Infratech Technical and Electrical Q & A
What is your Question About?
Yes, it is highly recommended you use a licensed electrician to install Infratech Heaters. Most well-established electricians will have had experience installing Infratech Heaters.
At this time, we don't have a list of electricians in the US who install Infratech Heaters, however, most well-established electricians will be familiar with the Infratech brand and will have had experience installing them.
First, check the amperage draw of each model you are considering. For instance, a CD6024 will draw 25 amps. Your electrician will advise for the use of the proper size breakers and if you have the room you need on your panel. We highly recommend running your proposed plan by your electrician prior to placing your order, to ensure you have the power available for your ideal patio heater design.
Amps measure the flow of electrical current, Watts represent the energy consumption or generation rate, and Volts quantify the potential difference that drives the flow of electrons. The higher the watts, the more heat the heater will generate. The voltage should always match the voltage available at your installation site. If you are not sure, ask your electrician. Residential installs are most commonly 240v, but 208v is also possible. Amps will help you determine how many heaters you can run. Ask your electrician what type of service you have. 200amp service, 400amp service?
In electricity, the phase refers to the distribution of a load. Single-phase power is a two-wire alternating current (ac) power circuit. Typically, there is one power wire—the phase wire—and one neutral wire, with current flowing between the power wire (through the load) and the neutral wire. Three-phase power is a three-wire ac power circuit with each phase ac signal 120 electrical degrees apart.
Electric heaters are economical to operate. It is easy to estimate your operating cost by multiplying the total kilowatts by your local power rate for a “kilowatt hour” (kwh). Standard power rates vary from market to market. Your rate should appear on any monthly utility statement. For example, a typical 3,000 watt (3 KW) heater, at full power, would cost 39¢ per hour based on a utility rate of 13¢ per kwh. Also keep in mind that your electric heater has a lower acquisition cost than a standard gas heater.
WATCH VIDEO ANSWER-Using a 110/120-volt heater (1,500 watts maximum) is fine for enclosed areas like garages, work areas or outdoor spaces no larger than 5′ x 5′. When heating larger areas, running a dedicated 110/120-volt circuit is not practical or economical. A 240-volt circuit will require the same amount of wiring, will heat substantially larger areas with greater comfort, and will simply require two spaces in the breaker panel, rather than one.
WATCH VIDEO ANSWER- Many new homes and businesses are supplied with 208-volt power, as opposed to the more familiar 240-volt option. It is very important to determine your power voltage before ordering and installing a heater. A 240-volt heater on 208 volts of power will only produce about 60% of the desired infrared energy. Consult a licensed electrician to determine the actual voltage at your property’s location. Infratech heaters are available in single and dual element 120, 208, 240, 277 and 480-volt models.
WATCH VIDEO ANSWER- All Infratech Comfort heaters are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Underwriters Laboratories (cUL) Listed under File E 29825. We are NZ/Australia and CE Listed under Wakefield Laboratories File NSW 21732. All Infratech fixtures are also certified IP X4 rated.