How to choose an infrared carbon heater: an overview of the types and tips for customers

Manufacturers offer many carbon fiber heaters. You must admit that a variety of equipment in appearance, power, cost and other characteristics can easily confuse an inexperienced buyer.

We will help you understand the range of offers. Before choosing a carbon heater, you need to understand the principle of its structure and operation, as well as compare the operating features of different models.

Carbon Heating Element Design

The consumer’s desire to buy a heating device that does not dry the air, warms it well, uses the minimum amount of energy - is feasible. These requirements are able to fulfill the carbon heater, which is one of types of infrared devices. It is based on a carbon heating element.

Carbon is the carbon from which the threads are made, which serve as the basis of the heater. They are twisted into a spiral placed in a tempered glass vacuum tube. The thickness of the spiral depends on the power of the device - the higher the power, the denser and longer the carbon thread will be.

Carbon fiber threads are the backbone of a carbon fiber heater. They are tightly intertwined, forming a kind of ribbon twisted into a spiral

This type of heater is capable of delivering a length of infrared rays of 1800-2400 nanometers, while having a negative temperature coefficient. This means that with increasing temperature, he will need less electricity.

The carbon fibers that make up the heater spiral have different lengths. The thickness of the spiral and the repetition rate of sections depends on the expected power of the device

A carbon spiral wrapped in a vacuum tube does not burn out when heated.This is a significant advantage over tungsten heating elements.

This feature allows you to use the heater for a long time, adhering to the operating rules of the device containing carbon fiber.

The device and principle of operation of the carbon device

Devices functioning due to the heating of the carbon spiral are distinguished by their performance characteristics, appearance, and material of manufacture. Common is the device arrangement.

The base is a tube with carbon filaments twisted into a spiral. This is a heating element. Depending on the power of the device and its model, such tubes can be 2, 3 or more.

Vacuum tubes with a carbon heating element have a different shape, which depends on the manufacturer. They have in common - composite components - carbon filaments enclosed in an airless environment of a glass case

The carbon heater is enclosed in a housing with anodized aluminum reflector. For safety reasons, the tube is fenced off from the outside world.

Depending on the model, the device may have a control panel, a stand with a rotation function, an integrated temperature sensor, which is controlled by a rotary controller.

After the device is connected to the network, an electric current passes through the carbon filaments, heating them. There is a long-wave infrared radiation that penetrates freely through the glass. There is no harm from it, because “carbone” is “carbon” in essence, the same coal.

The main feature of radiated heat is that it heats objects in the field of action. The air in contact with the device and objects begins to heat up already from objects that have received their portion of heat.

The heat radiated by the carbon heater is not used to heat the air. It purposefully goes to the heating of objects located in the working area. And only then heated objects share heat with the surrounding air (+)

Infrared rays, getting on the surface of objects and the human body, are heated to a depth of 2.5 cm. Heating occurs on the one hand - from the heater.

The working area depends on the power of the device. On average, 100 watts are able to distribute heat to an area equal to 1 m². But this figure largely depends on the model of the device - some manufacturers guarantee a heating area of ​​20 m with a power of 900 W².

Carbon fiber tapes are securely insulated in a vacuum environment. This allows you to fully protect. The operation of the heating element excludes the intervention of foreign objects

The heating element is the most reliable part of the device. The durable carbon strands that make up the carbon spiral can last 100,000 hours or more.

The only problem is the vacuum quartz tube. Although tempered glass is used, the risk of damage is quite high. It is glass that is considered the most vulnerable part of the device and the main disadvantage.

On the other hand, the plexus of hydrocarbon threads, securely sealed in a vacuum container, is protected from external influences - dust microparticles, water droplets, accidental ingress of foreign objects.

Varieties of carbon heaters

Infrared carbon heaters are characterized by a variety of shapes, dimensions, weight, power and cost. These characteristics are due to the particular model. The main criterion for the classification of carbon devices can be called the method of installation or installation.

All heaters of this type can be divided into the following groups:

• wall mounted;
• Ceiling
• outdoor.

In a separate group, you can select flat film type devicesalso using carbon as a heating element. They can be mounted on a wall, ceiling or floor.

Manufacturers of heating equipment offer a variety of options.The most mobile and compact of the bottom - floor models. They can be placed in any room of your house, because the operation of the devices is not tied to a specific location

Each of these groups speaks for itself - their installation or installation method is radically different. Their effectiveness and places of use directly depend on this.

Carbon-type heaters can be installed in an apartment, in a summer house, in a private house, in a car, on a summer cafe, in production rooms with high ceilings, in the office.

If the heater is located on the street, it should be borne in mind that the heating area in this case will be 2-2.5 times less than inside the building.

Characteristics of wall-mounted appliances

The main advantage of wall-mounted models of carbon heaters is the saving of living space. Due to the fact that the heater has special mounts for wall mounting, it can be placed even in a small apartment without damage to residents.

