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View All Items Radiant Heating: FAQ FAQ: Electric Radiant Heating Panels
1. What is radiant heat? Radiant heat is a method of heating that creates warmth by radiating energy just like the sun, but without the harmful elements. When radiant energy penetrates the air, objects within its path absorb that energy and become warm; radiant energy does not heat the surrounding air itself. It is like the effect of standing in the shade and then moving into direct sunlight. Although the ambient temperature remains the same, you feel warmer under direct solar radiation.

Radiant energy exists across a number of wavelengths; some produce visible light creating a red glow, while others are non-visible and do not create a glow. The wavelength that ensures optimal absorption of heat by the human body is radiant infrared energy which is in the range of 4-5 micron. At this level, radiant energy is non-visible, healthy and readily absorbed.

Electric Radiant Heating Panels have been designed to radiate infrared energy within the optimal wavelength range of 4-5 micron. The heat generated is healthy, efficient and readily absorbed by the human body.

2. How are ERH panels different from gas heaters? ERH Panels differ to gas fired heaters in a number of ways. Firstly, the panels are run by electricity rather than LP Gas, which means a more cost effective heater. In fact, running costs ERH Panels are less than half that of LPG run heaters.

Secondly, an electrically run heater allows for the total elimination of toxic by-products which are unavoidable with gas fired heaters. This means not only a healthy and clean surrounding for people sitting under the heating, but you can also do the environment a favor by cutting down on pollution: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrates and sulphates to name a few.

Thirdly, ERH produces quality heat. The panels aim soft radiant energy in a specific direction to warm any objects in their path, not the surrounding air. Heat is not wasted on empty space as in the case of gas fired heaters. The heat produced by ERH is radiant infrared energy in the wavelength of 4-5 micron. This energy is a healthy, invisible heat that has been proven in research to be readily absorbed by the human body. Gas fired heaters produce a harsh, short heat wave which glows red and does not readily convert into human body heat and becomes uncomfortable with time.

Lastly, ERH is safer than gas fired heaters. ERH eliminates the risks of gas leakage and explosion. There are no open flames which can be unsafe and ERH will not fall over in the wind or be accidentally knocked over.

It is clear that there are many differences between the ERH system and gas fired heaters. More economic running costs, the elimination of toxic by-products, a quality and healthy heat which warms people and objects rather than empty space, ensured safety and a sleek design are just some of these differences.

3. What is the difference between quartz glowing heaters and our ERH Panels? Heaters with red glowing electrical elements produce a harsh and intense heat. This heat is in a short wavelength range of infrared energy, which only gets absorbed by the upper layers of our skin. This dries out our skin and leads to overheating. Quartz heater energy is never converted into desirable body heat, i.e., they fail to perform the purpose for which they were designed.

Quartz glowing heaters do not produce directional heat as our ERH panels do. Quartz heaters produce infrared energy in all directions from the unit, rather than projecting energy in a specific direction.

ERH heaters do not glow. They produce only a specific range of wavelength in the mid-range infrared spectrum, that is, the energy which the human body needs to keep comfortable. ERH heaters transmit the energy in a defined direction, towards a selected space, without spreading heat sideways or in an upward direction where it is not needed.

4. How many watts does each panel require? Each Electric Radiant Heating Panel requires:
  • 1200 W - 10 Amps when running at full power
  • 600 W - 5 Amps at half power setting

5. What are the running costs of ERH Panels? Running costs of ERH heaters are at least 50 percent cheaper to run than gas heaters using bottled Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

6. What are the mounting options? Electric Radiant Heating Panels can be mounted with wall / ceiling brackets, suspension tubes, suspension chains, or be fully recessed into a false ceiling cavity. In addition, Electric Radiant Heating Panels form an integral part of the outdoor umbrella systems. The umbrella systems can be installed in any location: on timber decks, balconies, roof terraces, foot paths and promenades to name a few.

