If you have ever taken lodging in a motel and turned the installed timer switch in the bathroom, you have probably experienced the soothing effects of a heat lamp. This timer, when it is activated, heats the room and adds to the pleasure of a hot bath or shower.
Or perhaps you’ve gone to a delicatessen or passed through a food serving line that required the foods to be kept at a certain temperature. Hanging over those different food dishes was an infrared heat lamp that maintained the food at the proper temperature.
A heat lamp is an electronic device that emits a high intensity of warmth that can be utilized for these and other purposes. Generally, the heat lamp utilizes a luminous light. This incandescent lighting is the emission of radiation that is electromagnetic in nature.
Types Of Heat Lamp
There are two types of heat lamps available on the market today. Those two different types are distinguished in the way in which they are powered. One type is powered by gas and the other is powered by electricity.
A gas heat lamp is normally very intense in the production of heat. Generally, this type of heat lamp is used for the heating of large spaces such as a warehouse. An electric heat lamp generally fulfills the needs for heat in all other locales.
Also, heat lamps are known for their consumption of minimal amounts of energy. They also are designed to disseminate heat quickly and are very economical to use. Additionally, the intensity of the heat that emits from a heat lamp is very strong and often requires that the fixture be constructed using ceramic materials.
Purpose Of Heat Lamps
There are a variety of purposes that are associated with the use of a heat lamp. Two specific purposes of a heat lamp are for the care of livestock and another purpose being the soothing effect that it has on the human body.
Specifically, a heat lamp can take the place of a mothering hen in regards to caring for the young chicks. Also, other mammals can benefit from the warmth of a heat lamp in regards to promoting their survival and maintaining their health.
In regards to human beings the value of a heat lamp can be seen in relieving the soreness of muscles. A carefully conducted heat treatment, 20 to 30 minutes under a heat lamp placed no closer than 18 inches, can do wonders in relieving pain and relaxing the muscles that have been traumatized.
Dangers
As with all treatments, there are precautions that should be followed regarding the dangers associated with using a heat lamp. Specifically, those areas of the body that should be protected are the eyes and the skin.
Because of the infrared quality and the intense heat emitting from the heat lamp, it is important that protective goggles be worn. This will protect the eyes from potential damage when an individual is under the heat lamp for a prolonged period of time.
Also, because of a high intensity of heat emitted the skin can become very susceptible to burning. It is important, therefore, to continually check the area of treatment for any signs of discoloration which may indicate that the skin is being burned.