After all, when every centimeter of the room is important, the wall design will be the most reasonable option for a heating device.

Wall-mounted infrared heater is able not only to heat the inhabitants of the apartment, but also seamlessly fit into the interior. Having chosen the most successful model of the device, you can, thus, bring a peculiar zest to the design of the room

There are no features in the wall heater device. You can install it on your own, without resorting to the services of specialists. The fixtures provided by the manufacturer are reliable. They are able to withstand a device having such a small weight - up to 4 kg.

The cost of a wall-mounted model largely depends on the popularity of the manufacturer and his reputation in the market.

Also, the power of the device, the warranty period of service, additional functions and capabilities provided by the developers of the device directly affect the price.

For the correct installation of the wall heater, you need to determine which objects should be in its working area. It is advisable to mount the device so that it has a maximum viewing angle.

If you select the wrong place, you have to outweigh it. For such models, it is important that the control panel is included.

The main disadvantage of wall mounted carbon fiber devices is the difficulty of maintenance - to wipe the dust, you still need to get to it. The second is a higher cost, compared with floor options.

This is due to the presence of mandatory functions for adjusting the temperature and power of the device through the control panel.

An infrared device located high above your head will be at a safe distance from small children. Of course, to wipe the dust from him, you have to make an effort

On the other hand, the installation site, located above the head, some consumers consider one of the advantages. It is wall and ceiling models that are very in demand among families with children. It is convenient that the device is out of the reach of the child.

Ceiling Carbon Fixtures

Carbon heaters can be installed on the ceiling. Manufacturers offer various models that can be safely integrated into any interior without harming it. There are options mounted in the design of a false ceiling.

Before installing ceiling carbon fiber heaters, it is important to correctly calculate the required power and choose the place of their installation. Such options are most often used for heating industrial premises with high ceilings. High power models with more than one heating element are suitable here.

Small appliances 800-2500 W are installed as additional heating equipment in country houses. This is very convenient - literally 10 seconds after turning it on, it starts to work, warming the guests and the pieces of furniture on which they settled down.

Ceiling models are easy to install and look decent. They can be used not only for home, but also for heating visitors to cafes and restaurants

When using ceiling heaters, do not place objects, appliances having a plastic case, or fabrics too close. Excessive heating of the plastic may cause an unpleasant odor.

The ceiling device, equipped with a timer and a temperature controller, is able to maintain a comfortable temperature regime, once set by the user. Also, there are models that can remember several options for temperature conditions.

The carbon ceiling heater can be installed directly into the false ceiling design. It all depends on the model. There are options that completely merge in color with the material of the ceiling.

Carbon devices do not dry the air, because the heating element does not directly come in contact with air. Therefore, in rooms with such heaters do not have to worry about additional moisture.

Features of floor heaters

The most common models of carbon heaters are floor. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes - it all depends on the imagination of the designer. Their main advantage is mobility and low weight. Such a device can be loaded into a car and taken to the country with you.

Floor heaters are divided into horizontal and vertical in appearance. Depending on their capabilities, stationary devices and rotary devices are distinguished. The angle of rotation depends on individual characteristics - from 90 ° to 180 °.

This feature appealed to a large number of buyers. Also, remote control models are in great demand, despite the higher cost.

Floor constructions of carbon heaters are distinguished by the ability to turn the work surface in the right direction, without moving the device itself. The function is provided thanks to the presence of rotary mechanisms

Ease of use of floor standing devices speaks for itself - set and can be turned on. No installation required. A variety of forms allows you to choose the best option for your home, harmoniously combined with the interior.

The carbon heater creates a special cozy atmosphere in the room, as if a fireplace was used for heating.

Floor-mounted appliances should be placed strictly on horizontal surfaces. Moreover, the heater should be on a hard surface in a horizontal position to avoid accidental fall

For safety reasons, carbon floor heaters are equipped with an automatic shut-off function. It is triggered when heated above the permissible temperature or when the appliance topples over. If the owner accidentally drops a working heater, an automatic relay will turn off the device.

To maintain a comfortable temperature regime without human intervention, you can use when connecting a heater temperature controller for the outlet.

Flat or film type systems

One of the varieties of carbon heaters can be called film-type devices operating on the basis of carbon fibers laid parallel to each other. You can do these films yourself.

To do this, you will need to carefully calculate the required heating area, carefully cut the film without damaging the strips with the heating element.

When installing a film heater yourself, you need to carefully measure the area for its installation, then carefully cut the required film size, being careful not to damage the heating strips. Otherwise, the damaged piece will have to be replaced with a whole

At mounting infrared film it is important that the segments do not overlap each other. Do not place furniture at their locations. Such a warming system copes with the function of heating the loggia or a separate section of the room.

The efficiency of the devices is quite high - because the generated heat is not wasted, it is aimed at objects.

