FAQ – frequently asked questions
regarding radiant heaters, infrared, terrace heaters

HEATSCOPE SPOT, Heizstrahler-Installation im Festzelt Goldener Hahn auf dem Oktoberfest in Muenchen

When it’s about highly technical products in need of explanation, such as infrared heaters, specific questions pertaining to functionality, features, installation, control units, maintenance and care often automatically arise – at the latest, when planning a specific project – which we are happy to answer here in the FAQ / Service for HEATSCOPE infrared radiant heaters.

  • Why does infrared also work if hardly any light can be seen?
  • Can infrared heaters be installed anywhere?
  • Are there any limitations?
  • Why is it better to use an infrared heater
  • instead of a traditional patio heater. What advantages does infrared offer?
  • Why don’t all infrared heaters work in the same manner?
  • What are the differences between HEATSCOPE VISION ambient heaters and SPOT power heaters for instance? Does an infrared heater pay off? How high are the operating costs?

These and other questions are answered here in the FAQ / Service for HEATSCOPE infrared heaters. If there are any additional questions you need answers to, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to answering all your questions pertaining to heating temporarily used indoor and outdoor spaces and rooms in a personal conversation. Maybe you already have a specific project you would like to speak with us about and for which you need a heating solution. We are also happy to personally assist you in that respect – either by phone or email.

You are missing an answer or our explanations are not detailed enough for you? Then please send us an email or give us a call. We are more than happy to provide personal support without any unnecessary detours.

About infrared radiation (wave ranges, effect, etc.)

Contrary to what most people think, infrared radiation has nothing to do with light output or a glowing red light. It’s exactly the opposite: infrared radiation is invisible!

Everything capable of giving off heat can, in the broadest sense, be defined as an infrared emitter – every person, every body. Or, infrared heaters based on electricity.

What is important here is the wavelength of the radiation, which in each case has different effects on everything along its heating path.

There are three infrared wavelengths:

  • IR-A: the short wave
  • IR-B: the mid-wave
  • IR-C: the long wave

 

HEATSCOPE® infrared heaters only operate in the infrared wavelength IR-B.

As mentioned above: there are three different infrared wave ranges:

  • IR-A: the short wave
  • IR-B: the mid-wave
  • IR-C: the long wave

 

The short infrared wave IR-A: Powerful heat is obtained very quickly when using the short infrared wave radiation. However, this also penetrates into the body tissue. Physicians are uncertain about what this deep irradiation in the body causes and which effects on the organism are associated with it. IR-A heaters can be recognised immediately by the harsh glare of red light. Traditional light bulbs usually operate in this range, which is why quartz or halogen light tubes are also most frequently used in IR-A heaters.

HEATSCOPE® does not use the IR-A short wave – too much glare, too aggressive, too ugly

The mid-wave IR-B: The infrared mid-wave is slower than the short wave. It only penetrates about 1.5–2.5 mm deep into the upper layers of skin. In doing so, a pleasantly warm feeling spreads throughout the body after a few seconds. Although IR-B infrared mid-wave heaters cannot completely do without light output, they are capable of operating with merely 15% to a max. of 30% of the light generated by conventional heaters. In doing so, the heat output is almost comparable to the short wave heaters with significantly reduced light output. Carbon heating elements are also used for mid-wave heaters.

HEATSCOPE® infrared heaters only operate in the IR-B mid-wave range. The SPOT with the fast mid-wave (warmer, slightly more light output), VISION and PURE with the normal mid-wave (more subtle, barely visible light output).

The long wave IR-C: The long wave is the slowest infrared wave. It hardly penetrates into the skin and only heats the body on the outside. Any object, which provides heat without light output, can be defined as a long wave heater. Including every human body, even if at a low range. Heaters in the IR-C long wave range do not emit any light; at the same time however, they are very slow and extremely susceptible to wind. Here, heat is often simply blown away and does not have the effect where it is supposed to.

Therefore, no long wave heaters are used at HEATSCOPE® – although nice, much too slow, too susceptible and their use is too limited.