7. What is the optimal height for mounting ERH panels? ERH was designed for low ceiling and confined space applications. The optimal mounting height is 7'5" to 8'5" above floor level. Suspension tubes or chains can be used to bring units down to this optimal height.

8. How far apart do the panels need to be mounted? ERH panels are often placed side by side 3 feet to 4 feet apart and 4 inches to 31 inches end to end. The final arrangement of panels however, will always be situation specific.

9. What is an IPX5 rating? IPX5 is an international safety standard rating of an electrical products protection against dust and water exposure. ERH panels rating of IPX5 is a high rating, indicating that the product is splash proof. This allows the panels to be exposed to occasional jets of water which occur in outdoor environments and during routine cleaning.

FAQ: Umbrellas & Accessories
1. How does the HeatRay Umbrella compare to everyday market umbrellas? Unlike everyday market umbrellas, HeatRay Umbrellas are permanent structures with a wind rating of 74 miles/hr. This means that you can leave them up during bad weather and they will not blow over.

To provide heating as well as shade with a market umbrella would be extremely dangerous, not only in the case of using heaters with a glowing flame that may catch alight, but also if the umbrellas are not strong enough to resist blowing over in a wind. The HeatRay Umbrella provides a safe, strong structure for both heating and shade together.

2. What materials make up the HeatRay umbrella? Unlike market umbrellas which are often made of canvas, the HeatRay Umbrella tensile canopies are made with waterproof, architectural grade, UV-stabilized, PVC-coated polyester fabric with a PVDF finish. This means a low maintenance, pollution resistant and rot free umbrella with a canopy life expectancy of up to 15 years.

The umbrella steel frames are made from rust resistant, hot-sprayed zinc and aluminized galvanized tubular steel with 2 layer powder-coated finish, alternatively from marine-grade 316 stainless steel. All exposed fittings, cables and connectors are manufactured from marine-grade 316 stainless steel.

3. What wind loads does the HeatRay Umbrella withstand? Standard HeatRay Umbrellas withstand wind loads of up to 74 miles/hr. As they are permanent structures, they do not need to be closed in the case of strong winds below the 74 miles/hr limit.

4. Is the HeatRay Umbrella a permanent structure? HeatRay Umbrellas are permanent structures. Uniquely to HeatRay, the standard umbrellas are also fully foldable even with the heating system and lighting in place.

5. How are the umbrella and heating components, cleaned? HeatRay products have an IPX5 rating allowing them to be safely cleaned. An IPX5 rating refers to a high level of water protection allowing ERH panels and umbrellas to be washed and rinsed with a water hose.

The umbrella membranes are maintained with a rinse and occasional light scrub. ERH panels can be lightly cleaned also, being careful not to scratch the black faces. It is particularly important to regularly rinse and clean the system when located near the sea.

6. What lighting is used in the HeatRay Umbrella? HeatRay Umbrellas have specifically designed diffused lighting attached to the spokes, which produces a warm white light (ca. 2750 degrees Kelvin). The lights are placed in such a way as to reflect off the canopy of the umbrella rather than shining directly into the eyes of people below. In addition, the positioning of the lights prevents the projection of shadows from the umbrella's arms and wires from being cast onto the canopy (commonly associated with the use of spot lights mounted on the main umbrella post).

7. What are the HeatRay weather protection accessories that complement the HeatRay Umbrella?
HeatRay accessories are modular in design, allowing them to be added at any time.

Accessories include:
  • PVC fabric linking gutters
  • Canopy in-fills
  • Perimeter gutters
  • Transparent PVC roll up - roll down side covers
  • Side shades
  • Quick connect wind columns for extra strength

    Have Additional Questions or Concerns?

    Feel free to give us a call at 800.507.1785 and speak with one of our Project Managers.


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2325 Palos Verdes Drive West, Suite #307, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 Email: sales@contractfurniture.com PH: 800-507-1785 FAX: 800-507-1789

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