Room heating lamps with temperature control. Application of infrared lamps and heaters

For owners of a personal subsidiary farm, whether it be raising poultry or livestock, it is important to get maximum profit without losing quality. To achieve the best results, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for the growth and development of animals, especially for young animals. As a rule, offspring on farms appears in the cold season, in winter or spring, therefore one of the main conditions of keeping is a comfortable temperature in the room, which can be maintained using infrared heating lamps.

Russian-made infrared mirror lamps (IKZ) have a transparent and red color of the bulbs. The former emit both light and heat, the latter convert almost all the energy received into heat. Despite the fact that both types belong to high-power lamps, their use is justified due to the long service life - up to 5 thousand hours.

Specifications:

Universal base E27;

Power 250W;

Length 195 mm;

Diameter 130 mm;

The German company Osram produces infrared lamps with transparent SICCATHERM bulbs. Capsule type, with a parabolic reflector, that is, a mirror, such a lamp concentrates thermal energy on objects 50-100 centimeters away from itself. Overheating at this distance is completely excluded.

Specifications:

Universal base E27;

Power 250W and 375W;

Beam angle 30 °

Length 180 mm;

Diameter 125 mm;

The range of the international company Philips includes infrared incandescent lamps with transparent and red, as well as partially red capsule-type bulbs made of tempered glass. IR lamps from this manufacturer have a dimming function that allows you to adjust the brightness of the light.

The lamps with red and transparent finish have a large bulb diameter, which allows the radiated heat to reach every object in the room.

Specifications:

Universal base E27;

Power 175 W;

Length 136 mm;

The 150W and 250W ruby top lamps heat up instantly and save up to 30% of the incoming energy thanks to a special reflective system. Such lamps are appropriate to use where light interferes with animals, as they reduce the visible radiation spectrum and have a calming effect.

The capsule shape of the reflector allows you to concentrate heat on a specific object, for example, young animals, since adults are less demanding to maintain the temperature regime.

Specifications:

Universal base E27;

Power 250 W;

Length 173 mm;

Diameter 125 mm;

Infrared radiation has a beneficial effect on the condition of animals, improves appetite, and, consequently, rapid growth, and also increases the body's resistance to various kinds of infections.

Infrared heaters are currently at their peak of popularity. They represent an affordable, inexpensive, but very effective means for heating both residential and utility rooms. An infrared lamp is an alternative option.

The principle of operation of the ceramic lamp IF radiation

The infrared ceramic lamp is an autonomous heating device. The energy consumption during its operation is low, but at the same time it does not take a long time to heat up - the outgoing heat can be felt immediately after turning it on. Instant heating is carried out due to the special design of the flask.

Expert opinion

Izosimov Vladimir Nikolaevich

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The work of an infrared lamp can be compared to the sun: the rays that it gives to the outside world heat the surrounding landscape objects and buildings created by man, and these, in turn, give off heat to the environment and warm the air. This is the main difference from convection heaters: infrared waves heat only the surface of surrounding objects, and not the air around them.

What is it for: types and applications

Infrared lamps can be classified according to several criteria:

Power... The range is very wide: from 50 to 500 watts. More powerful samples can be found if necessary.
Light wavelength(longwave, mediumwave, shortwave). Short-wavelength radiation is the brightest and can heat rooms with a large area, while long-wavelength samples are somewhat dimmer, but the heat emanating from them is softer.
Lighting... The color of the glass is blue, white or scarlet. Additionally, a mirror finish can be applied.
Form(the shape of an ordinary light bulb or in the form of tubes).
Design features(incandescent, halogen).
Application(for heating, drying, growth, treatment).

Expert opinion

Izosimov Vladimir Nikolaevich

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Mirror coating is used to improve the efficiency of equipment. In addition, this reflective coating helps to direct the flow of light in the desired direction. Spraying can be replaced by external reflective elements.

Infrared lamps, subject to a reasonable approach and adherence to the rules of use, do not have a harmful effect on living organisms. They do not waste energy, while they are many times more efficient than many analogues. In addition to the above, IR lamps have a number of other advantages:

They do not have fans or other devices that make noise, which is why IR lamps are considered the quietest devices among similar devices.
The efficiency reaches its maximum possible value.
You can heat both a large area and a specific area. This is very useful in pigsties, poultry houses and the like.
Depending on the size of the room, you can choose the right size. A standard infrared lamp is no larger than a conventional one.
Low electricity costs.
No problem with hardware installation. Often there is no need to call a specialist. The light bulb is screwed into the socket, the switch flips, and the job is done.
Equipment with infrared radiation does not harm the planet's ecology: it does not emit gases and does not burn oxygen.