On the one hand, that has to do with the used heating medium; on the other hand, with infrared wavelength range in which the heaters operate.

Rule of thumb is: The brighter the visible light, the shorter the infrared wave, the quicker heat can be felt, the deeper it penetrates into the body.

Harsh red-glaring heaters use light elements for heat generation (quartz or halogen). Comparable to old light bulbs, which are meanwhile prohibited due to inefficiency. These solely operate in the short wave (IR-A) infrared wave range and have such a harsh glare, that the naked eye cannot look directly into the heating elements without suffering harm.

Solely carbon heating elements are used at HEATSCOPE. The advantage in this connection: The heat is not a by-product of light generation as in the case of red quartz or halogen light tubes (see above) but rather the core product. That means the carbon coils are powered with electric current, begin to glow (only 15–30% of the quartz heaters) and give off heat. The visible, orange-coloured glow is comparable to the glow of an open fire with less light output.

Radiation from the HEATSCOPE® infrared heaters in the mid-wave as well as the fast mid-wave infrared range is completely harmless.

No harsh glaring red light is created, which can hurt the eyes, but rather at most an ambient light between 0 and 600 lumens (like under the radiation of a sunset).

The manner of heat generation is based on natural processes; the heat itself only penetrates a max. of 2.5 mm deep into the skin when using the HEATSCOPE® SPOT model; in the case of the VISION and PURE models, only to a max. depth of 2 mm, without reaching any tissue.

You are on the safe side here with HEATSCOPE®. In regard to short wave heaters, physicians are currently still arguing about their long-term effects. However, you cannot find these types of heaters at HEATSCOPE®.

Solely carbon heating elements are used at HEATSCOPE®, which operate in the infrared mid-wave range (IR-B).

Why? Very simple: You can only get the highest possible thermal output with the lowest light output using the infrared mid-wave range. And this is what it’s about Developing radiant heaters, which operate as discreetly as possible, i.e. barely visible in the background but at the same time, give off as much heat as possible.

This is achieved perfectly using the IR-B infrared mid-wave.

The already barely visible light generated by the VISION and PURE models is divided in half once more through a SCHOTT NEXTREMA® glass front; in the case of the SPOT, the heat

has less of a direct effect in the fast mid-wave range due to the grill screen but is also more visible.

At the same time, the heat generated by all HEATSCOPE® infrared heaters penetrates approx. 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm deep into the upper skin layers. A pleasantly warm feeling spreads throughout the body, the surrounding area is hardly heated up at all.

HEATSCOPE® SPOT, VISION and PURE:
less light – more heat – in no time at all.

Functionality of the HEATSCOPE® radiant heaters

Infrared heaters such as HEATSCOPE VISION, PURE, NEXT and SPOT provide – depending on the model – immediate and direct heat by giving out less heat to the surrounding area like a traditional heating system or patio heater does but rather first heating up the surfaces and first layers of the body. There is barely any loss due to rising heat compared to the traditional heating systems. Therefore, the HEATSCOPE ambient heaters (VISION), the design radiant heaters (PURE), the energy heaters (NEXT) and the power heaters (SPOT) operate in a considerably more effective and target-oriented manner!

Contrary to patio heaters, HEATSCOPE infrared heaters do not stand in the way and at the same time, have significantly lower operating costs, a larger heating path and a considerably lower carbon emissions.

 

Contrary to patio heaters, HEATSCOPE infrared heaters do not only distribute the heat selectively upwards and involve significantly less maintenance because they are not operated with gas cylinders, which need to be replaced on a regular basis.

Furthermore, unpleasant odours and noise pollution are also eliminated when using the HEATSCOPE heaters because their operation is “clean” and quiet based on electricity (220–240 V AC / 50Hz).

The HEATSCOPE VISION ambient heaters have the IP protection class IP44 in covered areas. We offer our own weather protection shields for all unprotected areas.

The HEATSCOPE SPOT power heaters have the IP protection class IP24 in covered areas. We offer our own weather protection shields for all unprotected areas.

