Infrared (IR) Heater Accessories: Essential Components for Optimal Heat

Infrared (IR) heaters are modern and efficient heating devices that deliver heat directly to objects, rather than heating the air. However, for their operation to be fully effective, safe, and comfortable, the use of appropriate accessories is essential. These accessories not only enable correct installation but also affect aesthetics, heating power control, and the overall functionality of the IR system.

Mounting Brackets and Systems: Stability and Safety

Proper installation of the heater is crucial for both safety and optimal heat distribution. Depending on the type of heater (panel, lamp) and the installation location (wall, ceiling, tripod, under an awning), various mounting accessories are used:

• Fixed Brackets: The most common are "L" or "U" shaped brackets, designed for wall or ceiling mounting. They ensure solid and durable fastening, often with the possibility of adjusting the tilt angle.
• Hinged/Adjustable Brackets: They allow for precise direction of the heat beam, which is essential, especially in zone heating (e.g., in halls or on terraces). They enable quick change of the heat incidence angle.
• Suspension Wires: Used primarily for IR-C heating panels for aesthetic and free ceiling mounting. Often made of stainless steel, they allow for height adjustment.
• Mobile Tripods: Essential for portable heaters. Tripods, often with adjustable height, allow for flexible use of the device in various locations without the need for permanent installation.
• Recessed Installation Kits: Special cassettes or decorative frames that allow for discreet integration of the heater into a suspended ceiling or facade, which is popular in modern construction.

Control and Automation: Convenience and Energy Saving

The energy efficiency of IR heating is closely related to the ability to precisely control the power and operating time of the device. Modern control accessories allow for the optimization of energy consumption and increase user comfort:

• Power Regulators (Dimmers): They allow for smooth or gradual adjustment of the heater's heating power (usually from 0% to 100%). This is crucial in changing weather conditions, enabling the intensity of heat to be matched to the current need.
• Socket (or Wall) Thermostats: They enable automatic switching on and off of the heater based on a set temperature in the room or zone. Wi-Fi and programmable versions allow for remote management and the creation of operating schedules.
• Radio Controllers and Remotes: They provide remote switching on/off and power regulation, which is especially convenient when the heater is mounted high up or in a hard-to-reach place (e.g., on a terrace).
• Motion Sensors (Presence Detectors): Used primarily in zone heating in industrial or office facilities. They automatically switch on the heater when they detect the presence of people and switch it off after a period of inactivity, minimizing losses.

Connectors and Cables: Safe Electrical Connection

In the Connectors section, the electrical accessories are designed to ensure a safe and durable connection of the device to the power network, especially in difficult external conditions (humidity, dust):

• Hermetic Plugs and Sockets (IP44, IP65, IP67): Essential for heaters installed outdoors, e.g., on terraces or in restaurant gardens. They protect against the ingress of water and dust.
• Waterproof Cable Glands (Sealing Devices): Components used in the heater housing that seal the point where the power cable enters, protecting internal components from moisture.
• Extensions and Adapters: Specialized electrical cables with increased resistance to temperature and weather conditions, used for installation at greater heights or within modular systems.

The choice of appropriate accessories is just as important as the choice of the heater itself. Investing in the quality and functionality of these elements guarantees long-term, trouble-free, and economical operation of the infrared heating system.