There are few disadvantages of an IR lamp, but they should be mentioned:

The cost of such lamps is much higher than that of incandescent lamps, and the service life, in turn, is shorter.
If the owner forgets to additionally install a thermostatic device, then the surface of the lamp heater will be very hot, and a long stay in the lighting area will bring discomfort.

ATTENTION! The flasks get very hot, so touching them with bare hands is not recommended - you can get burned.

The benefits of medical IF light bulbs for treatment

Infrared lamp therapy is one of those effective and beneficial physiotherapy procedures that can be easily performed at home.

Infrared radiation normalizes arterial pressure and stimulates blood circulation in the brain, removes toxins from the body, helps to normalize the hormonal sphere, has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

What heals?

Therapy can be both local and general, and is prescribed if the patient has:

Hair problems;
Skin diseases (dermatitis, trophic ulcer, neurodermatitis, pemphigus, lichen);
Pathology of the organs of vision;
Frostbite and burns, long non-healing wounds;
Respiratory diseases (runny nose, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis);
Neuritis, neuralgia;
Inflammatory processes;
Complications after injuries, pathology of joints and musculoskeletal system, contractures and infiltrates.

It is forbidden to use IR lamps if:

the patient has a benign or malignant tumor;
revealed blood diseases, open form of tuberculosis, individual intolerance;
chronic diseases are acute;
purulent processes are recorded in the body, but there is no outflow of the contents.

IMPORTANT! Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not recommended to come under the influence of infrared lamps!

In hospitals, infrared cabins, electric bandage, coupled with thermal wrapping, and so on are used. You can buy a special lamp at home.

For drying car paint and working with plastics in a car service

Among the drying methods used for the car - natural, convection and infrared - the latter is the most productive and convenient.

Drying takes place from the inside, due to which there is no cracking of the surface, swelling of paint and other negative effects.

The presence of the control unit allows you to choose a convenient mode like each coating separately: primer, putty, varnish, enamel. Drying can also be used for the polymerization of powder paints, which until recently was only possible under factory conditions.

The most popular is the mobile infrared rack dryer with multiple emitters. You can also purchase a portable version. Both short-wave and medium-wave dryers are used: the drying time in the first case is from 5 to 15 minutes, in the second - from 12 to half an hour.

For heating greenhouses in the country

Infrared heaters are indispensable for growing plants in those regions of the country in which the daylight hours are short. Such heating does not require large physical and material costs, such as water, gas or convector heating, but the results of seed germination are 30–40% higher.

Thanks to IR lamps, you can create several zones in the greenhouse with different temperature conditions, depending on the needs of the crops grown. They are resistant to temperature extremes, the influence of sprayed chemicals (including aggressive ones), mechanical stress, and humidity. Moreover:

the heating system is installed on the ceiling or walls, which allows you to free the greenhouse floor for other purposes
no open flames and heating elements, so the risk of fire is minimal
installation of IR lamps can be carried out by a simple user

Expert opinion

Izosimov Vladimir Nikolaevich

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Infrared lamps located under the ceiling are suitable for growing thermophilic crops in season. The equipment laid in the ground is suitable for the early cultivation of greens and seedlings and for warming up the soil after a long winter. It is worth spending money on complex equipment only if the owner of the greenhouse plans to engage in floriculture or vegetable growing all year round.

For space heating

The IR lamp is well suited for heating small and medium-sized rooms: small private houses, offices, apartments. Devices are especially popular among summer residents.

Lamps do not dry out the air and do not create convective air currents;
Allow to leave a significant area available for use;
There is no need to equip a ventilation outlet for combustion products in the room;
Allow you to save up to 60% of financial costs for the consumption of energy resources;
Power surges and power outages do not affect the devices;
Improves the health of residents;
The electromagnetic field from infrared lamps does not exceed the permissible level.

Expert opinion

Izosimov Vladimir Nikolaevich

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Do not use lamps with plastic sockets - the material will melt very quickly. The ideal option is ceramics.

For plants

Without enough light, plants weaken, stop growing and bloom, and eventually die. Artificial lighting is necessary not only for greenhouse pets, but also for residents of home pots and pots. Therefore, one cannot do without an infrared lamp in the period from late autumn to early spring.

Choose red and blue glasses: shades of red promote the development of stems and leaves, and blue - the branching of rhizomes.

IMPORTANT! The distance between the plants and the lamp must be at least 150 cm.

For heating animals

Infrared lamps are used to heat young piglets, poultry, kids and lambs. They stimulate the growth of animals and birds, clean the space, dry the litter. Basic rules of use:

the light source must be equipped with a power regulator;
the temperature at the place of heating should be in the range of 25–32 degrees;
it is not recommended to turn on - turn off the device often;
do not forget to clean the flask surface from dust from time to time, otherwise the accumulated dirt will cause the device to overheat and burn out.

