The barriers to using 3 Phase Electric Fan Heaters are the power available on site, whether 3 phase electric is available on site and whether you have 3 phase sockets installed.
The advantages are huge though. On the 3kW Electric Fan Heater you are limited to only 10,000 BTU from a 13A Socket - and most ring mains may only support four to six of these running at the same time.
If you have a spare 16A 3 Phase socket then you can easily push out 30,000 BTU from one heater! Going up to a 32A socket means you can easily put out up to 22kW or over 70,000 BTU. Unlike fuel burning heaters they are odourless and safe to use in most environments, without the need for excessive ventilation - the only exception being class 1 explosive proof such as petrol stations or similar.
Another key consideration is the running cost. Yes, gas or diesel may seem cheaper - but have you factored in the time cost to collect and return gas bottles, avialability? The time it takes a person to get a new bottle out of the cage, connect it and store the empty bottle safely away?
With diesel heaters the costs can be even higher with regular maintenance needed, and decanting and storing kerosene or diesel can be expensive and time consuming.
The only real circumstances where fuel burning heaters win over 3 phase electric fan heaters is when there is only a 13A powersupply available and you need over 30,000 BTU or 9kW of heat.
To sum up, 3 phase heaters are:-
- Cheap to run
- Low maintenance
- Safe
- Reliable
- Odour less and fume-free
- The best choice of heater when you need a lot of heat and have 3 phase electricity available.
