Out with the old and in with the new- Infrared Heating technology is rapidly growing in terms of its popularity as several misconceptions are cleared up by all of the different uses that Infrared Heating possesses.

As the benefits of Infrared Heating are becoming more recognised (such as their energy efficiency and health benefits) we hope to see more Infrared Heaters on the market. Let’s say goodbye to convection heaters once and for all!

When it comes to buying a product, cheap or expensive, you’re going to want to trust that what you’re buying is of a good design and quality. In the case of Infrared Heaters, a main priority is the safety of the technology and we can offer you that security…

Check The Infrared Panel Heater’s Credentials

Before it’s legal to be able to sell Infrared Heaters, there are certain certifications that they must have to ensure their safety to consumers. As well as this, there are other certifications that aren’t necessarily needed but are desirable to customers when it comes to buying the product.

THE CE Mark

The letters ‘CE’ are the abbreviation of the French phrase ‘Conformité Européene’ which simply means ‘European Conformity’. Initially, the term EC Mark’ was used before being officially replaced by ‘CE Marking’ in 1993.

CE marking on a product declares that the product complies with the essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety and environmental protection legislation. Rest assured, if you spot this certification on the packaging of your product, know it has been thoroughly tested!

Be cautious when shopping for Infrared Heaters- not only does the CE mark mean that the product is safe for use, it also indicates that the product may be legally placed on the market in their country. If the mark isn’t visible when coming to purchase, it may be wise to look elsewhere for a IR Heater that presents the certification!

RoHS Compliance

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) has a huge impact on not only Infrared Heating Systems, but on the entire electronics industry. Since 2006, all applicable products in the EU must pass RoHS compliance.

The certification restricts the use of six hazardous substances found in electrical and electronic products. This is a compulsory certification that Infrared Heaters need due to the fact that certain restricted materials are hazardous for the environment. Not only this, these materials are dangerous in terms of occupational exposure during manufacturing and recycling.

Organisations will be affected by RoHS if they manufacture electrical and electronic equipment, import electrical and electronic equipment or distribute electrical and electronic equipment.

Again, if you don’t think that the product you’re interested is under this certification, either question it or look elsewhere for a safer, more legal option.

Lot 20 Compliance

From the 1st January 2018, all local space heaters which have been manufactured to sell in the EU which use electric, gas or liquid fuels must comply with a minimum efficiency standard.

The aim of this legislation is to not only reduce the amount of energy used by the products to heat our homes, but to also remove inefficient technologies. Overall, Lot 20 compliance aims to help achieve our overall carbon reduction targets.

The Lot 20 legislation, passed by the EU in April 2015 and coming into effect in January 2018, was introduced to increase the efficiency of local space heaters in order to reduce our carbon footprint. Even though the agreement was passed prior to the UK’s departure from the EU, it’s to remain part of the UK law, even after Brexit.

In order to comply with Lot 20 legislation, every local space heater will have to install a form of automation which reduces the amount of time the heater needs to be on. As a business, we have chosen to integrate a thermostat into the panel alongside a remote control allowing it to be controlled. An integrated option means that there is less wiring with the panel, resulting in less of a chance of failure.  In comparison, some companies have simply chosen to bundle a thermostat with each heater.

Lot 20 legislation only applies to indoor space heaters meaning that it doesn’t apply to heaters you may use outdoors.

The GS Certification

The Geprüfte Sicherheit (“Tested Safety”) or GS mark is a voluntary certification mark that indicates that the equipment meets German and, if available, European safety requirements for such devices.

The GS Mark minimises manufacturer’s risk of product liability and provides manufacturers with the confidence that their products are safe, legal and of a high quality. As well as this, this certification also assures end users that the product has been independently tested by a third party for safety.

There are several advantages behind products that include the GS mark, e.g consumers based in Germany and the EU see this as a symbol of safety and quality, provides a marketing advantage by creating consumer trust as well as emphasising your company’s commitment t safety and quality.

A licensed mark of the German government, the GS Mark may only be issued by an accredited product safety testing and certification agency.

SAA Certification

SAA Approvals (Standards Australia International Limited) main focus is on Electrical Product Safety Approval Certification that allows the sale of electrical equipment, accessories and appliances in Australia and New Zealand.

The company is accredited by the Joint Accreditation Service of Australia and New Zealand as a third party certification body.

Again, this credential isn’t an absolute requirement for your Infrared Heating Panel here in the UK. None the less, it can be seen as a very positive indication of the quality of the product.

We’re Here To Answer Any Questions You Might Have

Have any questions regarding our certifications or anything Infrared Heating related?  Why not drop us a call on 0116 321 4124.

You’re also welcome to send us an e-mail enquiry to sales@suryaheating.co.uk and like our Facebook and Twitter pages!