Infratech C Series - User Manual

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Summary

Warnings

Caution

High temperature, risk of fire, keep combustibles away from heater front, sides, and rear.

Mounting Height and Clearances

Details clearances from combustibles for front, sides, and rear of the heater for safe installation.

Replacement Element Installation

Troubleshooting

Heater Does Not Glow

Steps to diagnose and resolve issues when the heater element is not glowing.

Low Heat Output

Troubleshooting steps for insufficient heat, checking voltage and reflectors.

Heater Does Not Work

Guide to check power, controls, and wiring for a heater that fails to operate.

Infratech Warranty Registration

The Infratech Quartz Tube Electric Infrared Radiant Heater is designed for both residential and commercial use, providing efficient and comfortable warmth in various outdoor and indoor settings. This device functions by emitting infrared radiation, which directly heats objects and people rather than the surrounding air, making it highly effective in open or breezy environments. It is available in both C-Series (single element) and CD-Series (dual element) models, offering flexibility in heating capacity and coverage.

Function Description

The primary function of the Infratech heater is to provide radiant heat. Unlike convection heaters that warm the air, infrared heaters emit electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by surfaces, converting into heat. This method ensures that warmth is felt directly and immediately, similar to the warmth of the sun, making it ideal for patios, outdoor dining areas, garages, and other spaces where traditional heating methods might be inefficient. The quartz tube elements are designed for durability and consistent performance, delivering a gentle, comfortable heat without the harsh glare often associated with some other radiant heaters. The C-Series models feature a single heating element, suitable for smaller or more focused heating zones, while the CD-Series models incorporate dual elements, offering greater heating power and broader coverage for larger areas. The dual-element heaters can also be wired with a Duplex/Stack Switch, allowing independent control of each element for half-power or full-power operation, providing enhanced flexibility in managing heat output.

Usage Features

The Infratech heater is designed for permanent installation and hardwiring by a licensed electrician, ensuring a secure and compliant setup. It can be mounted on ceilings or walls using the provided multi-position swivel mounting brackets, which allow for adjustment of the heater's angle to optimize heat distribution. The heater must be installed horizontally level for maximum tube life, and the mounting brackets enable rotation around its horizontal axis to direct heat precisely where needed.

Key usage considerations include maintaining specific clearances from combustible materials: a minimum of 36 inches (0.9m) in front, 18 inches (45.7cm) from the sides and ends, and 6 inches (15.2cm) behind the heater. For wall-mounting, the heater should be at least 18 inches (45.7cm) from adjacent walls and 6 inches (15.2cm) from the ceiling, with a downward angle of 30 to 60 degrees. For ceiling-mounting, similar clearances apply, with a maximum angle of 30 degrees. Adjacent heaters should be installed no less than 3 feet (0.9m) apart. The minimum height from the floor is 6 feet (1.8m) for UL Listed heaters and 8 feet (2.4m) for UL/CUL Listed heaters.

The heater is drilled and threaded for standard 1/2-inch conduit fittings, and the installer must provide appropriate rigid metallic, flexible, or liquid-tight conduit. Wiring connections must comply with local electrical codes and the National Electric Code (NEC) for outdoor wiring, using only UL/CUL/CE listed components with an IPX4 minimum rating. Heaters up to 15 AMPS can be controlled with a simple INF Input Regulator, which gently pulses the heat on and off at regular intervals when not on full power, offering a cost-effective way to manage heat output.

For optimal comfort, it is generally recommended to install radiant heaters at an angle (typically 30° to 60° from horizontal, with 45° being ideal) to distribute warmth from the sides rather than straight down on people's heads and shoulders. Installing the fixture to heat from the "cold side" can help compensate for increased body heat losses due to exposure. When used outdoors, hanging the heater under a protective roof or weather cover is recommended to prolong its lifespan and maintain its aesthetic appeal, even though it is designed for all-weather construction.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and efficient operation of the Infratech heater. Before performing any maintenance, it is imperative to disconnect the power at the breaker and allow the heater to cool completely to prevent possible shock or burns.

The heater housing, reflectors, and heating element can be cleaned using a hose rinse or by wiping them down with isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or glass cleaner. A clean, scratch-free rag or paper towel should be used for wiping. Any oxidation, surface rust, or discoloration on the bare metal surface can be removed with a stainless steel cleaner or metal polish. After cleaning, it is essential to ensure that all water, solvents, or cleaners are completely removed and the heater is dry before reconnecting the power supply.

Replacement of the heating element is a straightforward process, detailed in the manual. This involves disconnecting power, removing the grill, unscrewing and removing end reflectors, unhooking element clips, and carefully replacing the quartz tube element. It is critical to hold the ceramic element firmly while tightening the nuts to prevent damage and ensure a snug connection, as a loose connection can cause the element to short or fail prematurely. Infratech provides replacement elements and parts, and assistance is available via phone or website for ordering.

Troubleshooting guidance is also provided for common issues. If the heater does not glow or produces low heat output, checking the supply voltage against the heating element's voltage is recommended. A 240V element connected to 110V or 208V will warm but not glow sufficiently. If the element is visibly orange but heat is insufficient, reviewing coverage areas and mounting heights is advised, along with replacing or cleaning dirty or non-reflective reflectors. If the heater does not work at all, troubleshooting steps include checking the element for continuity with an ohm meter, verifying proper voltage to the heater, checking the control/switch, inspecting the main power circuit breaker, and looking for loose connections or burned wires.