The most popular brands for this purpose are Philips, Osram, IKZ, IKZK.

For brooder

Infrared film is best for: the heat emanating from the emitter gently and gently warms the eggs, there is no risk of overheating or hypothermia. The film is placed either down under the tray, or fixed on the sides of the incubator and on the ceiling. Fix the rug with tape or self-tapping screws.

Expert opinion

Izosimov Vladimir Nikolaevich

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For delicate creatures such as chickens, a regular IR lamp is not suitable. If installed incorrectly, it greatly irritates the eyes of the chicks, and it is difficult to install the device according to the rule due to the specifics of the place. In addition, there is a risk of babies crowding near a heat source, which is fraught with crush and loss.

For soldering station

For stations, quartz or ceramic infrared emitters are used. Quartz crystals are strong and durable, well suited for long term performance.

Ceramic quickly reach the desired temperature (in 20-30 seconds), but much more fragile. They are best used with frequent switching on and off, and with intermittent processes.

For flowers

The rules for using IR lamps for flowers are the same as for greenhouse plants. But they should only be placed on top to prevent the barrel from curving. The permissible distance from the light source to the plant is 15-30 cm.

REFERENCE! Light-loving flowers (Tradescantia, Monstera, Phalaenopsis, Dracaena, Gloxia) should be placed closer to the center.

For sauna

An infrared sauna heater is used if it is not possible to build a full-fledged stove. It looks like a metal case with a screen, a heat-insulating layer, a reflector and a heating element. The most popular: Russian "Pion", "Ecoline", "Master Hit" "Ballu"; Italian "ITM" and AEG "; German "WAGO", "Eckerle", "Kroll"; French "Thermor", "Noirot".

It is best to install the equipment in the sauna vertically and so that a single heat flow is obtained. The heating element can be ceramic (service life of only 4 years), tubular (service life is 6–7 years) or carbon fiber (up to 10 and more).

Infrared lamps offer a number of advantages over devices of similar performance. When choosing a unit for a particular purpose, be guided by common sense and technical characteristics, and not advertising, follow the rules of installation and operation. Then you won't have any problems.

Svoboda Igor Nikolaevich

Infrared lamp for space heating - a rather unusual heating device. It is a good alternative to conventional batteries and traditional electric heaters.

Such devices are used for heating various premises. Infrared lamps for heating are distinguished by their soft heat and silent operation; they are used in medicine for the treatment of certain diseases.

Not only a heating device, but also useful for blood circulation

Lamp design

The infrared lamp is powered from the electrical network and works completely autonomously. Simple models are glass bulbs with a tungsten filament inside. Outside, the glass is brown-red, and from the inside it is mirrored. Such a light bulb can be screwed into a standard socket - it can be either simply suspended or mounted in an additional housing.

More advanced models are compact. In their manufacture, thinner tubes are used, and in addition to everything, in addition to the tungsten filament, nitrogen and argon are pumped into the cavity. Although such a lamp is small in size, this does not prevent it from producing quite a lot of heat.

On average, the power ranges from 50 to 500 watts. Lamps are often screwed into a conventional ceramic lamp holder, but sometimes they still require different standards. However, it is imperative to use ceramics - the plastic case will quickly melt due to the high temperature. You also do not need to touch the infrared lamps, as this can lead to burns.

The most popular are the following varieties:

with a mirror coating - a glass bulb from the inside is silvery;
with blue mirror coating (IKZS);
with red coating (IKZK).

Uncoated lamps (IKZ) are visually similar to ordinary lamps, but in fact they are a source of infrared radiation. They differ in that they can be used for lighting. Functionally, an infrared heater is also composed of lamps, but they are more powerful and capable of heating a large area.

Mirror deposition in the flask cavity performs two tasks:

Reflects IR waves several times, thereby increasing the power.
Directs infrared radiation in the desired direction.

Instead of spraying, external mirror elements are sometimes used, but this is not always effective. However, this design is more preferable if several infrared lamps are combined into one illuminator.

Main characteristics

When buying a light bulb, they are guided by several indicators. The main parameters are:

Wavelength. It can be short, medium and long.
A kind of base. Lamps are often manufactured under the classic E27 socket.
Supply voltage. The device for household use is equipped with 220 volts.
Power. Depends on the destination.

Each lamp for the E27 base is marked with an abbreviation, in which IKZK, IKZS or IKZ speak about color, and a numerical value indicates power.

For example, IKZS 260 W is a classic red flask with a mirror coating for 260 watts.

Operating principle

Infrared lamps work in a similar way to the sun, a natural source of infrared radiation. The waves reach directly objects in the room (walls, animals or people), and then pass into heat. Almost no power is spent on heating the air, as is the case when using classic heating appliances. To feel the warmth, it is enough to place your hand under the glass flask without touching it. This makes IR lamps very economical.

