Neatly routing an infrared panel’s cable starts before mounting. First choose the permitted connection and route, then the finish. A hidden cable is not automatically safer or more economical. This guide helps you discuss options with an installer while respecting product instructions.
Key principles
Maintain required mounting clearances and access for checks. Do not alter the appliance cable or plug on your own initiative. Have fixed connections and installation changes assessed and carried out by a suitable professional. Finishing follows checks of load, heat and connection requirements.
Connection before appearance
A plug may be the product’s intended connection. Fixed wiring is not necessary or permitted for every model. Check the manual, any receiver and supply route. Do not select a panel position only to hide its cable; comfort and safe mounting remain decisive.
Plan the route to avoid pinching, sharp edges and hot surfaces. Avoid loose loops in walkways. Preserve maintenance access and the specified means of isolation. Hiding a cable behind the panel must not obstruct heat dissipation or fixings.
Option 1: suitable surface trunking
Surface trunking may need less making good than chasing. Choose it for the cable, heat conditions, support and capacity, not colour alone. Aluminium or paintable plastic is not automatically suitable everywhere. Check whether the appliance cable may be routed this way.
Agree routing and fixings and check whether drilling or adhesion is permitted. Keep connections and inspection provisions accessible as designed. Trunking does not protect against every damage and must not place the cord under tension.
Option 2: designing a concealed wall route
During renovation, a concealed fixed route may form part of the design. First assess wall structure, existing services and permitted alterations. A blog cannot prescribe universal chase depths, wiring types or conductor sizes for every wall. Do not chase solely from the desired panel position.
Agree the connection point, any receiver and maintenance access before making good. Have wiring checked before closing it in. Drying and finishing times depend on materials and conditions; do not use the panel to force-dry insufficiently cured work.
Option 3: a wall or ceiling void
A void is not automatically a suitable cable route. Heat, insulation, other services and access affect design. Assess structural support and panel mounting separately; generic backing-board dimensions cannot guarantee every panel. Do not add insulation behind the appliance without approval.
An existing light point is not a heating supply without assessment. Check available power, switching, total load, wiring and protection. Combined light and heat need control design for both functions. A neat finish must not prevent inspection or required isolation.
Technical checks before finishing
Have cable type, size, protection and connection materials selected for the actual situation. Generic 1.5–2.5 mm² figures or panel rear temperatures are not installation specifications. Bathrooms need joint assessment of product, location, water and wiring; waterproof boxes or IP codes alone do not approve every arrangement.
We discuss product requirements with private and business end users, installers and wholesalers. Send model number, photos and the desired finish. We help align product instructions and installation needs; local electrical design remains the appropriate installer’s task.
Handover with documentation
Record routes and connection locations and keep manuals. Test heating, controls and lighting before handover. Check for pinching and preserved clearances. Neat cable routing does not automatically reduce heating consumption or remove inspection needs.
Request advice and an installation quote
Frequently asked questions
May I cut off the plug?
Do not do so on your own initiative. Check whether the manufacturer permits fixed connection and under what conditions. Have any permitted alteration and connection performed by an appropriate professional. Assess both warranty terms and technical safety.