How to install an infrared heater on the ceiling. Reliable installation of an infrared heater on the ceiling. Connection work

24 July 2015 Alexei

To get the answer to the question of how to connect a thermostat to an infrared heater, you need to delve a little deeper into theoretical basis functioning of this type of technology. Based on this, it will be possible to accurately determine the most appropriate place to install a thermostat, and this, in turn, will allow it to be operated more efficiently.

Where is IR Heater Used?

This type of equipment is distinguished by a very high efficiency, and, accordingly, almost instantaneous heating of the room and its slow cooling - both factors determine a fairly high degree of efficiency of the device, making operation in large facilities with high ceilings and large heat losses justified. In addition, IR heaters are widely used in civil and agricultural premises. These could be greenhouses, schools, kindergartens, office premises, shops, etc. In addition, there are designs created specifically for heating outdoor areas.

Let's watch the video, a little about this heating device:

But before you choose one of the types of such devices, you need to compare it specifications with future operating conditions. So, for each object it is recommended to select a certain type of similar equipment:

  • Short-wave versions are more often used in production facilities, as they are quite aggressive in operation due to the instant heating of the room, which is caused by an increase in temperature heating element up to several hundred degrees;
  • Medium-wave and long-wave devices, depending on the model, are widely used at civilian sites and in private homes.

Also, the intended purpose of IR heaters is influenced by the type of energy source: electricity, diesel fuel, gas. For example, devices operating on gas and diesel are recommended for use in non-residential premises and in open areas.

More details about the design

The main feature of this type of technology is the release of heat aimed at heating various surfaces: walls, floors, ceilings, furniture and interior items - in a word, everything that is in the room. In this case, the air is only partially heated, since 90% of the radiation is directed at objects, which, in turn, already give off heat to the air.

The main design elements of this type of equipment are an emitter and a reflector, and the energy source is electricity, gas or diesel fuel. The emitter is responsible for the transmission infrared radiation as it heats up. The reflective element is a reflector, which is made of heat-resistant material with good reflectivity.

Preparatory work

The IR heating device is installed on a surface (floor, ceiling, wall) in accordance with its intended purpose: floor, wall or ceiling device. Depending on the design, the design may include an element such as a thermostat. Its main task is to control the temperature level in the room where the IR device operates.

But not every model is equipped with a thermostat, therefore, sometimes, in addition to installing the device itself, you need to figure out how to connect an autonomous thermostat to an infrared heater.

In doing so, a number of questions are addressed:

  1. The thermostat is mounted at a level of 1.5 m. This is necessary for ease of use. When connecting film decorative IR heaters, a wireless thermostat is used. It is important to avoid areas subject to drafts. Otherwise the device will not work efficiently.
  2. An area for installing the heater is selected: not far from a door or window. If the room is quite large, then it is recommended to install two low-power units instead of one powerful unit. But in this case, you need to calculate the total power if you plan to connect to a thermostat.

To work you will need tools: drill, screwdriver, ruler, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. Depending on how and what the heater is equipped with, a rigid bracket for installation may be required, which usually has to be purchased additionally. But installation can be done without such an element; again, it all depends on the configuration. You will also need wires, the length of which is determined by the installation location and distance from the power source.

Connection work

Installing an infrared ceiling heater in a room where suspended or wooden ceilings, is performed quite quickly due to the ease of manipulation: in finishing material hooks are screwed in, on which the heater is suspended. If the room has a concrete ceiling, then in this case you will need a hammer drill. This is the easiest way to connect.

We watch the video, installation work of the ceiling heater;

But the vast majority of users prefer more economical solution– using a thermostat. In this case, installation is carried out in several options depending on the equipment set:

  1. A thermostat-heater pair is connected. In this case, two wires are supplied from the circuit breaker (hereinafter referred to as simply a circuit breaker): “zero” and “phase”. Installation is carried out in accordance with the device markings. Next, the thermostat is connected to heating equipment also taking into account the markings. You must first open the socket for connection. It is usually hidden in the housing under a removable cover held in place by fasteners.
  2. Installation and connection of an infrared heater of different types in the amount of more than two pieces per room is carried out using parallel connection. Otherwise, the installation steps will be identical: wires are connected from the machine to the thermostat, from which heating devices are already connected.
  3. A more complex option: installation by connecting a magnetic starter. This solution is preferable when connecting an industrial heater is planned.

Some features of installation work

To ensure safety, care must also be taken to ground the device. For this, a yellow-green cable is used, which is connected to the appropriate terminal. It is difficult to make a mistake here, since the markings help to complete the installation without unnecessary difficulties. In order for the room to be heated as efficiently as possible, it must be installed in the most suitable position to ensure high performance.

This refers to the direction of propagation of radiation. If the heater is ceiling-mounted, then the choice is small - the unit is installed in only one position (parallel to the ceiling and floor), but wall-mounted devices can be installed at a certain angle. This is achieved by adjusting the fasteners. To prevent cable routing along the wall from being noticeable, you can use a U-shaped profile.

Thus, the connection process itself should not cause difficulties for the user. But first, it is important to choose the right site for installing the device.

