Electric Space Heaters

About Electric Space Heaters

Electric space heaters provide essential heating solutions for workshops, garages, construction sites, and commercial premises requiring immediate, localised warmth. Running on standard 240v mains electricity, these portable units deliver clean, fume-free heat exactly where needed, making them ideal for tradespeople working in unheated spaces or businesses heating specific zones efficiently. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both fan-forced and PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) ceramic heating technologies from trusted brands including Draper and Sealey, with heat outputs ranging from 2kW domestic models through to powerful 9kW industrial units.

Modern electric space heaters feature adjustable thermostats, multiple heat settings, and safety cut-out switches to prevent overheating. Industrial models come with robust powder-coated steel casings, carrying handles for easy transportation, and splash-proof housings rated to IP24 or higher for damp workshop environments. Whether heating a cold garage, providing temporary warmth in properties under renovation, or maintaining comfortable warehouse conditions, these heaters deliver controllable heat without fuel storage or complex ventilation requirements.

Applications

• Builders and Construction Workers: Heating unfinished properties, drying plaster and paint, maintaining site comfort during cold weather
• Motor Mechanics: Warming garages and workshops to improve working conditions and prevent tools becoming uncomfortably cold
• Warehouse Managers: Providing localised heating in storage facilities, loading bays, and distribution centres
• Manufacturing Facilities: Supplementing heating in production areas and maintaining optimal working temperatures
• Painters and Decorators: Accelerating drying times whilst maintaining comfortable application temperatures
• Property Maintenance Teams: Emergency heating during boiler breakdowns, preventing frost damage in vacant properties
• DIY Enthusiasts: Heating home workshops, garages, and sheds for comfortable year-round project work

Choosing The Right Electric Space Heaters

Calculate Heat Output: You'll need approximately 100 watts per square metre for well-insulated spaces, or 150W/m² for poorly insulated areas. A 2kW heater suits spaces up to 20m², whilst 3kW models cover 30m², and 5-9kW industrial heaters handle larger warehouses and commercial premises.

Select Heating Technology: PTC ceramic heaters offer self-regulating heat with lower surface temperatures and reduced fire risk, ideal for enclosed workshops. Fan-forced models provide faster heat distribution, better suited to larger open spaces requiring rapid temperature increases.

Verify Power Supply: A 3kW heater draws approximately 13A from a 240v supply, maxing out standard 13A sockets. Higher-output industrial models may require dedicated 16A or 32A supplies with appropriate cabling installed by a qualified electrician.

Consider Environmental Protection: For damp workshops or semi-outdoor covered areas, choose IP24-rated splash-proof housings. Construction sites benefit from robust powder-coated steel casings resisting corrosion and impact damage.

Check Safety Features: Essential features include thermal cut-out protection, tip-over switches, overheat protection, and adjustable thermostats for precise temperature control and energy savings.

Safety Information

Always connect electric space heaters directly to wall sockets or appropriately rated extension leads—never daisy-chain multiple adaptors. Maintain minimum clearances of 1 metre from combustible materials including timber, cardboard, and flammable liquids. Never position heaters where they could be knocked over or obstruct air intake vents. Ensure all equipment undergoes PAT testing according to HSE requirements, particularly in commercial environments. Never leave heaters operating unattended for extended periods, and always switch off and unplug when vacating premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size electric space heater do I need for my workshop?

Calculate approximately 100-150 watts per square metre depending on insulation quality. A typical single garage (15-20m²) requires a 2-3kW heater, whilst double garages or small workshops (30-40m²) need 3-5kW. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks models ranging from compact 2kW units through to 9kW industrial heaters for larger spaces.

Can I run an electric space heater from a standard 13A socket?

Most electric heaters up to 3kW operate safely from standard 13A sockets, though they'll draw full socket capacity. Higher-output 5-9kW industrial models require dedicated 16A or 32A supplies with appropriate cabling. Never overload circuits or use underrated extension leads.

Are electric space heaters expensive to run?

A 3kW heater running continuously costs approximately £1-1.50 per hour based on typical UK commercial electricity rates. Using built-in thermostats to cycle heating on/off and selecting appropriate heat settings significantly reduces consumption. Electric heaters convert nearly 100% of energy to heat with no fuel storage required.