When assessing an electrical circuit for infrared heating, the available electrical capacity is a separate part of the design. The required heating output does not automatically tell you how much can safely be connected to an existing circuit. Have heat demand and the electrical installation assessed together before ordering panels.
Key points
List all loads, not just panels. Check circuits, main supply connection, switching components and simultaneous operation with a competent installer. A universal limit of 2,944 watts or a standard 80% rule does not replace assessment of the actual installation.
What does a theoretical power calculation tell you?
For a simple resistive load, approximately: power = voltage × current. As a theoretical example, 230 volts × 16 amps gives 3,680 watts. This does not permit that power to be connected for prolonged periods to every circuit. Protection, wiring, installation method, connection points and other connected appliances all matter.
A circuit breaker does not immediately trip at one exact wattage. Its behaviour depends on the protection and conditions. Do not therefore use the absence of tripping as proof that a load is safe. Do not change a fuse or breaker to allow more heating without complete installation advice.
Listing loads and simultaneous operation
List panels, wattages, control components and other appliances on the relevant circuits. Also record future plans such as electric cooking, charging or domestic hot water. A separate circuit may improve distribution but does not automatically increase the capacity of the main supply connection.
As an example, three 600-watt panels together require 1,800 watts when operating simultaneously at full power. Add other simultaneous loads. This example does not yet mean the combination is permitted on your circuit; have the complete load and components assessed.
Zone thermostats may switch on simultaneously, for example after a setback. A time programme is not automatically a reliable power limiter. Active load management or priority control is a separate function requiring suitable design. Receivers and any relays must also handle the connected load.
Including different conditions in each room
A living room does not have a fixed standard output of 2,500 to 4,000 watts. Heat demand follows from the space and its use. A lower output may be possible in a bedroom, but that does not make an existing lighting circuit suitable without checking. Consider all connected appliances, not just the room name.
In a bathroom, product, positioning, water protection and electrical facilities must be assessed together. In a kitchen, the oven, hob and other large loads count too. A general rule for a dedicated circuit from 2,000 watts does not replace assessment under applicable regulations and the actual installation.
When is expansion or modification needed?
That follows from the inventory and inspection of the installation. Possible measures include a different circuit distribution, new cable routes, suitable switching components or modification of the supply connection. A three-phase connection does not increase the capacity of every individual circuit, and phase distribution remains important.
Have inspection and work on the electrical installation carried out by a competent installer. Do not open the consumer unit or connection points to assess their condition yourself. You can collect available diagrams, product labels and your usage wishes to prepare the assessment properly.
Our advice for the heating proposal
We help private and business end users, installation companies and wholesalers with product selection and the heating plan. Share a floor plan, desired functions and available information on the existing installation. Coordinate electrical design and execution with a competent installer.
Record agreements and checks
Request a quote clearly distinguishing appliances, controls and electrical work. Keep updated diagrams and handover information. Appliances added later can also change the load. Low maintenance does not mean an installation remains safe indefinitely without checks.
Frequently asked questions
Is panel protection sufficient to prevent circuit overload?
No. Protection inside the appliance and protective devices in the installation have different tasks. Correct product selection, connection and circuit design remain necessary. Have the relationship between appliance, controls and installation assessed rather than relying on one protective function.