Installation of DEVIrail - step-by-step wall mounting

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Installation of DEVIrail – Step-by-step wall mounting procedure

The electric towel dryer DEVIrail is one of those products where proper installation determines whether it will serve reliably for ten years or start causing problems after a few months. From experience, I know that most complaints and malfunctions I encounter are not related to the product itself – the cause is almost always incorrect installation: crookedly mounted consoles, incorrect distance from the wall, neglecting the requirements for the electrical connection, or poorly chosen thermostat location. This article therefore provides a complete step-by-step installation procedure for DEVIrail, including technical details that are often overlooked in abbreviated instructions.

If you are still deciding which model to choose – whether DEVIrail S White, DEVIrail U White or DEVIrail W White – I recommend reading the article DEVIrail S, U or W – which ladder shape suits your bathroom in our Knowledge Center first. Here, I assume you have already selected a model and we will proceed directly to the task at hand.

What you will need before starting the installation

Tools and materials

Before you reach for the drill, prepare everything you will need. Improvisation during installation usually leads to errors that are difficult to correct later, because DEVIrail consoles are usually drilled into tiles or plaster, where every unnecessary hole hurts.

Impact drill or hammer drill (for ceramic tiles, use a special tile drill without impact)
6 mm masonry bit (for M5 or M6 anchors according to the contents of the package)
6 mm ceramic drill bit (diamond or carbide tip), if mounting into tiles
Water level at least 60 cm long (a shorter water level at a distance of 400–600 mm reliably misleads)
Pencil or ceramic marker
Tape measure and square
Screwdriver (cross and flat)
Pliers and wrenches (set of flat wrenches or adjustable wrench)
Silicone (sanitary, white or transparent) for sealing the base of the console when mounting into a shower area
Electrical tape, cable ties or dust cover (according to the type of installation)
Wall stud finder (cable, water pipe and stud detector) – optional, but recommended

DEVIrail package contents – what you have available

The standard DEVIrail package includes the dryer body (ladder frame with integrated heating element), a set of consoles (usually 2 pairs – upper and lower console), mounting material (anchors and screws), caps for covering screw heads, a thermostat and a cable outlet. Some models optionally include a timer. Always check the completeness of the contents according to the packing list before installation – you will find missing parts sooner than you will have four holes in the wall.

Step 1 – Choosing the correct position on the wall

Before you take the pencil, you must know exactly where the dryer will end up. This is a step that is often underestimated and where the most mistakes are made. The correct position is not only a matter of aesthetics – it affects safety, functionality and usability.

Height position

DEVIrail is usually mounted so that the lower bar of the ladder is at a height of 250 to 300 mm from the floor. For standard mid-height models (900–1200 mm), the top edge of the ladder ends at about 1150–1500 mm, which corresponds to a comfortable reach when hanging towels. If you have a shorter family or are installing the dryer in a children's bathroom, lower the bottom edge by another 50–100 mm.

Watch out for tiles: if their height is 200 mm, place the bottom console on the grout – never drill into the center of a tile if you can avoid it. Drilling into the center of a tile is much harder without cracking than drilling into an area near the grout.

Lateral position and distance from corners

The minimum distance from the corner of the wall or from the side edge of the bath/shower should be 150 mm. In practice, 200–250 mm is a more comfortable spacing, so you have comfortable access to the dryer and the towels can be fully unfolded without hanging into the bath. The distance from the mirror above the sink should be resolved individually – DEVIrail should not interfere with the area of mirror manipulation or with the shower area (Zone 1 according to STN 33 2000-7-701 – within 600 mm from the shower opening).

Electrical connection – where will the cable run

Before making the final decision on the position, find out where the electrical connection will be. DEVIrail is usually connected to a special socket with IP44 protection, or is permanently connected to the wall. The cable coming out of the dryer body usually runs downward or sideways – depending on where the thermostat is (left or right side, or bottom). More about the electrical connection, protection and safety zones can be found in the article DEVIrail and electrical installation – connection, protection and socket placement.

Step 2 – Alignment and marking of holes

After deciding on the position, precise alignment follows. A simple method that saves a lot of nerves is used here, which I use for every job.

Console alignment procedure

First, place the upper bracket on the wall in the desired position and check the horizontal with a water level. Mark the position of the first hole. Then measure the spacing between the brackets according to the dryer's documentation – for a model of width 500 mm, the center-to-center spacing between brackets is usually 460–480 mm (check the specific model's manual). Mark the position of the second hole in the upper row. Repeat the same procedure for the lower brackets.

