What is an Infrared Heater?

The sun is the greatest radiant heater. Ever been outside on a sunny day without a cloud in the sky? Then a group of clouds passes by and you notice you feel cooler, but the air temperature has not change. That is infrared heat, a product of light or thermal wave lengths that are invisible to our eyes. The reason we get warm from an infrared heater is because our skin and clothes absorb the light and the temperature-sensitive nerve endings in our skin can detect the difference between inside body temperature and outside skin temperature.

 Is an Infrared Heater Right for Me?

Infrared heat will heat you while you stand underneath it, but it will not heat the room.

Workshops, garages, patio or bathroom are all perfect applications for heating the person for short periods of time. Radiant and Infrared heaters are normally mounted above the objects to be heated and positioned to focus the radiant energy over an unobstructed path. Like a flash light, an infrared radiant heater will heat objects in the direct radiant path but will not heat objects hidden from view.

Infrared Voltages

There are dozens of brands of infrared heaters that ranges from small table-top ones to large industrial ones. The average electric infrared heater is 120 voltage and ranges from about 300w to 1500w. 240 volt heaters are available for large surface areas. For large commercial applications we recommend you consult a mechanical engineer to properly size the heater, the spacing from one heater to the next and the mounting configuration so your heating needs are met.

Installation of Infrared Heaters

• Infrared heaters can mount to a wall, ceiling, on suspension chain or on a mounting stand. Check the owner’s manual or description page of the product you’re interested in to see which mounting configuration it can handle
• Indoor, outdoor or splash proof: Again infrared heaters can be indoor only or indoor / outdoor or splash proof. Splash proof means if rain drops hits it, its okay but please kill the power and bring inside ASAP.
• Installation Clearance: Please read the owner’s manual on the mounting clearance in reference to distance it can be installed from an adjacent wall, an adjacent heater, and distance from the ceiling or floor. All models are different – check the model’s specifications.
• To prevent electrical shock, disconnect all power coming to the heater at the main service panel before wiring or servicing. All wiring must be in accordance with the National and Local Electrical Codes and the heater must be grounded as a precaution against possible electric shock.
• Verify that the power supply voltage coming to heater matches the ratings printed on the heater nameplate before energizing.
• These heaters are NOT suitable for use in hazardous locations as described by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These heaters have hot and arcing or sparking parts inside. DO NOT use in areas where gasoline, paint, or other flammable liquids or stored.
• Heater MUST be securely fastened to the building structure to prevent it from falling.
• DO NOT stack or store combustible materials in the radiation path under the heater. At least 5 feet (150 mm) clearance MUST be maintained between bottom of heater and combustibles stored.

 For more information on Infrared heaters please visit Heateroutlet.com