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W. Tombling Ltd.
Wembley House
Dozens Bank
West Pinchbeck
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE11 3ND
U.K.
You are here:- home > heater index > radiant heating index > wall mounted radiant heaters > Controlling electric radiant heaters
How to control electric radiant heaters
Activair electric radiant heaters are easy to control; there are a wide range of
controls, designed to suit a multitude of applications. The control method
chosen depends on the size of building, its use and occupancy levels:
Manual control of electric radiant heaters
The simplest form of control is the standard 13A switched socket. This is suitable for controlling electric radiant heaters of upto 3kW. An electrician is not required, users can fit a 13A plug to the heater, for instant heat.
For electric radiant heaters over 3kW a 13A socket will not suffice. An electrician will be needed to install higher current capacity industrial switches; the picture opposite illustrates a typical 20A (upto 4.5kW) switch.
For larger loads an electrician should install contactors (high current relays).
Time control of electric radiant heaters
Time control is useful where a building will be used at predetermined periods, for instance
churches, meeting halls etc. Time switches have the
advantage of allowing for a pre-heating period, i.e. the electric radiant
heaters switch on before the building occupants arrive.Plug in time switches are available for use in 13A sockets for upto 3kW radiant heaters. For bigger heaters an electrician should be consulted.
Interval timers are useful to provide a set heating period. The user pushes a button, to start the interval timer, which turns on the electric radiant heater. Once the period expires the timer turns the radiant heater off. Thus the radiant heater cannot be accidentally left on.
PIR (passive infra red detector) control of electric radiant heaters
PIR's are the most economical control method, especially for areas
that are occupied for infrequent periods of time. The PIR detects the presence
of occupants and turns the electric radiant heater on for a preset period.As long as someone is inside the detection area the radiant heater will be on, but when the area is unoccupied the PIR will turn the heater off. Using one PIR per electric radiant heater, and making sure they both cover the same area, keeps running costs to a minimum.
For small electric radiant heaters up to 3000W (HC1500 and HC3000) the PIR can be connected straight to the heater, the HC4500 will require a relay. Contact an electrician for advice.
Guidance for electricians installing Activair electric radiant heaters
Activair electric radiant heaters are designed for connection to 230V single phase electric supplies. If 400V 3 phase is available they should be connected between the 3 phases and neutral to create a balanced load. Activair radiant heaters must be earthed.To prevent nuisance tripping use type C mcbs. When installing large numbers of quartz halogen heaters, to prevent the high inrush current causing tripping, divide the heaters into several circuits.
Installers of Activair electric radiant heaters must comply with all local wiring and health and safety regulations.
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