Only in this case will it be observed high degree efficiency from his work. If the room is more than 20 sq. m, it is recommended to use two heaters, the total power of which will not exceed 2 kW. For small areas(up to 8-10 sq. m) a compact low-power device with 800 W is quite sufficient. It is advisable to install heaters near entrance doors and in the area of ​​windows, but thermostats, on the contrary, are “afraid” of drafts and work less efficiently.

Infrared heaters can create a comfortable atmosphere with minimal labor and financial costs. They are compact, safe and efficient, and can be used in premises for various purposes. Installing an IR heater is not difficult; even a novice craftsman who already knows how to hold tools in his hands can handle it. In this review we will look at all the intricacies of carrying out installation work.

Peculiarities

Infrared heaters have a rather interesting operating principle. They heat not the air itself, but objects located around them due to infrared radiation. As a result, they become warm, releasing part of the thermal energy into the atmosphere - the room becomes warm and comfortable. Let's look at the main features of IR heaters:

The most striking drawback of these heaters is the high electricity consumption, which is typical for any, even the most economical electrical appliance.

  • Correct heat distribution. If you install traditional radiators indoors, it will be cool near the floors and hot near the ceilings. In the case of IR heaters, the floors will be warm, since they will be heated by IR radiation;
  • At correct installation they do not harm human health - if this equipment is installed correctly in its original place, it will not have a negative effect on the body (in particular, there will be no headaches);
  • Fast heating of rooms - they warm up noticeably faster than traditional radiators;
  • Almost complete silence - only gas appliances make noise (and even then they are practically inaudible);
  • Can work in rooms with increased level humidity;
  • Available for use in street conditions, creating a comfortable environment in open areas;
  • No negative impact on the environment.

Installing an IR heater in a living room will create warm atmosphere, in which it is pleasant not only to relax, but also to work.

Varieties

They are divided into two categories - electric and gas appliances. The first ones operate from a household electrical network and are equipped with electric emitters. They are characterized by extreme structural simplicity, which ensures their compactness. However, this comes at the cost of high energy consumption.

Gas IR heaters operate from liquefied gas. Their main advantage is autonomy - they do not require access to the power grid to operate. They are in little demand at home; most often they are used for heating open street areas and industrial buildings. Some models operate using built-in miniature gas cartridges.

Installation of infrared heaters

If you are using infrared gas heaters, their installation on the wall is carried out in exactly the same way as in the case of electric models.

Installation of infrared heaters is carried out in two ways - on walls or on ceilings. Wall placement is optimal, since in this case the IR radiation will heat the rooms as evenly as possible, including reaching the floors. In some cases, when the ceilings are very high and installation is difficult, they resort to wall installation.

Installation infrared heater on the ceiling begins with choosing the placement height. In case of living rooms the optimal height is 2.5-3 meters. Usually this parameter is indicated in equipment data sheets - the greater the power, the higher the suspension. Otherwise, your health may deteriorate and headaches may appear.

When placing on the wall, you need to make sure that infrared heaters will be located away from crowded areas. For example, installation near the workplace will result in too intense radiation causing discomfort in the skin and headache. Other unpleasant symptoms may also occur.

Power calculation

The optimal indicator is a power equal to 1 kW for every 10 square meters. m. area. Ideally, you need to build on it, only then will the room be really warm, even in the most severe frosts. If installation involves their use as auxiliary equipment, nothing prevents you from choosing lower power models - for example, 1000 W for a room of 20 square meters. m.

Remember that the use of overly powerful devices in residential premises is highly undesirable - it is better to install several low-power models.

Installation process

Installation prices from heating equipment specialists are surprising. It’s clear that none of us will agree to work for pennies—we all want to eat. But you need to maintain at least some limits of decency in pricing. Therefore, the easiest way is to carry out the installation yourself - it will not require special knowledge from you and any unnecessary licenses.

Direct installation of hangers on mounting hooks is also possible - this is done in rooms with low ceiling heights.

To install the heaters, you can use the standard brackets included in the kit. With their help, equipment is suspended from ceilings using cables or chains. Therefore, we will need mounting hooks for wood or concrete - the latter are supplied with plastic dowels. Next, we install the fasteners, screw the hooks into the ceilings and adjust the length of the chains or cables to achieve a suitable suspension height.

So there's nothing complicated about self-installation There are no infrared heaters - it will take you a couple of hours maximum to do everything. The most difficult thing is to install such heaters on concrete ceilings, where a powerful hammer drill is required to install mounting hooks. For wall installation, the same hooks are used in conjunction with hangers - in this case, the heaters should hang horizontally and look slightly down.

In the case of installing gas infrared heaters, it is necessary to correctly position the gas supply hose.

Connection

All infrared heaters are connected to conventional ones single-phase networks. The exception is high-power industrial designs that require a power supply of 380 Volts. The connection diagram for an infrared heater is extremely simple - they are mounted and connected to a thermostat.