HEATSCOPE PURE design heaters have the IP protection class IP65. I.e. these radiant heaters can be fully installed outdoors without weather protection.

The first digit of the IP class indicates the degree of protection against the ingress of foreign bodies (X = no protection, 2= protection against access using a finger, 4 = protection against access using a wire, 6 = complete protections against contact).

The second digit in the protection class defines the degree of protection against the ingress of water (0 = no protection, 4 = protection against splash water from any direction, 5 = protection against water jets (nozzle) from any angle).

HEATSCOPE VISION ambient heaters fulfill IP protection class IP44, if they are installad under a roof or equipped with an optional weather shield in unroofed areas.

HEATSCOPE SPOT power heaters achieve IP protection class IP24, if they are installad under a roof or equipped with an optional weather shield in unroofed areas.

HEATSCOPE PURE design heaters achieve IP protection class IP65. This means, these heaters can be installed totally without any weather protection outdoors!

HEATSCOPE NEXT energy heaters achieve IP protection class IP25. This means, these heaters can be installed totally without any weather protection outdoors!

The first number of the IP class shows the protection against smaller components (X = no protection, 2= protected against penetration with a smal finger, 4 = protected against penetration with a wire, 6 = total protection against any penetration).

The first number of the IP class shows the protection against water (0 = no protection, 4 = protected against spray water, 5 = protected against hose water (water jet) from every angle).

All HEATSCOPE heaters are extremely low-maintenance.

Once correctly installed according to the operating instructions, the heating elements have a service life of at least 10,000 operating hours.

“VE” and “VT” stand for “VISION ambient heaters” – these are available with the option of a two-stage external interposer, somfy, KNX, Elsner or switch (= VE) or with a two-stage separate simple remote control (VT).

“SM” and “SP” are the abbreviations for “SPOT power heaters” – here there is also the option between the two-stage external interposer, somfy, KNX, Elsner or switch (SM) or a two-stage separate remote control (SP).

Currently, the PURE design heaters “only” have the option of external control via somfy, Elsner, KNX or just using the switch. A SmartBox will be available as a separate remote control option starting in 2020.

General operating costs for the HEATSCOPE® infrared heaters

At an estimated price of electricity of approx. €0.33 per kWh, the operating costs for the HEATSCOPE® radiant heaters range between €0.53 per h (HEATSCOPE® Spot 1600W) and €1.06 per h (HEATSCOPE® Vision 3200W) depending on the model.

For comparison: A commercially available, significantly less efficient patio heater with an average of 13 kW costs €4.30 per h – i.e. more than 4 times as much as the largest/best/longest HEATSCOPE®!

On the one hand, that depends on the materials used and on the other hand, of course depends on the place of manufacture.

A radiant heater put together in China with cheap means of production and available at home improvement stores often only costs a fraction of premium brands such as HEATSCOPE – despite transport.

All HEATSCOPE infrared heaters in the series PURE, VISION and SPOT are designed and developed in Germany using high-grade quality materials.

All HEATSCOPE radiant heaters have a CE marking and approval for the European market and furthermore, are certified via the CB Scheme (IEC/IECEE) and MET/NRTL UL. The following should be considered when making a purchase: if these certifications are missing or the CE approval is missing for other radiant heater manufacturers, we urgently advise against a connection to the power grid. Meanwhile, this is frequently the case – particularly in the case of low-cost suppliers.

With HEATSCOPE you always get the highest level of safety for the highest demands!

Any questions?

We are here for you!

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Susanne
Bartsch
Hospitality, Glass Houses, Conservatories & Trade
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Christian
Luge
Pergolas, Hospitality, Trade & Architects
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Philipp
Scabell
HEATSCOPE ROOMS for trade and architects
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Martin
Heiss
Wholesale Electrical Suppy Companies & Electricans

Installation of the HEATSCOPE®infrared heaters

Definitely: Yes!
The new design heaters PURE have the IP protection class IP65 and can be installed in all outdoor areas without additional protection.

HEATSCOPE VISION (IP44) and SPOT (IP24) can only be installed in covered installation environments due to their protection classes.

