Heat Lamp: Types, Purpose and Risks

A heat lamp is a device that is used for the purpose of creating heat rather than light. By operating the filament at a lower temperature, the spectrum of black body radiation emitted by the lamp is shifted to produce more infrared light. Many heat lamps include a red filter to reduce the amount of visible light emitted.

Heat lamps are used commonly in shower and bathrooms to warm bathers and in food-preparation areas to keep food warm before serving. They are also used for animal husbandry. The Lighting used for poultry are often called brooding lamps. Apart from young birds, other types of animals, which can benefit from heat lamps, include reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, insects, and the young of some mammals.

In effect, a heat lamp is a device that emits a high intensity of heat that can be used for multiple purposes.

Different Types of Heat Lamp

There are basically two types of heat lamps which are available on the market, which are identified in the way in which they are powered. Generally, one type is power-driven by gas and the other type is powered with the help of electricity. A gas heat lamp is very intense in the production of heat and this type of lamp is generally used for heating of large spaces such as a warehouse etc.  An electric heat lamp does fulfill the needs for heating otherwise in all other locales.

Additionally, the heat lamps are generally known for their minimal consumption of energy. They radiate the heat very quickly and are very cost-effective to use.  One can find that the intensity of heat that is emitted from a heat lamp is very powerful and often needs that the fixture be created using special ceramic materials.

Purpose Of Heat Lamps

One can find number of purposes associated with the use of a heat lamp. They are usually used in the care of livestock and also for the soothing effect that it can have on a human body.

Potential Risks Associated with Heat Lamps

One has to follow certain precautions with regard to usage of a heat lamp. While you are using the heat lamps, the specific area that needs to be protected does include the eyes and the skin. Because of the intense heat that is emitted from it, it is imperative that protective goggles be worn to shield the eyes from probable harm when an person is under the heat lamp for a extended length of time.

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Lamps Tip

Never touch the lamp with your fingers, always use a cloth for handling. Deposits from fingerprints cause temperature “hot spots” and temperature gradient stresses the glass often resulting in earlier lamp failure.