The thermostat is an important part. It provides support for a given temperature regime, focusing on the temperature of the surrounding space. Control method: mechanical, with dry contacts. As soon as the temperature reaches a preset limit, the thermocouple is activated and disconnects the equipment from the power supply. When the air cools, the contact closes and the supply of electricity is restored.

If there are several rooms in the house, we install thermostats in each room to achieve separate temperature control. The absence of regulators will lead to excessive energy consumption and the creation of inefficient comfortable atmosphere. Even if we make manual adjustments, we will not get any efficiency.

If there is a good grounding circuit and three-wire wiring in the house, use a VVG 3x1.5 or VVG 3x2.25 cable - one grounding conductor here. The optimal height for placing the thermostat is 1.2 m, but in no case close to the heaters.

In order to connect the IR heaters after their installation, we will need good wire, withstanding heavy loads. The best option would be VVG 2x2.5, which should be laid in the walls and ceilings, and then hidden under a layer of plaster. Considering not myself high power devices, it would be possible to take a VVG 2x1.5 wire for these purposes, but it is most often used to connect lighting fixtures– for power loads it is recommended to choose a cable with a large cross-section.

Connection diagram

There are no difficulties in connecting such heaters after their installation - we need to connect the cable from one device or group of heaters to the thermostat, and then to the nearest distribution box. Our thermostat simply breaks one wire (phase), no additional cables or conductors are needed. If the power of a heater or group of heaters is 3 kW or more, lay a separate solid line to the distribution board and equip it with an RCD.

The most difficult part of installation is laying the wires. To prevent them from being conspicuous, it is advisable to recess them into walls and floors. If this is not possible, install plastic cable channels. In utility rooms, use corrugation. Groups of heaters are connected to each other in plastic junction boxes, trying to avoid twists.

Video

Traditional heating based on the convection effect, despite its popularity, has many disadvantages. Stratification of air masses, uneven heating of the room by volume, creation of convection currents and drafts, significant heat loss, slow heating are the most typical examples.

It is not surprising that many are beginning to think about how to install an infrared heater on the ceiling, because this particular technique is considered the most advanced, since it is devoid of all the above-mentioned disadvantages and is characterized by economical energy consumption and durability.

Main varieties

For ceiling installation The following types of devices are used:

  • Low temperature technology. The emitted wavelength varies from 5.6 to 100 microns. It is these modifications that are most often used in living conditions, since they are aimed at ceilings with a height of 250-300 centimeters, most often found in apartments.
  • Medium temperature technology. The wavelength varies from 2.5 to 5.6 microns, the minimum permissible ceiling height is 360 centimeters.
  • High temperature technology. The wavelength is from 0.74 to 2 microns, the minimum permissible ceiling height is 800 centimeters.

An IR heater for ceilings can also be a separate device or a special film. The installation method depends on this parameter.


Heater installation

Compared to film, installation of this unit is quite simple; you just need to follow some principles:

  • The clamps must easily withstand the weight of the equipment, not deform or bend under its weight;
  • In most cases, the IR device is supplied with rigid brackets or steel chains, which are used for installation. If these parts are not provided, you must purchase them separately, based on weight and strength;
  • It is necessary to prevent contact of the heating surface with materials that may ignite;
  • All contacts are carefully insulated so that there are no exposed sections of wiring.

Working with film: basic principles

It is necessary to install the film, guided by a number of rules:

  • The minimum permissible ceiling height is 230 centimeters;
  • Before installation, all finishing work must be completed;
  • If you plan to install electrical equipment and air duct casings, then the distance between them and the film should be more than 5 centimeters;
  • The base on which the material will have to be fixed should not accumulate moisture;
  • If the ceiling is adjacent to the attic, then it is first necessary to insulate the room.


Working instructions

The film must be attached according to the following scheme:

  • An initial plan is drawn up, which marks exactly where the film will be located. If you plan to use it as the main heating, then the coverage area should be about 70 percent of the total.
  • The power is calculated, based on which it is determined whether the existing wiring is able to withstand the current that will be achieved when starting the IR equipment.
  • A 5-millimeter layer of thermal insulation material with an additional reflective layer is fixed on the ceiling. The insulation is fixed using screws or dowels; the joints are additionally reinforced with tape.
  • Getting ready required quantities films. It must be remembered that the material can be cut only along special lines, observing the minimum permissible cut length, depending on the manufacturer.
  • The wires are connected to the copper bars of the material. When the required contact density is achieved, it is isolated and fixed.
  • Based on calculations of current strength, wires are prepared whose cross-sectional area exceeds one and a half millimeters. The strips are connected in parallel; it is important to remember that the total power of all IR elements connected to the temperature controller should not exceed its own power. If a large load is expected, a separate wiring with a safety switch is formed.
  • The heating elements are fixed on the heat-insulating layer, while it is necessary to avoid contact between adjacent strips, the formation of air cavities and loss of tightness, which can provoke corrosion of conductive elements.
  • The reliability of the fastenings is checked, a test run is carried out, including at full power, in order to promptly find and eliminate possible weak points.
  • Finishing in progress decorative finishing previously selected material.

