Space Heaters Electric 
 Infra-red Heaters
Sales and Technical 01751 411965
Simple guide to electric radiant heaters Radiant (infra-red) heat is produced by any hot object, an example being the sun which heats the earth's surface through the vacuum of space. Electric radiant heaters use an electric current to heat an element. They are similar to incandescent electric light bulbs, although are designed to produce as much infra-red heat, rather than visible light, as possible. As thermal radiation is not absorbed by air infrared heaters can efficiently warm people or objects in exposed and draughty locations, or infrequently occupied buildings with high ceilings such as village halls etc, without incurring high 'heat-up' energy costs. Fast response means that heaters can be switched on or off to match occupancy patterns, for example using suitably rated PIR sensors, and they can be deployed to provide different levels of heating for different zones within a larger area.  Quartz heaters offer the highest radiant efficiency and are also available in weather-proof models designed for outdoor use, for example to heat smoking shelters or patios with much greater energy efficiency than is possible using gas patio heaters. Ceramic heaters operate at lower temperatures and, unlike quartz, produce no visible light but have lower infrared radiant efficiencies and take minutes rather than seconds to heat up and cool down.  Traditional glass and metal element heaters are available for domestic situations. Typical comfort heating levels for infra-red heating are of the order of 100 to 200 W/m².

These heaters use high temperature tungsten filament heating elements and operate at high temperatures. The element is encapsulated in a quartz tube and coated with a special material designed to maximise the output of infrared heat. The offer very high radiant efficiencies and have short heat-up and cool-down time -- typically one second to achieve 90% output. Quartz tubes are more fragile than ceramic elements, and have an operating lifetime of typically 5,000 hours. The high temperature of quartz heaters elements means that they produce visible light which, in some circumstances, can be considered obstrusive. The most common quartz lamps produce a ruby glow. Lamps are also available that produce a golden rather than ruby glow; these are often specified in situations where aestheics are important, for example in places of worship.

 Electric quartz heating provides instant and directional radiant heat, warming people rather than the cold air in-between. Outdoor quartz heaters are designed against the ingress of water and can be used for a range of applications such as smoking areas, cafes, and bars. Products are available for use under cover, for example under commercial umbrellas or awnings. Outdoor quartz heaters may also be used in areas such as warehouse loading bays which are only partially protected from the elements.  Ceramic radiant heater elements are produced using a specialised process in which an alloy resistance wire is cast a ceramic body. The ceramic element is normally glazed to reduce moisture ingress into the ceramic material. Operating at lower temperatures that quartz heaters, they have a lower radiant efficiency than quartz and take longer to heat-up and cool-down time, with timescales measured in minutes. They are rugged and durable, and produce no visible glare.  Traditional style electric radiant heaters.  Metal element radiant heaters. Rugged elements similar to those on electric oven grills.  Replacement quartz halogen emitters.  Soft start and passive infra-red (PIR) sensors for quartz halogen heaters.

Quartz
High Efficiency

Quartz Outdoor
Weatherproof 

Ceramic
No Visible Glare

Glass Element
Traditional

Metal Element
Rugged

Spares
Quartz Elements

Quartz Controllers
Soft-Start