Infratech Heater Wiring Diagram, Controls and Installation Guide
Quick answer
Infratech heaters are hardwired, never plugged in. Each heating element gets its own lead set, so a dual element model needs two. Choose your control first, because the control decides the wiring: a simple switch, an input regulator, a duplex switch, or a relay panel that groups heaters into zones. Infratech supplies a wiring diagram with every custom panel.
Planning Infratech heaters for a patio, pergola or restaurant? Most of the decisions happen before the electrician arrives: which control you want, how many zones, and whether the heaters surface mount or sit flush in the ceiling. This guide walks through each step in plain language, so you can hand your installer a clear plan.
How Infratech Heaters Are Wired
Every Infratech heater has a gasketed junction box on top with a 1/2 inch conduit fitting. Infratech's installation guide calls for copper wire rated for 90 degrees C, with flexible conduit or cord if the heater needs to swivel. For outdoor heaters, every component in the run should be rated IPX4 or better.
Heaters are wired in parallel, so each one sees full line voltage. To size a circuit, divide watts by volts. A 3,000W element on 240V draws 12.5 amps. Your electrician then sizes the breaker and wire to code, which treats fixed heaters as continuous loads.
Infratech Heater Wiring: Single vs Dual Element
90°C copperWire rating Infratech calls for
1/2 in. conduitFitting on every junction box; IPX4 parts outdoors
3,000W ÷ 240V = 12.5AWatts divided by volts gives amps per element
Single element vs dual element wiring
Single element heaters, such as the W-Series, C-Series and SL-Series, need one lead set. Dual element heaters, such as the WD-Series and CD-Series, need two lead sets, one per element. That is what lets you run half power or full power. Order the voltage that matches your panel, too. A 240V element on a 208V supply will warm, but it won't glow orange or deliver its rated heat.
Infratech Control Options
Infratech sorts its controls into four tiers: Value, Simple Plus, Smart and Smart Plus. Infratech recommends against prewiring until you have picked one, because each option wires differently. Using another brand's controls can also void the heater warranty.
Which tier fits?
Value controls suit one or two heaters on a budget. Simple Plus suits commercial patios that need zones and a shut-off timer. Smart suits homes that want app or voice control. Smart Plus suits homes and buildings that already run Lutron, Crestron, Control4 or Savant.
Value controls
Simple On/Off Switches
The lowest cost way to run single element heaters. One switch, full heat.
Works withAny single element heater
Rating120/277 VAC, 20 amps per switch
MountingIn-wall or surface, weatherproof cover optional
Consider: there is no heat adjustment, so size the heaters to the space.
Shop on/off switches →
INF Input Regulators
A dial that gives variable heat on a budget. It cycles the heater on and off at set intervals instead of dimming it.
Works withSingle element heaters up to 3,000W
Limit15 amps per heater
MountingWall plate, flush or weatherproof surface
Consider: each heater needs its own regulator, and the on/off cycling is visible at low settings.
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Duplex Stack Switches
Two switches in one plate, one per element, for half power or full power on dual element heaters.
Works withDual element heaters
Rating120/277 VAC, 20 amps per switch
MountingIn-wall or surface, weatherproof cover optional
Consider: you get two heat levels, not a full dimming range.
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Enhanced Timer Package
Adds WiFi to a value setup. A smart switch runs up to two heaters from your phone through the Bond app.
HeatersUp to two
Timer2-hour timer
EnclosureType 1, indoor only
Consider: the panel must be mounted indoors, and breakers and a flush mount access door are optional extras.
Ask us about this package →Control packages for zones, apps and automation
Each package uses a custom relay panel built for your heaters, voltage and phase. Every panel is UL listed, carries a three-year warranty, is made in the USA and ships with a wiring diagram for your installation.
Simple Plus: Solid State Control Packages
Built for restaurants, bars, resorts and stadiums. A relay panel and a wall mounted analog controller group heaters into zones you set with one turn of a dial.
Controller1 to 4 zone analog dials, optional digital timer
CapacityUp to 9,000W per relay at 240V
RatingsNEMA 4 panel, NEMA 12 controller
FinishSilver or white controller
Consider: works only with Infratech analog controllers, and there is no app or voice control. The timer is what keeps heaters from running overnight.
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Smart: Universal Control Packages
Infratech recommends this one for homes. Dim your heaters from a standard 120V lighting dimmer, or pair a smart dimmer for app and voice control with Alexa, Siri or Google Home.
ControlAny 120V lighting dimmer or smart dimmer
CapacityUp to 9,000W per relay at 240V, 3 heaters per relay
RatingNEMA 4 panel
Consider: pick your wall dimmer to match the rest of the house, and check the smart dimmer works with your phone and voice assistant.
Shop universal panels →
Smart Plus: Home Management Systems
For homes and buildings that already run an automation system. Heaters join your lights and shades, with zones, schedules and saved heat settings.
IntegratesLutron, Crestron, Control4, Savant and more
Signal0 to 10V DC input
RatingNEMA 3 panel
Consider: your automation integrator programs the heaters, so loop them in early.