General benefits

Regardless of the design of the device operating in the IR range, it is characterized by the following positive qualities:

  • There is no need to lay heating mains and install heavy equipment, which is associated with high labor costs;
  • Complete absence of noise during operation;
  • High degree of automation;
  • Possibility to set up zone heating, and microclimatic conditions will be unique in each zone;
  • Safety and environmental friendliness, use is allowed even in medical institutions and children's rooms;
  • The installed device consumes a minimum of energy without compromising efficiency, efficiency reaches 97 percent.

Thus, heating based infrared models may well become an excellent alternative to classic water and air installations.

To get an answer to the question of how to connect a thermostat to an infrared heater, you need to delve a little deeper into the theoretical foundations of the functioning of this type of technology. Based on this, it will be possible to accurately determine the most suitable place to install the thermostat, and this, in turn, will allow it to be operated more efficiently.

This type of equipment is distinguished by a very high efficiency, and, accordingly, almost instantaneous heating of the room and its slow cooling - both factors determine a fairly high degree of efficiency of the device, making operation in large facilities with high ceilings and large heat losses justified. In addition, IR heaters are widely used in civil and agricultural premises. These could be greenhouses, schools, kindergartens, office premises, shops, etc. In addition, there are designs created specifically for heating outdoor areas.

Let's watch the video, a little about this heating device:

But before choosing one of the types of such devices, you need to correlate its technical characteristics with operating conditions in the future. So, for each object it is recommended to select a certain type of similar equipment:

  • Short-wave versions are more often used in production facilities, since they are quite aggressive in operation due to the instant heating of the room, which is caused by an increase in the temperature of the heating element to several hundred degrees;
  • Medium-wave and long-wave devices, depending on the model, are widely used at civilian sites and in private homes.

Also, the intended purpose of IR heaters is influenced by the type of energy source: electricity, diesel fuel, gas. For example, devices operating on gas and diesel are recommended for use in non-residential premises and open areas.

The main feature of this type of equipment is the release of heat aimed at heating various surfaces: walls, floors, ceilings, pieces of furniture and interior - in a word, everything that is in the room. In this case, the air is only partially heated, since 90% of the radiation is directed at objects, which, in turn, already give off heat to the air.

The main design elements of this type of equipment are an emitter and a reflector, and the energy source is electricity, gas or diesel fuel. The emitter is responsible for transmitting infrared radiation as it heats up. The reflective element is a reflector, which is made of heat-resistant material with good reflectivity.

The IR heating device is installed on a surface (floor, ceiling, wall) in accordance with its intended purpose: floor, wall or ceiling device. Depending on the design, the design may include an element such as a thermostat. Its main task is to control the temperature level in the room where the IR device operates.

But not every model is equipped with a thermostat, therefore, sometimes, in addition to installing the device itself, you need to figure out how to connect an autonomous thermostat to an infrared heater.

In doing so, a number of questions are addressed:

  1. The thermostat is mounted at a level of 1.5 m. This is necessary for ease of use. When connecting film decorative IR heaters, a wireless thermostat is used. It is important to avoid areas subject to drafts. Otherwise the device will not work efficiently.
  2. An area for installing the heater is selected: not far from a door or window. If the room is quite large, then it is recommended to install two low-power units instead of one powerful unit. But in this case, you need to calculate the total power if you plan to connect to a thermostat.

To work you will need tools: drill, screwdriver, ruler, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. Depending on how and what the heater is equipped with, a rigid bracket for installation may be required, which usually has to be purchased additionally. But installation can be done without such an element; again, it all depends on the configuration. You will also need wires, the length of which is determined by the installation location and distance from the power source.

Installing an infrared ceiling heater in a room where suspended or wooden ceilings are installed is done quite quickly due to the ease of manipulation: hooks are screwed into the finishing material, on which the heater is suspended. If the room has a concrete ceiling, then in this case you will need a hammer drill. This is the easiest way to connect.

We watch the video, installation work of the ceiling heater;

But the vast majority of users prefer a more economical solution - using a thermostat. In this case, installation is carried out in several options depending on the equipment set:

  1. A thermostat-heater pair is connected. In this case, two wires are supplied from the circuit breaker (hereinafter referred to as simply a circuit breaker): “zero” and “phase”. Installation is carried out in accordance with the device markings. Next, the thermostat is connected to the heating equipment, also taking into account the markings. You must first open the socket for connection. It is usually hidden in the housing under a removable cover held in place by fasteners.
  2. Installation and connection of an infrared heater of more than two types per room is carried out through a parallel connection. Otherwise, the installation steps will be identical: wires are connected from the machine to the thermostat, from which heating devices are already connected.
  3. A more complex option: installation by connecting a magnetic starter. This solution is preferable when connecting an industrial heater is planned.

To ensure safety, care must also be taken to ground the device. For this, a yellow-green cable is used, which is connected to the appropriate terminal. It is difficult to make a mistake here, since the markings help to complete the installation without unnecessary difficulties. In order for the room to be heated as efficiently as possible, it must be installed in the most suitable position to ensure high performance.