Critical point: both upper brackets must be at the same height and both lower brackets as well – otherwise the towel dryer will hang crooked. Use the spirit level between the left and right bracket, not just for each bracket individually. The distance between the upper and lower brackets must match the distance of the mounting points on the towel dryer itself.

Tip from practice: cardboard template

For a series of installations or if you want to be sure, make a simple cardboard template (or directly from the towel dryer box) with the exact positions of all four holes for the brackets marked. Place the template on the wall, level it and mark the holes by piercing through the template with a pencil. This saves you the work of measuring directly on the wall and minimizes the risk of error.

Step 3 – Drilling holes into the wall or tiling

This is the most critical physical step of the entire installation. Mistakes are hard to correct here.

Drilling into ceramic tile

Never use the hammer mode when drilling into ceramic. Ceramic cracks under hammering – not only at the drilling point, but also in the surrounding area, which may mean replacing the entire wall. Use a tile drill bit (ideally a diamond or carbide-tipped drill bit for tiles), set the drill to rotation without hammering and drill at a slow speed with constant pressure.

Practical tip: to prevent the drill bit from slipping at the beginning, stick a piece of electrical or painter's tape to the marked spot. The drill bit will bite into the tape and won't slip. When the bit has gone through the glaze (first 5–8 mm), remove the tape. After passing through the tile, switch to a standard masonry bit and hammer mode for drilling into the wall behind the tile.

Depth of the hole and anchor selection

Standard DEVIrail kits come with 6×30 mm or 6×35 mm anchors. Drill the hole so that its depth is 5–10 mm greater than the length of the anchor – the anchor must have room to expand. With tiling thickness of 8–10 mm and a 5–8 mm adhesive layer behind it, drill to a minimum depth of 55 mm so that the anchors are embedded in the wall (not just in the adhesive or air behind the tile).

If you encounter a hollow space behind the tile (hollow brick, aerated concrete), use special hollow wall anchors (metal or plastic expansion anchors – so-called molly anchors). Standard plastic anchors do not hold reliably in hollow walls.

Step 4 – Mounting the brackets on the wall

DEVIrail brackets are two-piece in most models: the rear base is screwed into the wall, while the front part (usually with an adjustable stop or hook) is slid onto the towel dryer tube. This system allows you to mount the towel dryer on the brackets without having to screw it directly through the body.

Bracket installation procedure

Insert the anchor into the drilled hole – it must fit snugly and not wobble.
Place the bracket base against the wall and align it with the hole.
Insert the screw and tighten – but only enough to firmly press the base against the wall. Do not over-tighten – with ceramic, cracking is a risk, with drywall, the hole may enlarge.
Check the base's level with a spirit level.
Mount all four bases in the same way.
Before covering the covers, check that none of the bases move or crack under pressure.

In some models, the bracket is one-piece and the towel dryer is slid onto it from the side (secured by a spring or screw mechanism). In such cases, before screwing the bracket in, make sure it is correctly oriented (left and right brackets are not always interchangeable).

Distance of the towel dryer from the wall

The body of the DEVIrail should be at least 25–35 mm away from the wall. This distance is critical for air circulation – the towel dryer transfers heat by convection and if it is pressed against the wall, its efficiency drops significantly and overheating of the wall may occur. The brackets are specifically designed to ensure this distance. Never shorten, pad or otherwise modify the length of the brackets.

Step 5 – Mounting the Drying Rack Body onto the Brackets

After installing all the brackets, you can place the body of the drying rack against the wall and slide it onto the brackets. DEVIrail is a relatively heavy object (5–12 kg depending on the model and size) – when installing at height, I recommend working with two people.

The sliding procedure depends on the type of bracket. If the brackets have a horizontal grip (the rack is slid in from the side), first slide one side and then the other. If the brackets have a vertical grip (the rack is hung from the top down), carefully lower it from the top and check that both sides are caught simultaneously to prevent uneven loading of the bracket and detachment from the wall.

After mounting, secure the rack with safety screws or a safety pin (depending on the model) – these elements prevent unintended sliding when pulling the towel. Do not skip this step: a towel hung on the top bar creates a real downward and backward force that can release an unsecured bracket.

Step 6 – Electrical Connection of DEVIrail

The electrical part of the installation is an area where one rule applies: if you are not absolutely sure what you are doing, call an electrician. Although DEVIrail is an appliance with relatively low power consumption (usually 60–300 W), it is installed in a wet environment (bathroom), where strict electrical safety standards apply.

