Electrical heaters take electrical energy and turn it into heat. They can be used for domestic as well as commercial use and have a key role to play in industry. Electric heaters are used for various industrial applications to provide controlled heating for manufacturing, food production, chemical processing, and more.
There is a wide range of electric heating options available and at Broughton EAP, we concentrate on fan heaters and quartz halogen heaters.
How do they work?
Electric fan heaters work by running a current through a resistive heating coil, which converts electric energy into heat. Air is then drawn in over this restrictive heating coil using a fan where it’s rapidly warmed and propelled out into the room.
Electric fan heaters normally feature a thermostat which allows you to control the temperature of the room you’re trying to heat, and often feature speed controls for the fan. Most of our portable fan heaters can also double as regular fans. By simply switching the heating elements off when they’re not needed, you can run the fans on their own to help with ventilation and air circulation.
Where can they be used?
Fan heaters are the most common type of portable electric heaters in the world. They’re versatile, easy to use and safer than gas or diesel. As convection heaters, they circulate warm air, making fan heaters effective for heating almost all enclosed spaces such as offices, shops, warehouses and factories and even on building sites or in portacabins and marquees. They’re even sometimes used during manufacturing where extra heating is required to help with the process.
Ideally, these fans should sit on the ground as the warm air they produce inevitably rises. Therefore, placing them on the ground will help to ensure that the room is warmed more evenly.
What is quartz heating?
Quartz heating is a type of radiant heating, commonly referred to as short-wave infrared heating.
Radiant heating uses infrared waves to heat the surfaces of objects directly. All objects emit and absorb infrared heat, which is part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a frequency below visible light. Hotter objects will radiate more of this heat. This is the basis of the technology for most quartz heaters.
How do quartz heaters work?
A quartz heater is a common type of infrared heater and the creation and subsequent release of heat from the heater is made by the heating element, enclosed in a quartz tube. The heating element produces heat at the necessary wavelength to create the appropriate level of intensity to heat the specific material required. The purpose of the quartz tube is to protect the heating element and also to stop the escape of convection heat.
The principle of quartz heating works with the heating element becoming very hot and the quartz tube experiencing a sudden build-up of heat. When the quartz tube reaches the appropriate temperature, the heat is emitted out of the quartz tube.
The wavelength of heat produced from this process has been acknowledged as ideal for the human body. The infrared heat is directly absorbed by the people and objects near the quartz heater and very little heat is absorbed by the air, due to the infrared spectrum being almost completely outside the absorption spectrum of air.
Where can they be used?
Quartz heaters can be used anywhere you need heat. As well as small spaces such as offices and shops, they are also ideal for larger, open areas such as warehouses where there are only one or two operatives. To heat the entire volume of air would be very expensive, impractical and environmentally wasteful. A couple of quartz heaters positioned close to the staff can therefore be used to keep them warm without worrying about the rest of the building. They’re an excellent option in smaller areas such as workshops or garages where there might be open doors. As with fan heaters, they can also be used to help with processes such as drying.
Electric heating you can rely on from Broughton EAP
Brought EAP is a name synonymous with design and manufacturing excellence. We’ve been developing outstanding portable heating and cooling systems for over three decades, placing innovation at the heart of everything we do.
Our commitment to excellence has seen us involved in projects for a host of leading organisations including the Ministry of Defence, the Bugatti Owners Club, Eon, Andrew Sykes and HSS.
Our electric heaters have been developed to meet the needs of various sites and applications, from our popular construction site-friendly 110v solutions to modest-sized heaters for smaller spaces.
Our knowledgeable and experienced team are always on hand to answer your questions. You can reach us today by calling +44(0)1527 830610 or by sending a quick message to sales@broughtoneap.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of industrial applications benefit from electric heating?
Electric heating is used in a wide range of industrial applications. These include manufacturing, food production, automotive and chemical processes.
What are the key factors to consider when selecting electric heating equipment?
The key factors to bear in mind when considering heating equipment should include the required temperature range and heating capacity, control options and safety features. If being used for industrial processes you should consider the compatibility of a potential electric heating solution with your requirements.
What safety precautions should be taken when using electric heating in industrial settings?
Safety is essential in industrial settings and proper precautions should be taken when using industrial heating. It’s important to ensure that heaters meet safety standards, are regularly maintained and adequate ventilation is provided. Electrical safety practices should be adhered to and any relevant training provided.
What are the maintenance requirements for electric heating units?
Maintenance requirements will vary depending on the type of electric heater you choose. This will usually include regular visual inspections and cleaning to ensure efficient and safe functioning. The manufacturer’s guidelines should include recommendations for any specific maintenance guidelines.
How do I choose the right electric heating unit for my space?
The dimensions of your space, the required temperature range, and any particular heating needs should all be considered when choosing an electric heating unit. The team at Broughton EAP can help find the right unit for your requirements.
Are halogen heaters cheaper to run than fan heaters?
The relative cost of running a halogen or a fan heater will depend on a number of factors, including the heater’s power consumption, electricity rates and for how long it’s used. Halogen heaters will often be more energy efficient than fan heaters because they emit radiant heat which can mean they require less energy to maintain the required temperature.