Carbon heating films can be installed on the ceiling, wall or floor. Manufacturers offer improved options for film-type devices, designed in the form of paintings. A decorative finish is applied to the drywall frame. The main condition - in this design there should be no metal parts

Is it possible to build such a heater yourself?

A home-made device that operates on the principle of a carbon film can be built on its own from improvised materials. Performing such work, it is important to dry all the workpieces thoroughly, check the power so that it can be safely connected to the network and pay special attention to insulation.

According to the masters, a self-assembled heater is not inferior to purchased analogues in work.

To make it you will need:

• epoxy adhesive;
• copper terminals;
• a wire with a plug for connecting to the network;
• graphite powder;
• 2 sheets of laminated paper plastic.

To obtain a graphite conductor, an epoxy adhesive must be mixed with graphite powder. Stir the mixture thoroughly - it will serve as a heating element.

You can crumble graphite powder yourself by finding suitable unnecessary material.

The prepared conductor is to be applied in a zigzag pattern on the prepared sheet. Then you need to glue the plastic sheets together, attaching copper terminals to the conductor from different sides.

You can also connect a temperature regulator, which will help regulate the temperature regime after completion of the heater assembly.

The DIY device is easy to use. For its assembly will not require any special parts that are impossible to get. It is important to isolate everything well and be sure to test the capabilities of the created homemade

Having carefully bonded everything, you have to leave the workpiece for complete drying. All contacts, wires and parts that conduct current should be properly insulated. After drying, it is necessary to measure the resistance of the device and calculate its power.Without these tests, it is absolutely impossible to connect the device to the network.

Carbon Heater Tips

Carbon heater is one of the safest devices capable of long life. Of course, when used correctly.

It does not burn oxygen, does not reduce the level of humidity in the room, is safe for children, does not emit any harmful gases, vapors, toxic substances.

The safety of carbon heaters has been proven by their successful use since the beginning of 2000. More than 15 years of practical use of devices with a carbon heating element prove that they do not cause harm to health. More about myths regarding infrared emitters is written in this article.

For the home, many consumers prefer to buy a floor heater model. Also, they choose that it has the functions of turning, adjusting power, automatic shutdown, rollover protection

To use carbon heaters brought only positive emotions, you need to choose the right model that suits a specific consumer.

When choosing it is important to consider a number of features:

• where the device will be used - in the country, in an apartment, office or other type of premises;
• the area to be heated;
• what type of device is most suitable in a particular situation;
• required power;
• the presence of additional features and capabilities;
• The amount of budget allocated for the purchase.

For buyers who value the fame and reputation of the equipment manufacturer, the cost will be slightly higher - the brand will have to pay extra.

For office premises, ceiling and wall models are chosen. This design allows you to create the optimal temperature background for good staff

Among the manufacturers of carbon heaters, the following devices are most popular:

• German models Zenet;
• french Noirot royat;
• turkish UFO, Maximus, Sinbo;
• chinese Polaris;
• Russian Blux.

The power of the devices, their design and the heated area depends on the model and manufacturer. Also, the warranty period of heaters ranges from 12 months to 6 years. It all depends on the manufacturer.

Devices of various brands with the same power can cope with heating of different sizes. This fact should be taken into account when choosing a suitable model, carefully study the accompanying documentation of the model you like.

As for the price, traditionally the cheapest options are offered by Chinese firms. There are many of them and most of them are not of high quality. Therefore, buyers prefer to purchase devices from well-known manufacturers.

One of the reliable brands of heaters produced in the Middle Kingdom are appliances Polaris. They are trusted by buyers.

The heater must be located at a distance of 1 m from the pieces of furniture. If there is not enough room in the room for the correct installation of the heater, then it is better to choose a model with wall or ceiling mount

Which company to give preference to is the personal business of each customer.The main thing is that the heater meets all the requirements for it.

The most popular remote-controlled models are equipped with a rotary mechanism and a timer. Users prefer comfort, even if you have to overpay for it.

Interestingly, many buyers of carbon heaters talk about the beneficial effects of infrared rays generated during operation. This applies to improving blood circulation, facilitating the occurrence of colds and joint diseases. It is important to use the heater correctly so as not to harm yourself.

If you have not decided on the choice of a home heater, then read the article - Which heater is better to choose for home and apartment: a comparative overview of units

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video instruction for using a carbon heating device:

Video about mounting an infrared film:

Carbon heaters emitting infrared rays are able to qualitatively warm furniture and people in the coverage area. They very economically consume electrical energy, transfer heat to surrounding objects as much as possible, without wasting it on air heating.

The service life of the carbon heating element is more than 100,000 hours of quality work. The main thing is to choose the right model, taking into account the features of your premises and personal preferences.

Looking for an efficient infrared heater? Or have experience using carbon plants? Please leave comments on the article and share your impressions of the operation of such heaters.