Types of Connection

DEVIrail is delivered in two variants of electrical connection:

Plug-in connection – the rack has a fixed power cable with a plug or ends with a special waterproof plug. The socket must be IP44, placed outside the protective zones according to the standard STN 33 2000-7-701 (at least 600 mm from the edge of the shower area and out of reach of a person while bathing).
Hardwired connection – the cable is connected directly to the terminal block inside the rack body or in the thermostat housing. This type must always be carried out by a qualified electrician, as it involves working on fixed electrical wiring.

Where the Cable and Thermostat Should Be

The DEVIrail thermostat is usually integrated into the side cover of the rack. The side cover with the thermostat can be moved to the left or right side on most models, depending on where the socket or cable supply is located. The cable should run the shortest possible route down the wall (along a strip or groove) to the socket. Never coil excess cable behind the rack – extending the cable with junction boxes is not allowed; the cable must be resolved in another way (e.g., by moving the socket).

Detailed information on protective zones, correct socket placement, and requirements for the circuit breaker can be found in the article DEVIrail and electrical installation – connection, protection, and socket placement in our Knowledge Center.

Step 7 – First Start-up and Functionality Check

After completing the electrical connection, it is time for the first start-up. Proceed as follows:

Check that all protective covers of the brackets are installed and that no cable is pinched.
Turn on the circuit breaker / supply power.
Set the thermostat to the maximum temperature (or manually turn on the rack).
After 5–10 minutes, check whether the surface of the rack heats evenly. The entire surface of the rack should be equally warm – if any part is cold, it may indicate a problem with the heating element or thermostat (more in the article Common DEVIrail Faults – the rack does not heat, overheats, or the control does not work).
Check that the brackets do not show any movement or squeaking.
Test the thermostat – lower the setting below the current temperature, the rack should turn off.

Thermostat Setup after Installation

For regular operation, it is sufficient to set the thermostat to 40–50 °C – at this temperature, towels dry quickly and the rack does not overheat the room. When using with a timer, set the operation to times when you actually use the bathroom. A detailed procedure can be found in the article How to Set the Thermostat and Timer on DEVIrail for Energy Saving.

Special Situations and Practical Experience from Installations

Installation in Older Bathrooms without Tiling (Plaster or Panel)

In older apartments, we often encounter bathrooms where the wall is not tiled with ceramic, but is a panel wall with plaster or stucco. Drilling is easier here, but you need to pay attention to the load capacity of the anchors. Panel walls are solid concrete – a hammer drill will do well here, but use a good drill bit (new, sharp – a dull bit overheats in concrete and crushes rather than cuts). Standard anchors will not hold in plaster without a base – you must drill through the plaster layer to the concrete or brick.

Installation in Gypsum Board (Drywall) Walls

A gypsum board (drywall) wall is a special case. Standard anchors do not hold here – you must use special anchors for drywall (molly, chemical anchor, or expanding metal anchor). DEVIrail with a weight of 6–10 kg plus wet towels can reach a load on the brackets of up to 15–20 kg – this is the limit where drywall without additional reinforcement is insufficient. Ideally, at least one bracket should be anchored into a metal stud (CW or UW) in the drywall construction. If the stud is not in place, consult a structural engineer or consider moving the rack to a masonry wall.

What to Do If the Bracket Does Not Fit into the Tile Grout

A fairly common situation: the calculated bracket position falls directly into the grout line between two tiles. This is actually ideal for drilling (grout is softer and the drill bit does not deviate), but the bracket base may extend into the grout line and may bend when tightened. Solution: before mounting the base, insert a thin washer (plastic or brass washer from the mounting kit) into the grout line so that the base lies equally on both tiles. Seal the base against the wall with silicone sealant.

Different models, different installation requirements

The installation procedure is similar for all DEVIrail models, but some parameters differ. For example, DEVIrail S Chrome and DEVIrail U Chrome have a chrome surface that is more prone to scratches during handling – I recommend protecting the surface with soft fabric or painter's tape temporarily attached to the areas where contact with tools may occur when sliding onto the brackets. More about the differences between models can be found in the article White or Chrome DEVIrail – which surface to choose and why.

