
Model Code
HTB-VR-900 (finish suffix varies by colour)
Size (W x H x D)
38 x 900 x 100 mm
Heating Element
Self-regulating dry electric element
Heat Output
22W–30W depending on finish (30W for Polished Stainless)
Material
304-grade stainless steel
Wiring Connection
Concealed, in bottom mounting bracket
Power Supply
Requires separate 12V transformer (not included)
Robe Hook
Removable, included
Warranty
5 years (manufacturer)
Finish
Model Suffix
Output
Diamond Polished Stainless Steel
HTB-VR-900
30W
Brushed Stainless Steel
HTB-VR-900-BSS
22–30W
Brushed Brass
HTB-VR-900-BRB
22–30W
Brushed Gold
HTB-VR-900-BGD
22–30W
Brushed Nickel
HTB-VR-900-BN
22–30W
Gunmetal
HTB-VR-900-GM
22–30W
Matt Black
HTB-VR-900-MBK
22–30W
Matt White
HTB-VR-900-MWH
22–30W
Pastel Horizon Blue
HTB-VR-900-PBL
22–30W
Pastel Lilac Satin
HTB-VR-900-PLL
22–30W
Pastel Dusty Pink
HTB-VR-900-PPK
22–30W
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this towel bar be installed in a shower enclosure or above a bath (Zone 1/Zone 0)?
Yes. Because it operates on 12V SELV, the HTB-VR-900 is suitable for installation in bathroom zones where mains-voltage electrical products are restricted, provided the 12V transformer itself is sited correctly and the whole installation follows BS 7671 zoning requirements.
Do I need to buy a transformer separately?
Yes — a suitably rated 12V transformer is required and is not included with this towel bar. It must be installed in line with the wiring guidelines supplied with the product and current UK wiring regulations.
Does the heated towel bar come with a thermostat?
No separate thermostat is fitted. The element is self-regulating, meaning it maintains a steady, safe surface temperature without additional temperature controls.
Is the robe hook compulsory?
No. The robe hook is removable — many installations leave it off for a cleaner, more minimal look, while others fit it for extra practicality.
What is the difference between this and the 230V version?
This model runs on 12V SELV via a transformer, giving it a lower heat output (22–30W) but wider zone flexibility. The 230V version connects directly to the mains, delivers a higher output (around 120W) for faster warm-up, but is IP44-rated and restricted to installation outside Zone 1.