Guide to Choosing Infrared Heating Lamps

How an Infrared Heating Lamp Works

Infrared lamps operate using electromagnetic wave technology in the infrared range. These waves are invisible to the human eye but generate heat when they come into contact with objects and surfaces. They are non-dangerous waves used in various everyday contexts.

The lamp contains an electrical resistance or special incandescent bulb that emits infrared rays when electrically powered. Unlike traditional heating systems that warm the surrounding air, infrared lamps provide direct, targeted heating to objects and people within their coverage area.

Protection Ratings

The first characteristic to consider when purchasing a heating lamp is its protection rating, which indicates where it can be installed. The IP rating distinguishes heating lamps between indoor, outdoor, and protected outdoor use. The IP class represents the lamp's impermeability against the entry of foreign bodies, dust and moisture.

The IP protection class consists of two digits - the first indicates protection against foreign object ingress while the second digit indicates moisture protection. These numbers range from 0 to 6 for the first digit and up to 9 for the second; the higher the number, the greater the protection. An outdoor lamp might have IP44 to withstand light rain or IP65 to withstand storms and more intense water jets.

Infrared Wave Types

Medium Fast Waves IR-B

These infrared waves have greater heat diffusion capacity, ensuring uniform, intense and comfortable heat distribution. This phenomenon is attributable to the wave's limited penetration in air, which contributes to a more natural heat sensation and maintains heat even after turning off. Medium fast waves are most used in industrial applications for their better power/heat distribution ratio, though they're also the most expensive and therefore generally less known.

Quartz medium wave lamps reach operating temperature in about 40 seconds. Additionally, medium fast infrared waves emit very little visible light and the bulb temperature can reach 500°C.

Short Waves IR-A

Short infrared waves represent the most common and efficient variety, capable of initiating the heating process in just one second after activation. However, it's important to note this wave type generates more concentrated heat, which manifests immediately but dissipates equally quickly when the lamp is turned off. This is because they're most effective at penetrating air (about 97%), immediately irradiating surfaces, though they can be reflected by smooth or light-colored surfaces despite being well absorbed by the body. These waves are closest to the visible spectrum and have a ruby red color. The bulb temperature is very high, from 700 to 1200°C.

Long Waves IR-C

These infrared waves are typically found in heating elements (wall or floor heating) or in ceiling-mounted indoor lamps, because their radiant effect is weaker and is most noticeable when in immediate proximity. These waves are completely invisible and their thermal characteristic doesn't exceed 95 degrees.

Lamp Types

Infrared lamps are used in various contexts including domestic environments, outdoor spaces like patios and gardens, industrial settings, and even in medical applications for heat therapy. Infrared lamps come in different types:

• Wall-mounted, with wall fixing
• Ceiling-mounted, installed on room ceilings
• Floor-standing, with ground support

Various Applications of Heating Lamps

Infrared lamps present a versatile and efficient solution to meet different heating needs in domestic, commercial and industrial sectors, ensuring comfort and wellbeing in specific rooms, commercial spaces or industrial environments. They can be used in the following areas:

• Home Heating: Infrared lamps offer an effective solution for heating individual rooms or specific home areas, avoiding the need to heat the entire house.
• Commercial Heating: Shops, restaurants, patios, smoking areas and commercial spaces can benefit from infrared lamps' energy efficiency to maintain a warm, comfortable environment for customers and employees even in winter.
• Industrial Heating: In industrial contexts, infrared lamps provide targeted heating in areas requiring constant temperatures, such as in animal husbandry and nurseries.