This refers to the direction of propagation of radiation. If the heater is ceiling-mounted, then the choice is small - the unit is installed in only one position (parallel to the ceiling and floor), but wall-mounted devices can be installed at a certain angle. This is achieved by adjusting the fasteners. To prevent cable routing along the wall from being noticeable, you can use a U-shaped profile.

Thus, the connection process itself should not cause difficulties for the user. But first, it is important to choose the right site for installing the device.

Only in this case will there be a high degree of efficiency from its work. If the room is more than 20 sq. m, it is recommended to use two heaters, the total power of which will not exceed 2 kW. For small areas (up to 8-10 sq. m), a compact low-power device with 800 W is quite sufficient. It is more advisable to install heaters near entrance doors and near windows, but thermostats, on the contrary, are “afraid” of drafts and work less efficiently.

The use of an infrared heater for heating a home, cafe or office space has its own benefits, which are described on the pages of our magazine. Before you begin installing an infrared heater on the ceiling, we advise you to familiarize yourself with some of the nuances of this rather important procedure. Taking into account the installation features of devices of this type will allow you to securely fix them on a wide variety of ceiling surfaces, namely:

– on standard floors made of reinforced concrete slabs;

– on wooden ceilings;

– on tension ceiling systems.

In the first and second cases, the heater can be suspended on metal brackets (brackets), securely fixed to a hard ceiling. To fix it on suspended ceiling necessary special fasteners, made in the form of hooks with chains. In the following sections we will look at the features of installing IR heaters in relation to each of the specified types of ceiling base.

Fastening on rigid floors

This option for placing an infrared heater involves the use of special metal brackets included with some product samples.

Additional information: If the emitter you purchased does not include such brackets, you can make them yourself, following the instructions included with the product.

Before starting installation operations to secure the heater on a rigid base, you should prepare the following working tools:

  1. An electric drill or hammer drill required for drilling or punching holes for fasteners.
  2. Pliers (for adjusting the position of the bracket, made in the form of an angle).
  3. Pencil and ruler used to mark attachment points.

Important! To avoid damage hidden electrical wiring It is advisable to stock up on a special hidden wiring detector, which allows you to determine the routes of its installation in the thickness of the ceiling. In its absence, one should be guided by the fact that hidden wiring(according to the requirements of the PUE) is always laid from the distribution box directly to the mounted lighting fixture.

After preparing everything the necessary tool it will be possible to proceed to marking the mounting locations of the mounted device, which is carried out in accordance with the instructions of the attached instructions.

Installation of brackets and mounting of the heater

When fixing metal brackets, the following nuances must be taken into account:

  • the brackets are mounted strictly along the intended line, taking into account the distance between them indicated in the passport;
  • their hanging parts should be oriented in one direction;
  • The irradiator suspended on brackets must be positioned strictly horizontally.

To fulfill the last requirement, when installing brackets, it is necessary to strictly maintain the distance from the base of the bracket to the mounting hole. For measuring long distances, a Bosch laser rangefinder is best.

When installing an infrared heater on the ceiling, its panel is hung on fixed and height-aligned brackets in the order given in the same instructions.

Installing an IR heater under a suspended ceiling

With this option for mounting infrared heating devices, the latter are suspended at a certain distance from the surface of the ceiling panels, which eliminates the possibility of their damage as a result of overheating. As a rule, these devices are installed before the suspended ceiling itself is made, the arrangement of which takes into account their location. In industrial models of hanging-type heating devices can be used various systems fastenings in which one or another type of extension element is used. In this case, flexible is considered the most convenient and effective. suspended structure, which most often includes the following elements:

  • steel brackets with rigid fastening to the sub-ceiling;
  • a chain of adjustable length suspended on them, ensuring the required distance from the surface of the ceiling;
  • a set of hooks designed for hanging the heater itself.

note: When purchasing heating devices for suspended ceilings it is necessary to focus on products designed specifically for this type of suspension.

Heater installation instructions

Installation of an infrared heating device under suspended ceiling carried out in the following sequence:

  1. First on rough ceiling steel brackets (brackets) are attached, mounted according to the same principle as the rigid suspension elements described in the previous section. When carrying out this operation, you cannot do without an electric drill or hammer drill, as well as without the obligatory marking of the mounting location.
  2. After this, the chains included in the kit or any other extension elements are suspended from the brackets, providing the necessary distance from the ceiling fabric that is subsequently stretched.
  3. Upon completion of this part of the installation work, the suspended ceiling itself is equipped, taking into account the extension fastening elements already prepared for hanging.
  4. At the final stage, hooks are installed on them, through which the body of the IR heater is then suspended.

Immediately before installing an infrared heater on the ceiling, we advise you to pay attention to a number of recommendations, taking into account which we can ensure the required reliability and operational safety suspension system. To create these conditions, you will need to follow the following simple rules:

  • When installing a heater, first of all, you should focus on the safety of the fastening joint, which securely holds the device on any ceiling surface.
  • To fasten and hang the product you purchased, it is advisable to use only the fittings that come with it.
  • The heated parts of the mounted device should not have direct contact with surfaces made of flammable materials.

