What are real infrared heaters according to DIN-EN IEC 60675-3?

IEC 60675-3 standarta īsumā

IEC 60675-3:2020 is an international standard that complements the basic IEC 60675 provisions by defining the methodology for measuring radiation efficiency of direct-acting electric heaters.

It specifies how to measure the active radiating surface, how to adjust emissivity, how to carry out measurements with infrared cameras, and how to eliminate the influence of air absorption and other parameters.

The standard states that a heater without visible “glow” (i.e., no visibly glowing elements) with a radiation efficiency of at least 40% can be classified as a low-temperature infrared heater.

Source: Iteh Standards

IEC 60675-3 has also been adapted as the EN version (BS EN IEC 60675-3:2021) in the European context.

Source: BSI Knowledge

IEC 60675-3 vs. Manufacturers: Who actually proves what?

What does the standard require?

IEC 60675-3 defines exactly how the radiant efficiency of infrared heaters must be measured and that it must be at least ≥40% for a product to be legitimately called an infrared heater.

Which manufacturers’ data are comparable?

Manufacturer / Series	Public reference to IEC 60675-3	Published figure for radiant efficiency	Note
Sundirect (ceiling panel)	Yes (tested with TU Dresden)	70.8%	Precise figure measured according to IEC 60675-3; clearly above ≥40% threshold
Herschel Comfort	Yes (tested according to IEC 60675)	No public %	Holds a quality mark confirming compliance, but no published number
Lucht LHZ	Yes	No public % (only “well above 40%”)	Claims compliance and significant excess, but without exact number
Vitramo (VH series)	Yes	No public % (only “above 40%”)	States compliance and excess, but no precise figure
Etherma / EIHA quality mark	Based on IEC 60675-3 criteria	–	Certification requires ≥40% radiant efficiency, but no model-specific data given
SUNNYHEAT (Crea Systems)	Yes (mentions “measured”)	No public %	Refers to testing and influencing factors, but without result figure
VASNER (Konvi VE hybrid)	–	Unrelated figure (≈99% “overall thermal efficiency”)	This is not IEC 60675-3 radiant

What can we conclude from this?

Clear winner in data transparency: only Sundirect publicly provides a precise radiant efficiency figure (70.8%) measured according to the IEC 60675-3 methodology, with explicit reference to the TU Dresden test. This allows for objective comparison and positions the product in the premium class.

“Compliant” ≠ “better”: several manufacturers mention compliance or quality marks, but without numbers. Without a percentage, it is impossible to fairly compare with Sundirect’s 70.8%.

Be cautious with other “efficiency” claims: statements like “99% efficiency” usually refer to the total electricity-to-heat conversion, not the IEC 60675-3 radiant efficiency (the radiation component). These are not directly comparable. Source: VASNER – Ein Stück Zuhause

Why is IEC 60675-3 important for the customer?

- Objective proof of quality – not just manufacturer claims, but independent laboratory testing.

- Direct comparability – this standard makes it possible to directly compare infrared heaters from different manufacturers.

- More efficient heating – higher radiant efficiency means lower heating costs in the long run.

- Comfort without overheated air – heat is transferred to surfaces and people, not just to the air.

Advantages of choosing Sundirect infrared panel heaters

- Very high radiant efficiency – 70.8% (for comparison: cheap heaters often stay below 30–35%).

- Fast heating effect – warmth is felt within just a few minutes after switching on.

- Long service life – high-quality materials and certified safety.

- Modern design – suitable for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

- Energy efficiency and cost savings – lower consumption for the same level of comfort.