The device is operated in three simple steps:

A current is supplied to the emitter.
The spiral starts to heat up.
Infrared light is produced.

The brightness of the lamp and the wavelength are inversely related. The heated area also depends on this. In bright lamps, the waves are short, which allows them to propagate further, and the served area increases. Long wavelength radiation is the opposite, but it produces softer heat.

When used judiciously, the radiation from these heating devices does not harm living organisms in any way. This also applies to humans, therefore such heaters are widely used at home and in medical institutions.

Pros and cons

Heating lamps have both advantages and disadvantages. Positive qualities include:

Silent work. Noisy fans like heat guns are not used here.
Maximum benefit. In the case of infrared heaters, the efficiency approaches 100%.
Ease of installation. Many infrared bulbs are manufactured for a standard E27 base. The only limitation is that the cartridge must be made of ceramic or other heat-resistant material, not plastic. In the case of a complete IR illuminator, simply plug it into the network.
Possibility of spot heating. This feature is used in physiotherapy, as well as for heating small animal cages.
Compact forms. A model with a fairly high power (500 watts) is no larger than an ordinary incandescent lamp in size.
Benefits for the environment. If the IR lamp is properly disposed of, then it will not harm the nature, since during operation it does not burn oxygen and does not emit gases into the air.

But there are some disadvantages. The following characteristics can be called negative:

The flasks are heated to a high temperature. If someone accidentally touches the glass, they risk being seriously burned.
If you violate the norms of operation, then with a long stay in the area of operation of the light bulb, a person will feel discomfort.
Large power consumption is too conditional a minus, since infrared heaters use energy very efficiently.

If you follow the operating rules, then these devices will not have any drawbacks.

Scope of application

Infrared floodlights are actively used by breeders of livestock and poultry, and other agricultural workers. They also found their place in everyday life, medicine, for heating open areas, in production and in many other areas of human activity.

Infrared lamps are widely used in various fields.

Household use

Halogen infrared bulbs are often the mainstay of outdoor heaters. Even at low power, short waves propagate over a large area. This is effective for recreation areas near pools, verandas and terraces, outdoor cafes and restaurants - heat guns are useless for all of these places.

Low and medium wavelength IR illuminators also suitable for heating residential and commercial premises. Installation is allowed both on the ceiling and on the walls - in both cases, the rays, spreading throughout the room, will provide comfortable conditions for the people in it.

Due to the high energy consumption, any electric heaters are not used on a permanent basis, but to aid the main heating if it cannot handle the load. If long-term heating of the room is required, special long-wave infrared heaters are used, and their design is not based on lamps.

The wavelengths in such heaters are different.

These devices are ideal for heating greenhouses. Both single bulbs and infrared lamps can be accommodated in greenhouses. They are able to create the ideal temperature, and infrared rays have a positive effect on the growth of crops. It is also a good way to save energy.

The option is good not only for greenhouses, but also for growing plants on the windowsill. Often, seedlings, especially if they are on the table by the window, lack sunlight. It can be compensated by infrared lamps. But it must be borne in mind that with the wrong choice of the power of the device and the duration of its operation, the plants may die.

Animal breeding

IR rays are actively used poultry breeders... Newly born chicks of quails, geese, chickens, turkeys and ducks really need warmth (in pens they try to sit right under a heating lamp).

In order to be able to adjust the optimal temperature for each individual cage with animals, devices are manufactured with the ability to regulate the temperature.

They are also relevant for zoos and farms, in which newborn animals are immediately separated from the mother. For comfort and increased survival, a low-power IR lamp is installed, and the pen is pasted over with reflective elements.

These devices are bought by residents of rural settlements and villages in order to warm the poultry houses in winter, because in severe frost even an adult bird can die from the cold.

Such conditions are also necessary for rabbits and nutria. The lamps are useful for shelter employees who often deal with puppies and kittens left without parents.

Treatment of people

Irradiation with infrared light is one of the treatments for many diseases. It is used both as an independent method and as part of complex therapy. Infrared light is used to relieve pain in muscles and bones, treat throat and skin ailments.

Blue light bulbs help relieve stress, increase stamina and strengthen immunity, and previously acne was treated with such physical therapy.

However, you should not try to treat yourself with IR rays on your own. All procedures must be coordinated with the attending physician.

Heating the house during the winter season can be a very topical issue, especially when it comes to northern regions. In some cases, the usual insulation of windows, doors and walls (for example, with mineral wool) is sufficient, but in others it is necessary to install heat sources that can warm chickens in the most severe frosts. One of the modern options for such equipment are infrared lamps, which have a number of advantages over alternative heaters. Let's take a closer look at the nuances of their use.

