Electric Heaters

About Electric Heaters

Electric heaters provide essential heating solutions for workshops, garages, construction sites, warehouses, and commercial premises where reliable, portable warmth is needed. Operating on 240v mains power, these heaters offer clean, fume-free heating ideal for enclosed spaces with limited ventilation. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range including fan heaters, PTC ceramic heaters, infrared cabinet heaters, and industrial space heaters from trusted brands such as Sealey, Draper, and Faithfull.

From compact 2kW models perfect for small workshops to powerful 9kW industrial units capable of heating large commercial spaces, electric heaters deliver instant warmth at the flick of a switch. Modern units feature safety enhancements including overheat protection, tip-over switches, and adjustable thermostats for energy-efficient operation. Whether you're a tradesperson maintaining comfortable site conditions, a garage owner heating your workspace, or a facilities manager responsible for warehouse heating, there's an electric heater suited to every application and budget.

Applications

Electric heaters are used across numerous trades and industries:

• Construction Workers: Heating site cabins, drying plaster and cement, maintaining workable temperatures in unfinished buildings
• Motor Mechanics: Keeping workshops and garages comfortable during winter months
• Warehouse Managers: Heating loading bays, storage areas, and packing facilities
• Joiners and Carpenters: Warming workshops where wood conditioning and adhesive curing require controlled temperatures
• Decorators and Plasterers: Accelerating drying times and maintaining optimal conditions for materials
• Groundskeepers: Heating greenhouses, potting sheds, and outdoor working areas
• Event Managers: Providing supplementary heating for marquees and temporary structures
• DIY Enthusiasts: Heating home workshops, sheds, and garages for comfortable project work

Choosing The Right Electric Heaters

Calculate Heating Requirements: Measure your space and allow approximately 100W per square metre for insulated areas or 150W per square metre for poorly insulated spaces. A 2kW heater suits rooms up to 20m², whilst larger workshops may require 5kW or 9kW models.

Check Your Power Supply: Standard 13A plugs on 240v supply handle up to 3kW. Higher-powered industrial heaters require 16A or 32A connections installed by a qualified electrician.

Select Appropriate Technology: Fan heaters provide rapid heat circulation for quick warm-ups. PTC ceramic heaters offer energy-efficient, self-regulating warmth. Infrared heaters excel in draughty environments by heating objects directly. Convector heaters deliver gentle, even background heating.

Consider Safety Features: Look for overheat protection, tip-over switches, and thermal cut-outs. IP-rated models offer essential dust and moisture protection for construction sites. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks heaters with various safety specifications to match your working environment.

Safety Information

Always connect electric heaters to properly earthed 240v supplies with appropriate circuit protection. Use RCD protection, particularly on construction sites. Maintain manufacturer-specified clearances from combustible materials, typically 500mm minimum. Position heaters on stable, level surfaces away from walkways and water sources unless appropriately IP-rated. Regularly inspect equipment and cables for damage, ensuring PAT testing compliance for workplace use. Never exceed your electrical circuit's rated capacity—consult a qualified electrician if upgrading is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run an electric heater from a standard plug socket?

Standard UK 13A sockets on 240v supply safely handle heaters up to 3kW. Many compact and medium-sized models fall within this range and come with standard plugs. Industrial heaters rated 5kW, 9kW or higher require dedicated 16A or 32A connections with appropriate cabling installed by a qualified electrician.

What's the difference between infrared and fan heaters?

Fan heaters warm and circulate air throughout enclosed spaces, providing general ambient heating. Infrared heaters emit radiant heat that warms objects and people directly, making them ideal for draughty workshops, spot heating, or outdoor areas. Infrared provides instant warmth where directed, whilst fan heaters take longer but distribute heat more evenly.

What size electric heater do I need for my workshop?

Calculate your space in square metres and multiply by 100W for well-insulated areas or 150W for poorly insulated spaces. For example, a 5m x 4m garage (20m²) with good insulation needs approximately 2kW, whilst a draughty workshop might require 3kW. Consider ceiling height—spaces over 3m high need additional capacity.