Shop home management panels →Browse every option in our Infratech switches and controls collection.
Planning Zones and Panel Wiring
On the solid state, universal and home management panels, each relay is one zone. Heaters on the same relay switch and dim together. Each relay carries up to 9,000W at 240V, or 8,000W at 208V, and heaters sharing a relay should be the same wattage. Panels come in 1 to 6 relay sizes, built to your voltage, phase and heater layout, in a NEMA 4 weatherproof enclosure.
Here is how a typical two-zone setup flows, from the wall control to the heaters. One dial on the analog controller can drive up to 3 relays, so large patios can group zones on a single wall control. See the full universal panel wiring sheet from Infratech.
Example Wiring Flow: 2 Relay Panel, Two Zones
Heaters on the same relay switch and dim together and should match in wattage. Capacity shown at 240V; each relay carries 8,000W at 208V.
Installation Clearances and Flush Mount Heaters
Surface mounted heaters swivel on their brackets. Infratech's guide lists 18 inches from adjacent walls, 12 inches below the ceiling for wall mounting and 6 inches for ceiling mounting. Mounting height runs by model, from about 6 to 7 feet for a W-1512 up to 8 to 12 feet for a WD-6024.
A flush mount frame recesses the heater into a flat ceiling for a built-in look. Frames fit 33, 39, 48 and 61-1/4 inch heaters and include a hi-temp fixture whip and wire nuts. Every opening is 11.75 inches wide, framed with 2 x 8 lumber at minimum, and lined on all five sides with 5/8 inch Type X drywall. The diagram below shows each clearance, and flush mounting only works on flat ceilings.
Flush Mount Installation Clearances
- 1Sub-floor or 5/8 in. Type X drywall cap above the pocket.
- 2Minimum 2 x 8 framing on each side of the opening.
- 35/8 in. Type X drywall lines and seals the whole pocket, all 5 sides.
- 4Accessible junction box, mounted outside the sealed pocket.
- 5Supplied 4 ft hi-temp fixture whip and hi-temp ceramic wire nuts. Coil extra whip into the heater cavity.
- 6Heater body flush with, or lower than, the finished ceiling. Flat ceilings only, never sloped.
- 7Flush mount frame. The heater rests on adjustable L brackets, and the surface mount brackets are discarded.
- 8Heater faces straight down.
Minimum Ceiling Opening by Frame Size
W33 frame37 in.33 in. heaters
W39 frame43 in.39 in. heaters
W48 frame52 in.48 in. heaters
W61 frame65-1/4 in.61-1/4 in. heaters
Decorative trim can partly cover the frame flange, but keep it 1/2 in. clear of the ventilation holes. After 4 hours of continuous use, Infratech recommends a 15 minute cool down. Source: Infratech W33, W39, W48 and W61 flush mount frame installation sheets.
Before you call the electrician
- Pick the heater models, voltage and control type.
- Decide how many zones you want and which heaters share each one.
- Mark mounting heights and clearances, or frame the flush mount pocket.
- Find a dry, accessible spot for any relay panel and wall control.
Wiring Troubleshooting Tips
Most service calls trace back to a few common issues. If a heater warms but never glows, check that the supply voltage matches the heater label. If one element of a dual element heater stays dark, check that element's lead set and its switch or relay. If a dimmed zone acts erratically on a universal panel, confirm the dimmer is a standard 120V lighting dimmer. If a whole zone is dead, check the panel breaker first. When in doubt, call Infratech tech support with your model number and wiring diagram on hand.
Want help mapping your heaters and controls?
Send us your patio size, ceiling height and voltage. We'll recommend the heaters, zones and control package, so your electrician gets a complete plan.
Get expert help Shop Infratech heatersInfratech Wiring FAQs
How do I control Infratech heaters?
Use an on/off switch for full power only, an input regulator for variable heat on a single element heater, or duplex switches for half or full power on WD-Series heaters. For zones, timers, dimming or smart home control, use a solid state relay panel, universal panel or home management panel.
Should I wire heaters in series or parallel?
Parallel. Each heater is designed to run at its full rated voltage. Wiring heaters in series would split the voltage between them and they would not heat properly.
How do I install an Infratech flush mount heater?
Frame a flat ceiling opening with 2 x 8 studs at minimum, line a five-sided pocket with 5/8 inch Type X drywall, then install the flush mount frame and connect the heater with the included hi-temp whip. Remove the swivel brackets, since the frame replaces them.
Where do I find the wiring diagram for my heater?
Infratech includes a wiring diagram with each custom relay panel, and each control ships with its own wiring instructions. Infratech also posts spec sheets and control sheets on its website.
Matthew Jackson
At the heart of our business is Matthew Jackson, the founder and owner of BBQ Kitchen Pros. With an impressive 20 years in design, construction, and implementation of outdoor kitchen spaces, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, and a deep-seated passion to the table. It's not just about selling products; it's about crafting a lifestyle. Outdoor cooking isn't just our business; it's our way of life, ingrained in every recommendation we make and every product we offer.