How the IR lamp works

Few of the poultry farmers delve into the peculiarities of the structure and working principle of infrared lamps, however, this information will be useful to obtain the desired result. The working principle of such lighting elements is in many ways similar to the principle of operation of conventional incandescent lamps with a tungsten filament inside. However, unlike the latter, the bulb of the IR lamp is additionally filled with a gaseous mixture (usually argon or nitrogen), and to further increase the efficiency, its walls are made mirrored.
The mirror surface perfectly reflects light fluxes and acts as a reflector, and a special coating helps to focus heat on objects and objects near the lamp. The concentration of heat fluxes on a specific surface significantly increases the intensity of its heating.

Did you know? People learned about the existence of infrared radiation back in 1800, when the English astronomer W. Herschel was studying the characteristics of the Sun.

In total, there are three ranges of infrared radiation:

Shortwave characterized by an outgoing wavelength in the range of 780-1400 nm (such radiation is provided by lamps with a high color temperature, more than 2000 K and an efficiency of about 90-92%).
Medium wave- wavelength 1400-3000 nm (the standard color temperature in this case will be in the range of 1300 K, therefore, when heated, the IR radiation will partially go into the long wavelength range: efficiency - 60%).
Longwave- the heat wave is in the range of 3000-10000 nm, and with a decrease in temperature values, the thermal infrared source reproduces only long waves (the efficiency is only 40%). Long wavelength radiation is possible only during idle time after switching on (for several minutes).

Despite the fact that the use of infrared lamps for heating rooms is considered a relatively new way to solve the problem of heat generation, they have already gained wide popularity, especially since neither the installation nor further maintenance of such lamps should cause any difficulties. Moreover, all the outgoing energy is maximally transformed into heat, practically not dissipating in the external environment.

Such "skills" of IR heaters have made them popular in various spheres of human life: at industrial enterprises, at home and, if necessary, solving farm problems, and in each of these cases it is possible to save up to 45% of energy.

Advantages and disadvantages of IR lamps

Any product has its own characteristics, and they are not always only positive. Consider the pros and cons of using IR lamps. Their advantages include:

ease of installation and operation;
high efficiency (heat is directed specifically to the object and is not dissipated in space);
beneficial effect of radiation on the health of humans, animals and birds, with an increase protective functions the body and the digestive capabilities of the gastrointestinal tract;
the possibility of installation even in rooms with high humidity levels;
high level of environmental friendliness: infrared bulbs do not burn air and do not emit harmful gas vapors.

As for the disadvantages of IR lamps, among the main ones it is worth noting:

relatively short service life;
high cost (in comparison with the same incandescent lamps);
strong heating of the working surface of the lamp heater, which is why during installation it is better to immediately supplement it with a thermostatic device (it is able to maintain the microclimate at the proper level).

Many poultry farmers consider the disadvantages of using IR lamps to be not very significant and still install them in chicken coops, so let's determine the appropriateness of such a solution and the features of the task.

Important! In any case, you should strictly adhere to the instructions, so if you have not come across the use of IR lamps before, then it is better to take into account all their application features in advance, otherwise there is no point in discussing the disadvantages of using this heat source.

Cost-effectiveness of IR lamps

When using IR lamps to heat a chicken coop, we can safely talk about their profitability, because even in the coldest winters they are able to provide decent heating of a room with a bird. This can be explained by the high value of the efficiency, which can be obtained due to the transfer of heat directly to the chickens and objects in the poultry house, and not to the surrounding air. Under such conditions, not only does the egg production of layers increase, but the intensity of development of young birds also increases.
If necessary, IR lamps can be used for spot heating (for example, a section of a chicken coop with small chickens), but even if you install several elements in the center of the ceiling, then there is no need to worry about the uniformity of heat distribution. To achieve this effect with the help of alternative heating sources, you will have to spend more electricity, and therefore money.

How to place the lamp correctly

Just one IR lamp can cope with heating an area of 12 square meters. m, but in many respects its effectiveness will depend on the quality of the hen house insulation. On average, 250 W / h is enough to maintain a normal temperature, but if there are decent gaps in the windows and doors, then this value is definitely not enough.

The infrared luminous flux is distinguished by a clear direction of its effect, therefore, if it is necessary to regularly dry the litter, this nuance should also be taken into account (you can fix two bulbs on the ceiling at once at a certain distance from each other).

The installation process for IR lamps looks like this:

Placing wiring with a suitable section in the hen house (it must be immediately placed in a protective corrugation).
Marking the places for fixing the lamp holders (at a distance of at least 1 m from each other).
Fixing the cartridges into which the lamps will be screwed later (given that infrared light sources get very hot during operation, it is advisable to use ceramic cartridges for them).
Screwing in the IR lamps themselves and turning them on.

IR lamps are always hung so that they cover as large an area of the chicken coop as possible and do not come into contact with water, which, if hit, can disable them.