Installing an infrared heater on the ceiling


Before installing an infrared heater on the ceiling, we advise you to familiarize yourself with some nuances

How to properly install an infrared heater

Is it possible to install infrared heaters with your own hands? If yes, how to do it? Let's consider placement options and installation methods for these popular heating devices.

Principle of operation

As the name of the devices suggests, they heat rooms using infrared radiation. This is similar to the action sun rays: The device is heating up not air, but objects in the surrounding space (for more details, see the article on the operating principle of a heater with infrared radiation). IR heaters can not only warm a room, but also serve as a source of lighting in it.

Operating principle of IR heater

To choose the right IR heater for your home, you need to know that there are two types: gas and electric.

If there is no electricity, then it is better to use gas-powered devices. Typically, liquefied gas is used in cans that are attached to the back of the device itself. Installation of gas infrared heaters is not difficult, and their maintenance is inexpensive. The only downside is the need to purchase (or refill) spare cans on time.

Electrical

Electric models of infrared heating devices (carbon, halogen, quartz) are considered more convenient and in demand. It doesn't take much effort to figure out how to install an infrared heater powered by electricity. This can be done independently using the information supplied with the device. instructions. The heater kit necessarily includes all the brackets and fastenings necessary for installation. Manufacturers of heating devices usually make it so that consumers can easily install purchased heaters with their own hands.

When purchasing a heater, it is important to pay attention to its power, since its value may determine how far the device should be from a person.

When placed too close, IR radiation is harmful to the human body. The higher the device is located, the less harm he can bring. Many users, having become interested in such devices, do not always have an idea of ​​how to properly install an infrared heater. Namely, the efficiency of its operation and safety for humans depends on its correct location.

The operation of such heaters is based on the action of heating elements emitting thermal energy . The latter heats all surfaces and objects (furniture, walls, floors) that are within the range of infrared rays. Heated objects, in turn, giving off heat to the surrounding space, warm the air in the room.

How to install correctly

Even at the stage of purchasing a heater, you must:

  1. Measure the area of ​​the room where installation is planned heating system. Don’t forget to make calculations taking into account window and door openings.
  2. Take account thermal insulation properties materials used to insulate the house.
  3. Pay attention to the power and voltage of the electrical network allocated to the house or apartment.
  4. To check the voltage in the network, you need to turn on all electrical appliances installed in the house and measure the voltage at this moment. In this case, the indicators should not go beyond the limits of 220-230 V. When obtaining a larger value, it is recommended to purchase a voltage stabilizer.

Before installing an infrared heater, you need to decide which rooms need heating. It can be:

When installing wall-mounted IR heaters, you need to take into account that it is advisable to place them at a height of approximately 2 m from the floor. Calculation optimal height settings: add 0.5 m to a person’s height, you get the desired value.

To install an IR heater, the main material is a box for laying wires in it. In case of hidden installation in the wall, you will need corrugation. It is not difficult to do the installation yourself, lay the wires, connect the heater and thermostats, no special skills are required. The main thing is that safety measures are observed. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to invite specialists who will quickly and competently carry out all installation work.

Advantages and disadvantages of IR heating

  1. Relatively economical (especially if used as an additional heat source).
  2. They don't burn oxygen.
  3. They are safe for health and can even have a positive effect on the human body.
  4. When mounted on the ceiling, they do not take up much space in the room and are safe for children.
  5. They operate silently and can simultaneously serve as a light source.
  6. Most models have built-in thermostats to maintain the required constant temperature air.
  7. After they are turned off, the room remains warm for some time, since objects heated by the device continue to give off energy to the surrounding space.
  8. IR installations are not afraid of moisture; they can be installed in bathrooms, on terraces or in gazebos.

Among the shortcomings, only enough can be noted high cost.

Installing such heaters is not difficult. The main thing is to correctly carry out the installation calculations so that the use of the devices is safe. Also you may be useful information about connecting the thermostat to IR heaters.

Installation and installation of infrared heaters


Which is the best IR heater for your home? How to install infrared heaters. Advantages and disadvantages of using devices.

Types, design and installation of infrared ceiling heater

Infrared ceiling heaters differ from other types of heating equipment in their operating principle. IR heaters do not heat the air, but the objects and people in the room. Having received heat from a heating device, objects release some of the heat into the air. As a result, the air temperature in a heated room is always 5-7 degrees lower than the temperature of surrounding objects. In this case, there is no overheating of the air, and people receive the necessary warmth.

For heating purposes, IR equipment is used as:

Design and operating principle

The operating principle of infrared equipment is not complicated. Electricity helps heat the heating element, which heats a special heat-emitting plate that emits infrared radiation.

The equipment design includes:

  • body (in certain modifications);
  • heating element;
  • emitter;
  • reflector;
  • electrical fittings and wires;
  • remote control.

If there is a case, it is most often metal. Models without a case are made from heat-resistant film or glass. The heating elements are located inside the film. Glass devices contain a pair of 4-mm plates connected to each other.

The following can act as a heating element in IR devices:

  • records;
  • heating elements;
  • closed or open spirals;
  • carbon conductors;
  • infrared halogen or quartz lamps.

