Why Infresco Soft-Start Is Essential for Infrared Heating

Infresco infrared heater controllers play a critical role in making modern infrared heating systems safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective. If you’ve ever asked “why does my infrared heater trip the breaker?” or “why do quartz lamps fail early?”, the answer often comes down to inrush current—and this is exactly where Infresco soft-start technology becomes essential.

In this article, we explain what soft-start is, how Infresco infrared heater controllers work, and why businesses using infrared heaters cannot afford to ignore it.

What Is an Infrared Heater and Why Startup Matters

An infrared heater produces radiant heat that warms people and objects directly, rather than heating the air. This makes infrared ideal for:

• Hospitality terraces and outdoor seating
• Warehouses and loading bays
• Manufacturing facilities
• Restaurants, pubs, and cafés

However, most infrared heaters—especially those using quartz halogen lamps—draw a very high startup current when switched on. This sudden surge can be up to 10× the normal running current, leading to:

• Nuisance tripping of breakers
• Blown fuses
• Premature lamp failure
• Electrical noise (EMI)
• Higher maintenance costs

❌ The Problem: Inrush Current in Infrared Heating

Without control, infrared heaters apply full power instantly. This causes:

• Thermal shock to quartz lamps
• Stress on electrical components
• Increased risk of breaker trips
• Reduced lamp life due to filament fatigue

Simply upgrading breakers does not solve the root cause. The real solution is gradual power application for IR heaters.

✅The Solution: Infresco-S Protect Soft-Start Infrared Heater Controllers

Infresco infrared heater controllers from United Automation are specifically engineered to solve one of the biggest problems in commercial infrared heating: high startup current in quartz lamps.

The Infresco-S Protect Soft-Start (4kW & 6kW) models (SKUs: A86603 – 4kW, A86392 – 6kW) are intelligent, microcontroller-based controllers designed to protect quartz infrared heater lamps and extend their operational lifespan.

By combining soft-start ramp-up technology with zero-voltage switching (ZVS), Infresco-S significantly reduces inrush current — helping heater lamps last up to 30% longer while improving overall electrical reliability.

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1.5kW Infrared Heater Lamp | IPX5 Weatherproof (no remote)

£55.00 ex. VAT

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Infresco-S Protect Soft-Start 4kW | Heater Lamp Life Extender

£95.00 ex. VAT

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Infresco-S Protect Soft-Start 6kW | Heater Lamp Life Extender

£145.00 ex. VAT

How Infresco-S Soft-Start Works

Unlike standard switching that applies full power instantly, Infresco-S:

• Gradually ramps power from 0–100%
• Uses zero-voltage switching (ZVS) to minimise electrical stress
• Reduces peak inrush current on startup
• Prevents thermal shock in quartz heating elements
• Protects upstream breakers and wiring

This controlled ramp-up protects both the infrared heater and the electrical supply — eliminating common problems such as nuisance tripping and blown fuses.

Infresco-S Key Features

• Extends heater lamp life by up to 30%
• Soft-start with integrated zero-voltage switching
• Supports multiple lamp configurations (model dependent)
• LED indicators for power and heating status
• Simple installation
• Robust IP65-rated enclosure for durability
• Designed for commercial and industrial environments

Technical Specifications

• Supply Voltage: 230V AC ±10% @ 50/60Hz
• Maximum Load: 4kW or 6kW (model dependent)
• Max Operating Current: Up to 25A
• Power Consumption: 50mA
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +30°C / +40°C (model dependent)
• Protection Rating: IP65

The IP65 rating makes Infresco-S suitable for both indoor and outdoor infrared heater installations, including exposed commercial environments.

Financial Benefits: ROI of Soft-Start Controllers

For warehouses, hospitality venues, and industrial sites, Infresco provides measurable financial returns:

Extend Infrared Lamp Life by 30%

Fewer replacements mean:

• Reduced maintenance costs
• Lower downtime
• Fewer emergency callouts

Reduce Maintenance Costs of Industrial Heating

By preventing thermal fatigue and electrical stress.

Lower Peak Demand Charges

Gradual startup reduces sudden electrical spikes that can increase demand charges.

This makes Infresco an energy-efficient heater startup solution with a strong ROI.

Why Infresco-S Is Essential — Not Optional

For businesses relying on infrared heating, soft-start protection is no longer a luxury — it is a necessary safeguard against electrical stress, premature lamp failure, and costly downtime.

By preventing inrush current and thermal shock, Infresco-S ensures:

• Longer lamp life
• Lower maintenance costs
• Greater system reliability
• Improved return on investment

Who Needs Infresco Infrared Heater Controllers?

Infresco controllers are ideal for businesses using infrared heaters in:

• Restaurants and outdoor dining areas
• Pubs, cafés, and hospitality venues
• Warehouses and logistics centres
• Manufacturing and industrial facilities

They are especially valuable where heaters are switched on and off frequently, such as timed outdoor heating or zoned warehouse heating.

Why Choose United Automation’s Infresco Range

United Automation’s Infresco infrared heater controllers are:

• British-engineered
• Designed specifically for infrared heating
• Available in weatherproof options for outdoor use
• Suitable for wall-mounted and commercial patio heaters

They offer a proven soft-start solution for quartz halogen infrared heaters, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.

👉 Explore the Infresco range here:
https://united-automation.com/product-category/infresco-infrared-heating-controllers-and-accessories/