Important!If you decide to place them not on the ceiling, but in other places, you will have to create an additional fence that limits direct contact of birds with thermal elements. For these purposes, a metal crate is suitable.

How to choose a lamp

In lighting stores, you can pick up a variety of options for IR lamps, both in terms of design (the most popular pear-shaped or flattened surface) and power characteristics. As for the latter indicator, it varies between 0.3-4.2 kW, and in order to maintain the optimal temperature inside the chicken coop, a heater power of 0.5 kW is enough, but if you install two such lamps, it will not be worse. You can also adhere to the above recommendations, when 12 sq. m it is recommended to use one 250 W IR lamp.

Other options for IR heaters

In addition to lamps, other types of IR heaters can be installed in chicken coops.

All of them can be divided into three main groups:

lamps;
spotlights;
plafond lamps.

Infrared lamps of two main types will help to obtain both light and heat at the same time: mirror lamps with the IKZ marking (in fact, those lighting elements that resemble ordinary incandescent lamps) and infrared mirror red ones, on which you can find the IKZK designation (in this case, the bulb is made of red dark glass, due to which most of the energy is transformed into heat, not light).

It is the latter that are more relevant in animal husbandry and can successfully perform their functions in poultry houses. If we are talking about linear infrared light sources, then among them there are three main types:

with a ruby red tube (suitable for heating large rooms);
with a quartz tube made of transparent glass (they do a good job of drying varnish and paint, and also help rid the room of harmful microorganisms);
a tube with a gold coating (its use is relevant when it is necessary to heat warehouses and exhibition halls, where it is required to regulate the brightness of the luminous flux).

Did you know?Even the highest quality and most powerful light bulbs are not as expensive as some of the chandeliers sold at auctions around the world. For example, the Tiffany Pink Lotus lamp was valued at almost $ 3 million and was sold to private ownership back in 1997.

Whichever option you choose, take care of a thermostat that maintains the "winter" temperature in the hen house at + 12 ° C - the most optimal value for chickens. With its help, birds will always feel good even without constant monitoring.
Of course, infrared lamps or heaters are an expensive option for insulating a poultry house, but if you have already decided to install them, then be prepared to do everything right, spending a certain amount of money on it. During operation, all your costs will pay off quickly enough.

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Household infrared lamps as heating equipment are a promising and interesting solution. Agree: it is very nice to acquire a compact device with high efficiency, while also convenient to use. But you do not know what should be guided by when choosing an IR light bulb?

We will tell you how to choose the best IR light bulb for your home, summer cottage and subsidiary farm. In the article presented by us, the features of their device are considered, the pros and cons, the appropriateness of use are given. To facilitate the task, the best manufacturers with a reputation in the lighting market are listed for selection.

To help customers, the information has been supplemented with photographs of IR lamps, video recommendations and useful tips. Taking into account our recommendations, you will easily find a device that is able to provide high-quality heat, in terms of characteristics comparable to the sun's rays.

IR lamps give off heat rays. Objects that are within the range of such devices absorb these waves, and then transfer the received heat to the surrounding air. The nature of infrared rays is comparable to the characteristics of ordinary visible light, insofar as they obey the laws of optics in the same way.

Although infrared waves have transparency, refractive index and reflection, like visible light waves, their specific properties have slightly different characteristics. For example, such radiation can hardly penetrate a layer of water only a few centimeters thick, but silicon wafers can easily pass it.

Aluminum reflects infrared rays much better than visible light, with a reflectance of up to 98%. This radiation is practically not absorbed by the air, and this provides a high level of efficiency for heaters of this type. But water vapor, ozone, carbon dioxide and other "fillers" can significantly spoil the case.

Infrared waves pass through the air space with virtually no loss of thermal energy, which is absorbed by surrounding objects and spreads from bottom to top

Unlike convection heating, infrared waves do not heat the air around the device, but the surfaces of the objects to which they are directed. The air is already heated by these items. Understanding this principle will help you use it correctly.

IR lamp device

An infrared lamp is designed not so much for lighting as for heating. To provide heat to an entire room or even a house, special heaters of various types and sizes have been created. IR lamps are more suitable for heat exposure to specific areas of the room.

The most common models of such devices are a glass bulb with a tungsten filament inside.

The mirror coating directs the flow of infrared radiation in the desired direction and increases the efficiency of the thermal effect. Most often, such a light bulb can be screwed into a standard E27 type cartridge and powered from a regular 220 V.

The infrared lamp consists of a bulb and a reflector, inside there is a filament. The device has a standard E27 base, which allows it to be used with suitable luminaires

The lamp power can vary between 50-500 watts. It is not recommended to use a plastic cartridge with such devices; it is better to take ceramics. The holder and lampshade for an IR lamp must withstand heating up to 80 degrees, not every plastic is capable of this.