Infrared lamps can act as a heating element in IR heaters

Note! The reflector is necessary to prevent overheating of the inside of the housing, as well as to optimize radiation transmission.

The reflector is made of heat-resistant metal with good reflective characteristics. Typically this is 120 micron foil. Insulating material is placed between the body and the foil. Typically, an infrared heater is equipped with a power regulator to select the appropriate heating mode.

Classification of IR heaters

Infrared heating equipment differs in several ways: by energy source, purpose and installation method.

According to energy source:

  • Electrical is the most common type of device installed in premises of any purpose. An indispensable element of the system is a mirror reflector for supplying radiation in the desired direction.
  • Gas - ideal for industrial buildings or open space. Due to too much power, such equipment is rarely used in residential buildings. The fuel is an air-gas mixture.
  • Diesel - usually used in rooms with weak wiring. Diesel IR devices are often used in garages or outdoors. Such devices do not require smoke removal, since cleaning is carried out by three layers of filters.
  • Film - the best way heating in residential buildings.

Film infrared heaters - best option heating a residential building

By installation method:

Advantages and disadvantages

Ceiling heaters have a number of important advantages, including:

  • efficiency;
  • increased heat transfer;
  • low noise level;
  • autonomy;
  • there is no problem of oxygen absorption;
  • do not emit unpleasant odors;
  • small sizes;
  • no need for design work;
  • it is possible to install it yourself (although the seller will probably impose his own installation);
  • Can be installed on suspended ceilings;
  • ease of operation.

In addition to the advantages, infrared devices also have disadvantages:

  • possibility of overheating during prolonged use;
  • considerable cost;
  • stationarity of equipment.

Comparison with other types of heating equipment

Competing heating devices(batteries, convectors, heat fans, oil radiators) are aimed primarily at heating the air. Only then warm air partially transfers heat to surrounding objects and people.

This method has a number of disadvantages:

  1. As a result of heating environment“air stratification” occurs. In this case, warm air accumulates at the top of the room, and cold air at the bottom. This disadvantage is especially noticeable if the quality flooring tiles are used.
  2. Mixing warm and cold air form convection currents, creating drafts in the room.
  3. Heating of the room is extremely slow.

On all of the above points, infrared heaters beat their competitors.

Installation rules

Many homeowners have found themselves in a situation where large household items There are batteries in the room. Installing an infrared heater on the ceiling will avoid this problem. This device does not attract too much attention, but at the same time allows you to achieve uniform heating of the space in the room.

Installation of heaters is carried out together with laying of thermal insulation and finishing works. As a result, the equipment is virtually invisible.

The installation will be correct only if the following conditions are met:

  • a safe distance is maintained from the emitter to interior items, walls, electrical sockets, switches and people;
  • During installation, special brackets, hooks and dowels are used;
  • Ceiling materials are heat resistant.

Effective fastening - important condition correct installation infrared equipment. Individual heaters are mounted on suspensions. In this case, the cover is removed from the device, and the suspensions are directed into the grooves. After this, the cover is returned back, and the equipment is put in its place.

To ensure correct installation work, you must connect electrical cable with grounding to the block with terminal. Before connecting the equipment, you need to apply alcohol to it, and only after the surface has dried, connect the device to the network. Next, the heater must work non-stop for a couple of hours (to evaporate the lubricant from the manufacturer).

Advice! During the two-hour test period, problems may appear. unpleasant odors. No need to pay attention - this is a temporary phenomenon.

Instructions for installing an IR heater

Below are instructions for installing a ceiling heater:

  • We fix the thermal insulation on the ceiling. We use lavsan-based material. Moreover thermal insulation material should cover not only the entire area of ​​the ceiling, but also slightly extend onto the walls. This way you can avoid heat loss in the corners of the room.
  • We put thermal film on top of the thermal insulation. To attach the film to the ceiling, we use the places provided for the cuts. This way we will not damage the conductors and heating elements.
  • After installing the thermal film, we insulate the contacts on one side, and connect the wiring on the other side. The individual sections are connected in parallel.
  • We install a thermostat on one of the walls, which will control the heating system.
  • We are conducting a test run. If everything works as it should, you can begin finishing the ceiling surface.

Materials for finishing ceilings can serve as: plastic lining, MDF, plasterboard or any other material with low heat-reflecting abilities. A correctly installed ceiling IR heater can become the main heating device, and an excellent addition to common system heating the house.

Infrared ceiling heater - design, operating principle and installation


Infrared ceiling heater: advantages and disadvantages, comparison with other types of heating equipment. Rules for installing IR heaters. Step-by-step instruction for installing ceiling

The nuances of installing an infrared heater

To get an answer to the question of how to connect a thermostat to an infrared heater, you need to delve a little deeper into the theoretical foundations of the functioning of this type of technology. Based on this, it will be possible to accurately determine the most suitable place to install the thermostat, and this, in turn, will allow it to be operated more efficiently.

Where is IR Heater Used?