Most common installation mistakes and how to avoid them

Brackets installed crookedly: The towel dryer is crooked, looks unattractive, and can lead to increased stress on the brackets. Solution: always use a long spirit level and do not check each bracket individually, but also in relation to each other.
Tile grout in the adhesive shadow: The bracket is held only "by chance" – in the adhesive shadow. Solution: drill deep enough so that the anchors are embedded in the wall (at least 30 mm into the load-bearing wall).
Insufficient distance from the wall: The towel dryer is glued directly to the tile – poor convection, overheating, possible staining of the wall. Solution: do not shorten the brackets, respect the minimum distance of 25 mm.
Missing securing screw: The towel dryer is not secured after being mounted on the brackets – it can fall when pulling the towel. Solution: always secure it according to the instructions.
Socket in a protected zone: A socket directly next to a bath or shower – a dangerous electrical situation. Solution: consult with an electrician and follow the zones according to the standard.
Hammering mode when drilling tiles: Broken tiles. Solution: when drilling ceramic tiles, always rotate without hammering, use the correct drill bit.

FAQ – Most frequently asked questions about DEVIrail installation

Do I need to call an electrician to install DEVIrail?

It depends on the type of installation. If the DEVIrail is connected to an existing socket with a prescribed location outside the protected zones, a regular handyman can handle the installation themselves – mounting on the wall and plugging in the plug into the socket is not an electrical task. However, if the installation requires a new socket, fixed wiring, or work in the distribution board, it must be done by a qualified electrician (at least §21 of government regulation 508/2009 Z.z.). Never underestimate this – a wet environment like a bathroom is not a place for improvisation in electrical work.

How many holes are drilled during DEVIrail installation?

Standard DEVIrail installation requires 4 holes – one for each of the two upper and two lower brackets. Some larger or special models may have 3 pairs of brackets (6 holes), but for standard sizes of 500×900 mm to 500×1200 mm, 4 holes are sufficient. If you have doubts, check the installation documentation for the specific model – it is always included in the packaging or available for download from the manufacturer's website.

Can I install DEVIrail without tiles, directly on plaster?

Yes, installation on plaster is technically possible. It is important that the plaster is sufficiently strong and that the anchors are embedded in the masonry behind the plaster (not just in the plaster layer). On decorative plaster without tiles, you may consider sealing the base of the bracket to the wall with silicone to prevent moisture pockets from forming under the bracket. In bathrooms without tiles, I also recommend penetrating the wall and using waterproof paint around the brackets.

What if the bracket cracks the tile during drilling?

A cracked tile is not just an aesthetic problem – moisture can get underneath and damage the adhesive layer. If the entire tile is cracked, it needs to be replaced (which is a complicated process if it is an old tile that cannot be bent). If the crack is only on the surface (glaze), it is possible to seal the crack with transparent sanitary silicone – it is not an ideal solution, but it prevents moisture from entering. In the future: when drilling into ceramic, always without hammering, using the correct drill bit and with a tape on the surface.

Can I move DEVIrail to another location after installation?

Relocation is possible, but it will leave holes from the original brackets in the wall, which need to be properly sealed (with patching compound or silicone – depending on whether it is in tiles or plaster). The towel dryer itself will not be damaged – the brackets can be screwed to a new location without problems. From an aesthetic point of view, relocation in tiles is less noticeable than on a smooth wall, so it is worth carefully considering the location before the first installation.

What drill bit should I use for tiles and what for concrete?

For ceramic tiles: diamond drill bit (best result, no cracking) or carbide drill bit with a centering tip for tiles – diameter 6 mm, drilling without hammering, medium speed (500–800 rpm). For concrete behind the tiles: standard HM (tungsten carbide) drill bit for concrete 6 mm in hammer mode. Never mix them: a carbide tile drill bit will quickly be destroyed in hammer mode, and a standard concrete drill bit in hammer mode will crack the ceramic.

Conclusion – Overview of DEVIrail installation steps

Installing DEVIrail is a job that will not take more than 2–3 hours including electrical connection – even for an experienced amateur. The key to success is preparation: correct positioning, precise alignment, choosing the right tools, and respecting the technical requirements for electrical installation. Underestimating any step will result in crooked brackets, an unstable towel dryer, or, in the worst case, an electrical problem.

If you are still choosing a model, take a look at the full range in the category DEVIrail towel dryers – you will find models in various shapes, sizes, and surface finishes. For small bathrooms with limited wall space, the more compact DEVIrail U White is suitable, which thanks to its "U" shape takes up less space while providing the same performance. Further information on selecting the right power can be found in the article What DEVIrail power do I need – calculation based on bathroom area, where you will also find specific tables and formulas for different bathroom sizes.

Do you have a question about this topic?

Not sure or dealing with a specific situation in your home? Write to us – we are happy to help.