Traditionally, infrared lamp bulbs are dyed red, but models with transparent glass are also popular. There are also blue IR lamps

The glass from which such a lamp is made can be standard, tempered or pressed. The flask is left clear, but is often colored red or blue.

Contrary to popular belief blue staining is not at all an exceptional feature. The filament in IR lamps can be not only made of tungsten, some manufacturers use carbon for this purpose.

The reflector is marked as IKZK, IKZS and IKZ, which indicates red, blue or no staining. Separately, it is worth mentioning IR lamps, made not as a traditional bulb, but as a narrow tube.

The ceramic infrared lamp bulb is more resistant to heat, moisture, temperature extremes and shock than glass counterparts

Finally, there is a very special kind of lamps of this type, they are equipped with a ceramic body and are intended only for heating where lighting is not needed.

Nichrome or fechral thread is used as a heating element in such devices. These are very strong and durable devices, they are not afraid of contact with splashes of water. Such devices are widely used for night heating of young animals, as well as for home keeping of exotic animals: reptiles, snakes, etc.

Features of choosing the right option

Most often, the IR lamp is designed for a standard E-27 cartridge, but there are other options, this point should be considered before buying.

In addition to the type of base, when choosing an infrared lamp, you should take into account such indicators as:

wavelength IR radiation;
power heating device;
voltage nutrition.

Long, medium and short wavelengths differ in the amount of heat and light. The brighter the infrared lamp shines, the shorter the radiation wave, and the farther the area of its penetration.

The heat of devices emitting long waves is considered to be softer in effect. Voltage problems usually do not arise, since household appliances of this type are traditionally designed for a voltage of 220 W in a regular network.

In order not to burn yourself on the surface of the infrared lamp, as well as to protect the device from damage, use protective grilles

As for the power, it is chosen depending on the size of the area that needs to be heated. It is recommended to take 1 kW of power for 10 square meters. You can slightly increase the resulting figure, depending on the heat loss.

This is true for poorly insulated rooms, objects located on a cold floor, if old windows with cracks in cracked frames are installed in the room, etc.

IR lamps vary in shape and diameter and are labeled according to these characteristics. To understand the dimensions of the product from the code, you have to do some calculations. The numerical indicators, which are indicated next to the letter code, must be divided by 4 to obtain the dimensions of the diameter in inches.

The result obtained can be easily converted into centimeters. For example, for a PAR38 lamp, the calculation would look like this: 38: 4 = 4.75 inches; 4.75 * 2.54 = 12.07 cm.The letters indicate the shape of the flask, the meaning of the code is presented in the table:

The shape of the bulb of an infrared lamp can be very different, this point is reflected in the letter marking. The short body fits better under the lampshade to reduce glare

The R number indicates the presence of a reflector. Such models are usually very simple in design. The glass part of the bulb, through which the radiation passes, is monolithically connected to the reflector; inside there is a layer of reflective paint. The illumination angle is over 45 degrees.

BR models are bulbs with a convex reflector coated with paint or other reflective material.

A transparent bulb combined with it can be glossy or matte, sometimes there is an option with cells that reduce the level of radiation scattering. These models also typically have over 45 degree lighting angles.

IR lamps are well suited for even and gentle drying of various surfaces that have been painted or varnished

PAR models are equipped with an aluminum coated parabolic reflector. Attached to it is a tempered glass bulb with a honeycomb structure. The precisely calculated shape of both elements ensures complete tightness of the device.

Usually such models are slightly shorter than the analogs described above, they are considered more reliable and suitable for operation in difficult conditions.

Benefits of infrared heating

As already mentioned, infrared lamps are used for spot heating of individual zones. Although in crop or livestock breeding, several lamps can fully meet the heating needs of a greenhouse, chicken coop, etc. A winter garden, a balcony, a free-standing kiosk, and other similar objects can be advantageously heated using IR lamps.

These are the most important advantages of this type of device:

compact size;
easy installation;
high efficiency;
heat spread without the use of fans, etc.

The air practically does not absorb infrared waves, which deliver heat directly to the heating object. As a result, it is not necessary to direct the heated air currents so that they spread throughout the room, as is done with convection methods. Even if the lamp is located close to the ceiling, the heat will reach the target.

Such a heater does not require oxygen to operate, therefore its presence has a beneficial effect on the atmosphere in the room.

When raising chickens, infrared heating is a must. At night, you can use a ceramic lamp that does not give off light

Due to the lack of convection, dust also does not move through the house. Infrared lamps are not difficult to store as long as they are only used seasonally. To install or dismantle the device, you just need to screw it into the cartridge or unscrew it from it.

The device does not require special storage conditions; with careful handling, it more than fulfills the resource laid down by the manufacturer.

