Getting Your Bathroom Infrared Heating Right
Putting a heater in the shower is a bit of a gamble if you don’t do it right. You’re dealing with two big problems: water getting where it shouldn’t and the shock of extreme temperature changes. That’s why we stick to an IPX4 rating. In plain English? It means the guts of the heater are sealed off. Whether it’s a cloud of steam or a stray splash of water, the circuitry stays dry. No one wants a short circuit while they’re scrubbing their hair.
Why we use quartz glass
Ever see a glass dish shatter when you put it in the oven? That happens because the glass can’t handle the sudden jump in heat. In a bathroom, where cold water hits a hot surface constantly, standard glass just won’t cut it. We use explosion-proof quartz tubes instead. Quartz is a beast when it comes to temperature swings. It doesn’t freak out or crack when things get hot and cold quickly. Plus, it acts as a shield. Even if the outer case has an issue, the quartz keeps everything sealed so the heating element doesn’t just burn out.
Feeling the heat (instantly)
The goal here is simple: you want to feel warm the second you flip the switch. We use shortwave infrared and high wattage to make that happen. It’s an immediate, cozy heat that cuts right through a drafty room. It’s fast. Really fast. Just a heads-up: because these things get so hot, you have to be careful with where you mount them. Make sure your brackets are rated for high heat, or you might find your plastic fixtures starting to melt. Not a great look.
A few things to keep in mind
Quartz is amazing with heat, but it’s still glass. If you whack it with something heavy, it’s going to break. I always suggest putting a guard over the installation just to be safe. And before you start wiring everything up, take a look at your circuit breaker and the thickness of your wires. High wattage pulls a lot of power. If your wiring is too thin, you’ll lose efficiency and the heater won’t actually get as hot as it should. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in how the room actually feels.