Our own developed weather protection shields or free design stand solutions are available for all uncovered areas.

Please contact us if you would like to heat an uncovered area – we are more than happy to compile an individual proposed solution and a visualisation.

HEATSCOPE PURE design heaters, VISION ambient heaters and SPOT power heaters have everything you need for ceiling or wall installation. Mounting brackets for the rear side of the heater as well as multi-stage hinges for the very precise, continuously variable adjustment of the radiation angle. Optional extensions for the installation are available in the case of ceilings higher than 2.50 m or 3.00 m.

That is not a problem when using the enclosed installation brackets (these are included in the delivery of all HEATSCOPE radiant heaters PURE, VISION and SPOT).

During the required installation of the HEATSCOPE infrared heater by an electrician, these are directly connected to the 220–230V AC power grid via a separate fuse.

The respective electric circuit is then protected via a separate switch and switched on or off. A separate fuse for each individual one (!) Due to the high output, heater is mandatory up to 3200 W.

HEATSCOPE PURE design heaters:
For half open areas such as protected terraces or pergolas resp. loggias with a max. of two sides open, recommended installation height: 1.80–2.50 m (also possible for uncovered areas, IP65)

HEATSCOPE VISION ambient heaters:
For half open areas such as protected terraces or loggias with one side open, recommended installation height: 1.80–2.50 m (covered)

HEATSCOPE SPOT power heaters:
For open areas more susceptible to wind such as terraces, balconies, smoking areas or outdoor catering, recommended installation height: 1.80–3.00 m (covered)

For this purpose, simply fill out our contact form and we will happily advise you and recommend the appropriate type of radiant heater in the sufficient quantity.

This rule of thumb applies: you must allow for approx. 150–400W per square metre unheated space – depending on installation environment, the influence of wind and installation height.

  • Closed area
    (conservatories/unheated conservatories – on influence of wind)
    recommended models: VISION / PURE / SPOT
    Requirement: 200W per m²
  • Protected outdoor area
    (minor influence of wind, covered terrace, 2-3 sides closed)
    recommended models: SPOT / PURE / VISION
    Requirement: 300W per m²
  • Open outdoor area
    (covered terrace, 3 sides open, susceptible to wind)
    recommended model: SPOT
    Requirement: 400W per m²

You can receive comprehensive and precise advice (plus visualisation and planning) from us directly.

General features of the HEATSCOPE infrared heaters

HEATSCOPE VISION ambient heaters and SPOT power heaters:
The cable outlet for the carbon heater series is permanently connected to the device and is located on the right, slightly bevelled rear side of the heater, directly next to the all-pole ON/OFF switch.

HEATSCOPE PURE design heaters + NEXT energy heaters:
The cable outlet for the new glass heater series is connected to the device with a power connector. It is also located on the side of the device, depending on installation, the cable outlet can be on the right or the left.

All HEATSCOPE radiant heaters are delivered with an open cable, which must be individually protected and connected by an electrician.

We offer the HEATSCOPE infrared heaters in white and in black.

The HEATSCOPE PURE design heater is available with a black convex Schott ceramic glass front and a completely black body or with white Schott ceramic glass front and white body.

The HEATSCOPE VISION ambient heater is available with a black Schott ceramic glass front and titanium coloured or completely black body or with white Schott ceramic glass front and white body.

The HEATSCOPE SPOT power heater is available with a black fin safety screen and titanium coloured resp. completely black body or with white fin safety screen and white body.

Yes, of course!

The extremely heat-resistant, particular connecting cable is made of a special mix of materials, which is available in black and meanwhile in white as well.

Discolouration caused by dust, dirt and influences of weather have nothing on the white cable due to its specific properties.

Controlling the HEATSCOPE infrared heaters

No, commercially available dimmers cannot dim infrared heaters due to the high current rating.

The HEATSCOPE VISION ambient heaters and SPOT power heaters are either available with (with external control: ON/OFF, 100%, 50% output) or optionally including two-stage remote control (remote control: ON/OFF, 100%, 50% output).