This type of equipment is distinguished by a very high efficiency, and, accordingly, almost instantaneous heating of the room and its slow cooling - both factors determine a fairly high degree of efficiency of the device, making operation in large facilities with high ceilings and large heat losses justified. In addition, IR heaters are widely used in civil and agricultural premises. These could be greenhouses, schools, kindergartens, office premises, shops, etc. In addition, there are designs created specifically for heating outdoor areas.

But before choosing one of the types of such devices, you need to correlate its technical characteristics with operating conditions in the future. So, for each object it is recommended to select a certain type of similar equipment:

  • Short-wave versions are more often used in production facilities, since they are quite aggressive in operation due to the instant heating of the room, which is caused by an increase in the temperature of the heating element to several hundred degrees;
  • Medium-wave and long-wave devices, depending on the model, are widely used at civilian sites and in private homes.

Also, the intended purpose of IR heaters is influenced by the type of energy source: electricity, diesel fuel, gas. For example, devices operating on gas and diesel are recommended for use in non-residential premises and open areas.

More details about the design

The main feature of this type of equipment is the release of heat aimed at heating various surfaces: walls, floors, ceilings, pieces of furniture and interior - in a word, everything that is in the room. In this case, the air is only partially heated, since 90% of the radiation is directed at objects, which, in turn, already give off heat to the air.

The main design elements of this type of equipment are an emitter and a reflector, and the energy source is electricity, gas or diesel fuel. The emitter is responsible for transmitting infrared radiation as it heats up. The reflective element is a reflector, which is made of heat-resistant material with good reflectivity.

Preparatory work

The IR heating device is installed on a surface (floor, ceiling, wall) in accordance with its intended purpose: floor, wall or ceiling device. Depending on the design, the design may include an element such as a thermostat. Its main task is to control the temperature level in the room where the IR device operates.

But not every model is equipped with a thermostat, therefore, sometimes, in addition to installing the device itself, you need to figure out how to connect an autonomous thermostat to an infrared heater.

In doing so, a number of questions are addressed:

  1. The thermostat is mounted at a level of 1.5 m. This is necessary for ease of use. When connecting film decorative IR heaters, a wireless thermostat is used. It is important to avoid areas subject to drafts. Otherwise the device will not work efficiently.
  2. An area for installing the heater is selected: not far from a door or window. If the room is quite large, then it is recommended to install two low-power units instead of one powerful unit. But in this case, you need to calculate the total power if you plan to connect to a thermostat.

To work you will need tools: drill, screwdriver, ruler, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. Depending on how and what the heater is equipped with, a rigid bracket for installation may be required, which usually has to be purchased additionally. But installation can be done without such an element; again, it all depends on the configuration. You will also need wires, the length of which is determined by the installation location and distance from the power source.

Connection work

Installing an infrared ceiling heater in a room where suspended or wooden ceilings are installed is done quite quickly due to the ease of manipulation: hooks are screwed into the finishing material, on which the heater is suspended. If the room has a concrete ceiling, then in this case you will need a hammer drill. This is the easiest way to connect.

But the vast majority of users prefer a more economical solution - using a thermostat. In this case, installation is carried out in several options depending on the equipment set:

  1. A thermostat-heater pair is connected. In this case, two wires are supplied from the circuit breaker (hereinafter referred to as simply a circuit breaker): “zero” and “phase”. Installation is carried out in accordance with the device markings. Next, the thermostat is connected to the heating equipment, also taking into account the markings. You must first open the socket for connection. It is usually hidden in the housing under a removable cover held in place by fasteners.
  2. Installation and connection of an infrared heater of more than two types per room is carried out through a parallel connection. Otherwise, the installation steps will be identical: wires are connected from the machine to the thermostat, from which heating devices are already connected.
  3. A more complex option: installation by connecting a magnetic starter. This solution is preferable when connecting an industrial heater is planned.

Some features of installation work

To ensure safety, care must also be taken to ground the device. For this, a yellow-green cable is used, which is connected to the appropriate terminal. It is difficult to make a mistake here, since the markings help to complete the installation without unnecessary difficulties. In order for the room to be heated as efficiently as possible, it must be installed in the most suitable position to ensure high performance.

This refers to the direction of propagation of radiation. If the heater is ceiling-mounted, then the choice is small - the unit is installed in only one position (parallel to the ceiling and floor), but wall-mounted devices can be installed at a certain angle. This is achieved by adjusting the fasteners. To prevent cable routing along the wall from being noticeable, you can use a U-shaped profile.

Thus, the connection process itself should not cause difficulties for the user. But first, it is important to choose the right site for installing the device.

Only in this case will there be a high degree of efficiency from its work. If the room is more than 20 sq. m, it is recommended to use two heaters, the total power of which will not exceed 2 kW. For small areas (up to 8-10 sq. m), a compact low-power device with 800 W is quite sufficient. It is more advisable to install heaters near entrance doors and near windows, but thermostats, on the contrary, are “afraid” of drafts and work less efficiently.

Correct installation of an infrared heater, expert advice


Solving the question of how to connect a thermostat to a different type of infrared heater. The design of such equipment and the sequence of actions during installation.