Such lamps are convenient to use if you need to heat a specific place. For example, if the balcony turns out to be too cold in winter, a couple of small lamps will help to quickly solve the problem, and in the summer they can be simply removed and hidden. It is also worth remembering the beneficial effects of infrared radiation on human health.

If you equip the infrared lamp with a temperature controller, you can change the intensity of heating depending on the situation.

They are used for medicinal purposes in medical institutions, but the healing effect does not disappear at home either. Although there are medical devices for treatment, household lamps are not suitable for this.

Another advantage of infrared lamps is the ability to easily change the height of the luminaire above the floor. This point is especially relevant when growing plants and young animals.

Appropriateness of lamp heating

Such lamps are widely used in animal husbandry, both in the industrial sector and in small households. Infrared lighting is almost indispensable for raising newborn offspring. It creates a suitable temperature, gently dries bedding materials, and produces a disinfecting effect.

Heating with infrared lamps is widely used in greenhouses. To service one room, several lamps are usually used, which are suspended at some distance from each other.

For piglets of the first week of life, it is recommended to use a lamp of the IKZK-250 type, the height of the suspension from the floor is 50 cm. In the next two weeks, the lamps are raised by another 25 cm, then this distance is brought to one meter. At this height, this model can heat approximately one square meter of area.

For raising chickens, an infrared light should be used, which can heat the cage to 23-32 degrees. During the day, the temperature should change, so you need to install a thermometer in the cage, and outside - a thermostat that will change the intensity of heating.

Some believe that red bulbs should be used for the first 20 days of chicks' life to reduce stressors on the chicks. Route the wiring around the outside of the cage. It is recommended to use luminaires with a protective grill to protect the chicks from burns and the glass from damage.

Periodically, after cooling down, it is necessary to clean the surface of the device with a damp cloth from dirt, otherwise it will work with increased load and may burn out too quickly. For chickens, do not take cheap lamps with thin bulbs that burst on accidental contact with drops of water.

Infrared heat is very beneficial for young pets. Such lamps allow you to adhere to the optimal temperature regime, prevent the development of diseases, strengthen the immune system.

In small home greenhouses, the level of heating depends on the needs of the crops that are grown there. It will take several lamps, usually the distance between them is about one and a half meters. The lamps are suspended in such a way that the height can be changed: they are lifted up as the plants grow to avoid overheating.

In addition to these areas, infrared radiation is also successfully used in the construction and automotive industry for drying various surfaces. IR light is also applicable for drying herbs, spices, food products etc. Another option is to warm up the plastic for molding work.

Presentation of popular manufacturers

The market for IR lamps is wide and varied. According to consumer reviews, products from well-known manufacturers such as Philips, InterHeat and Osram are highly popular.

The not the lowest price for IR lamps is fully compensated by the increased reliability, modern design and long service life.

Manufacturer # 1 - Philips

These are the characteristics of the Philips models. They can be safely used where there is a danger of exposure to water splashes: in bathrooms, in kitchens, in livestock buildings.

Philips PAR lamps reduce heat consumption by up to 30% compared to peers with an improved reflector. Approximately 90% of electricity is converted to infrared radiation. These products are characterized by increased durability.

Infrared lamps are compact and lightweight compared to other types of heaters, they are easy to install and remove.

Manufacturer # 2 - Osram

Osram SICCATHERM products demonstrate high efficiency. The power of the lamps varies from 150 to 375 watts. They are designed for use with a standard E27 base with a 30 degree illumination angle.

Red flasks in this line are marked as RED, matte ones are designated by the letters FR, and transparent ones - CL.

Most often, such lamps are used in animal husbandry, as well as for drying painted and varnished surfaces.

Manufacturer # 3 - InterHeat

InterHeat IR lamps are versatile, almost all fit a standard cap. Their distinctive feature is the increased resistance of the glass bulb to splashes and accidental impacts.

High power bulbs from InterHeat have proven themselves to be robust and durable when used in livestock buildings

These lamps have found wide application in the field of raising young animals and poultry. The bulb can be transparent or red, the power of the heaters varies in a wide range and can be from 100 to 375 W.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

An overview of the IR150RH E27 IR lamp from PHILIPS can be seen in the following video:

This video contains useful information on choosing an IR lamp for heating animals:

An interesting comparison of the characteristics of a mirror and a ceramic infrared lamp:

Of course, such devices cannot fully provide heat to a house or a large room. But there are situations when an IR lamp is simply irreplaceable. When properly selected, it will provide uniform and relatively inexpensive heating exactly where you need it.

How did you choose an infrared lamp for installation in a house / apartment? Tell us what was the decisive argument in favor of this or that decision for you. Please write your comments in the block below, ask questions, post photos on the topic of the article.