Is Infrared Heating Safe? A Complete Guide to Far Infrared Heater Safety

Infrared Heating Safety at a Glance

Understanding Infrared Heating

Infrared heaters emit infrared radiation, which forms part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Instead of relying primarily on warming and circulating air, infrared heating transfers radiant energy towards people and surrounding surfaces.

This is the principle behind the far infrared panels and heaters used for space heating.

If you are new to the technology, our complete infrared heating guide explains how radiant infrared heating works in more detail.

Alongside safety and comfort, many homeowners also consider energy use. See our guide explaining how much infrared heating costs to run in the UK.

Far Infrared vs Near Infrared: Why the Difference Matters

One reason people become concerned about infrared heating is that the term “infrared” covers different wavelengths and applications.

This distinction is important because safety information relating to a high-intensity industrial infrared source should not automatically be applied to a far infrared panel designed for everyday space heating.

Read our dedicated guide to the difference between far and near infrared.

You can also see our article Debunking Infrared Heating Myths for answers to other common misconceptions.

Are Infrared Heaters Safe Around Children and Pets?

Parents and pet owners understandably want to know whether an infrared heater is appropriate for a family home.

The important consideration is not simply that a heater uses infrared technology. It is the design of the individual heater and where it is installed.

Heating surfaces can become hot during operation. Children should therefore be taught not to touch or play with heaters, while pets should be monitored around heating equipment.

Fixed wall or ceiling installation can help position suitable heaters away from accidental contact, depending on the product and installation requirements.

Practical Placement Around Children and Pets

• Use an appropriate mounting position: Suitable wall or ceiling mounting can place fixed heaters away from easy contact.
• Manage cables: Keep accessible electrical cables tidy and away from places where they could become a trip hazard or be chewed by pets.
• Follow required clearances: Use the clearances specified for the particular heater rather than assuming one distance applies to every product.
• Do not cover the heater: Never place clothing or other objects over a heater unless the product has been specifically designed for that purpose.
• Supervise where appropriate: Children should not play with heaters and pets should be monitored around hot surfaces.

Infrared Heater Standards and Product Compliance

Product compliance is another important part of choosing electrical heating equipment.

Relevant markings and requirements depend on the product and market, so check the documentation supplied with the particular heater rather than relying on the heating technology alone.

You can view further information about our product certifications and standards.

RoHS

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) framework restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.

Product-specific compliance information should always be checked against the documentation for the heater you are purchasing.

For example, you can view one of our infrared heating panels to see how product information, heating format and controls are presented before purchase.

Can Infrared Heating Damage Your Eyes?

Eye safety is another common concern because infrared energy is invisible.

The important distinction again is between the far infrared products designed for normal space heating and higher-intensity infrared sources used for other applications.

Far infrared is also fundamentally different from ultraviolet radiation, so the two should not be treated as interchangeable simply because both sit within the broader electromagnetic spectrum.

High-intensity near-infrared sources used in some industrial applications can require specific exposure controls, distance requirements or protective equipment. Those environments are different from ordinary domestic far infrared space heating.

Infrared Heating and Combustion Safety

Electric infrared heating does not burn fuel at the heater itself. This means there is no flame and no carbon monoxide produced by combustion at the point of use.

Infrared panels and suitable bar heaters can also operate without the fan-driven air movement associated with some heating systems.

For a separate discussion of the wider environmental considerations, see our page covering the environmental benefits of infrared heating.

How to Use Infrared Heaters Safely

As with any electrical heating system, the safest approach is to choose the correct product, install it as intended and follow its specific operating instructions.

For more detail on mounting and electrical considerations, read our infrared heater installation guide.

Infrared Heating Safety FAQs

So, Is Infrared Heating Safe?

Far infrared heating is designed for everyday space heating in homes, workplaces and commercial buildings. The key is to distinguish purpose-designed far infrared heaters from other infrared technologies and to treat them with the same sensible precautions expected of any electrical heating appliance.

Choose a heater intended for the environment, follow its mounting and clearance requirements, use appropriate controls and arrange professional electrical installation wherever the product requires it.

If you're considering infrared heating but aren't sure which type is suitable for your property, start with our wattage calculator, browse our infrared heating range, or contact the IHS team for help planning your system.