The PURE design heaters and the NEXT energy heaters are available with an external control (somfy, KNX, Elsner, switch, etc. – ON/OFF, 100%, 50% output). A SmartBox will be available starting in 2020, which equips the PURE with its own remote control.

No, you can control multiple heaters with the remote controls.

In the case of the VISION ambient heaters and the SPOT power heaters, you “only” need to aim the remote at the heater to be operated and turn it up or down accordingly.

You can turn the heaters on and off again with the help of the remote controls as well as regulate two different power levels (ON/OFF, 100% + 50%).

We often read about the Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC, EU Directive 2015/1188.

This directive stipulates that every heater used indoors must meet specific criteria. Consequently, it is obligatory that electric heaters used indoors must, among other things, have a electronic room temperature control system in connection with a weekday control system as well as other control options.

Even if HEATSCOPE® radiant heaters were actually designed and developed for outdoor use, they can also be used indoors. Therefore, the Ecodesign Directive applies.

And: With HEATSCOPE®, observing this Ecodesign Directive is not a problem at all!

HEATSCOPE® PURE design, NEXT energy, VISION ambient and SPOT power heaters are delivered by the manufacturer without the mandatory control unit pursuant to the EU directive 2015/1188.

That is not only sensible but saves valuable resources and still consists of the greatest possible freedom of choice!

It is often the case, that there is already a separate temperature control system in accordance with the Ecodesign Directive on location (with weekday control system, window opening detection, etc.) and the radiant heater is to be integrated into it. In this case, the customer respectively the hired electrician is responsible for observing the EU directive and the Ecodesign Directive.

Of course it is possible, to equip HEATSCOPE® infrared heaters (all PE, VE and SM models) with thermostat control units in accordance with the Ecodesign Directive.

We recommend DEVIreg

  • ™ Smart thermostats.
  • Certified according to EU directive & Ecodesign Directive;
  • incl. weekday control system (different heating periods per day);
  • adjustment of the max./min. temperature, target/actual performance measurement);
  • room sensors, floor sensors and window opening detection as well as remote control option/app control.

The thermostats are already preprogramed and can be easily installed indoors between the infrared heater and the power source.

Delivery and delivery times

Given that all HEATSCOPE infrared heaters are exclusively manufactured in Germany (100% Made in Germany), we are able to have direct positive influence on the production process.

This is how delivery times are kept as short as possible (usually 5–10 work days) – however, in the event of an increased demand for specific models, short-term delays may result.

To do that, simply click on our dealer directory. However, not all dealers have every model in all colours in the actual shop in their display or in stock. Therefore, we recommend asking about availability beforehand, by contacting the dealer near you.

We are also more than happy to inform you of a dealer near you, who is not listed in the dealer directory. For that purpose, simply use our contact form – we are happy to give you a call!

Warranty and guarantee

Damage to a device is not nice for anyone – not for you and not for us. We apologise in advance for any possible inconveniences you may possible encounter!

First, please contact the dealer, whom you purchased the device from. They will contact us, to decide on further steps to be taken.

Devices, which were not purchased directly from us, must always be returned to us through the dealer.

Your dealer on location will be happy to help you out with this!

The warranty/guarantee period for all HEATSCOPE infrared heaters is 2 years as of day of purchase. Please keep the original receipt for your radiant heater during this period; we recommend keeping it even longer.

If the warranty/guarantee has expired but a defect nevertheless becomes evident, please contact us directly.

We will check the device and then, provide you with a cost estimate for the repair or a suggestion on how to best proceed.

Any questions?

We are here for you!

Susanne-final
Susanne
Bartsch
Hospitality, Glass Houses, Conservatories & Trade
Christian.png
Christian
Luge
Pergolas, Hospitality, Trade & Architects
Philipp-final.png
Philipp
Scabell
HEATSCOPE ROOMS for trade and architects
Martin-Heiss-ELKA.png
Martin
Heiss
Wholesale Electrical Suppy Companies & Electricans
HEATSCOPE SPOT, Heizstrahler-Installation, Pergola, Suedfrankfeich