Why we’re ditching old bathroom lamps for IP65 Infrared
Let’s be honest: those old-school bathroom heaters are kind of a joke. They’re basically just lightbulbs that get hot, and they aren’t built for the actual environment they live in. We’re seeing more people switch to IP65 infrared systems, and for a good reason. Standard heaters just can’t keep up when you’ve got a steamy shower running. The battle against steam Here’s the thing about an IP65 rating. It basically means the unit is sealed tight. No dust gets in, and water can’t spray its way inside from any angle. In a normal bathroom, steam finds every little crack. It seeps into the housing, messes with the terminals, and eventually leads to a short circuit or nasty corrosion. We fix that by using sealed gaskets and housings that actually repel moisture. It keeps the heating element from oxidizing and burning out way too soon. Heat you can actually feel Most old heaters try to warm up the air. But air is terrible at holding onto heat. Infrared is different. It sends out short-wave radiation that hits your skin and the walls directly. You don’t have to stand around waiting for the whole room to warm up—you feel the heat the second you flip the switch. We use quartz tubes to make sure that energy goes exactly where it needs to. A few things to keep in mind Now, there is a trade-off. Because we seal these units so tightly to keep water out, the air doesn’t move around the housing as easily. You’ve got to make sure you leave enough room around the unit when you mount it. If you cram a high-wattage heater into a tiny, enclosed space, the internal thermal switch is going to trip to keep things from overheating. Just give it some breathing room. Getting it installed The best part? These are designed to just slide right into the spot where your old fixture was. We use reinforced wiring and grounded casings because, well, water and electricity don’t mix. We also closed the gap between the heating element and the outer shield. It keeps the heat density high but means you aren’t nearly as likely to accidentally burn yourself. It’s just a much safer bet for a busy family bathroom.