Cabinet Heaters

About Cabinet Heaters

Cabinet heaters are specialised heating solutions designed to protect sensitive electrical equipment and control systems from frost damage and condensation in enclosed spaces. Using efficient infrared heating technology, these compact units generate consistent warmth that maintains stable temperatures inside electrical cabinets, control panels, switch gear housings, and instrumentation enclosures. Unlike conventional heaters, infrared cabinet heaters emit radiant heat that directly warms surfaces and components, preventing moisture build-up that can cause corrosion and equipment failure.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade cabinet heaters from trusted brands including Draper and Sealey, all designed to operate on standard 240V UK mains supply. These reliable heating solutions feature thermostatic controls for energy-efficient operation and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications where protecting valuable equipment from cold and damp conditions is essential.

Applications

Cabinet heaters are essential equipment across numerous trades and industries:

• Electricians and electrical contractors - protecting outdoor electrical enclosures, distribution boards, and control panels
• Industrial maintenance engineers - safeguarding PLCs, sensors, and process control equipment in manufacturing plants
• Facilities managers - maintaining telecommunications equipment rooms and building services installations
• Agricultural contractors - preventing frost damage to irrigation controls and automated feeding systems in unheated farm buildings
• Telecommunications technicians - protecting outdoor cabinets housing sensitive electronic equipment
• Water treatment operators - ensuring instrumentation remains operational in exposed locations
• Security system installers - keeping CCTV controllers and alarm systems functioning in cold conditions

Choosing The Right Cabinet Heaters

Cabinet Size: Calculate your enclosure's internal volume and allow approximately 10-15 watts per cubic foot of space. Outdoor installations or poorly insulated cabinets may require higher wattages to maintain adequate temperatures.

Operating Environment: Consider the installation location's temperature range and exposure to elements. Check the heater's IP rating matches your environmental conditions - outdoor applications typically require IP54 minimum, with IP65 recommended for harsh conditions.

Mounting Options: Ensure the heater can be securely installed within your cabinet. Many models at MyToolShed.co.uk offer DIN rail mounting for standard electrical enclosures, whilst others feature screw-fix brackets for flexible positioning.

Thermostat Control: Models with built-in thermostatic control offer significant energy savings by cycling on and off to maintain your preset temperature, typically between 0°C and 40°C.

Safety Certifications: Look for products meeting relevant BS EN standards to ensure compliance with UK electrical regulations and workplace safety requirements.

Safety Information

Cabinet heaters must be installed by qualified electricians in accordance with BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations. Ensure adequate clearance around the heater - typically 100-150mm from combustible materials and cabinet contents. Never obstruct the heater's surface or exceed the cabinet's power supply capacity. Regular inspection for dust accumulation and signs of overheating is essential. Ensure proper earthing and overcurrent protection are in place, and verify installations comply with HSE workplace equipment regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wattage cabinet heater do I need?

Calculate your cabinet's volume and allow 10-15 watts per cubic foot. For example, a 500mm x 400mm x 300mm cabinet (approximately 2.1 cubic feet) typically requires a 40-60W heater, though outdoor installations may need higher ratings.

Do cabinet heaters prevent condensation effectively?

Yes, by maintaining internal temperatures above the dew point, cabinet heaters prevent moisture condensation on electrical components. Choose models with appropriate IP ratings for outdoor applications and ensure sufficient wattage to overcome heat loss.

Are cabinet heaters expensive to run?

No, running costs are minimal. A 60W heater with thermostatic control operating continuously costs approximately £1-2 per week at typical UK electricity rates, making them a cost-effective solution for equipment protection.