20W Tubular heater or alternative

[foxhunter]

I keep all my wood finishes and paint in a cupboard and have tried to provide a little warmth with a 25W bulb but they keep 'blowing'. How do others manage? Is there such a thing as a 20W tubular heater. The smallest I can find is 40W which is too big fort the space.

Brian

 

[CHJ]

Look for Vivarium heaters, something Like these, (just an example)

I use low energy bulbs and these seem to last several years on 24/7 and are somewhat cheaper.

 

[hammer n nails]

you could try an electric greenhouse heater and very cheap to run

 

[graduate_owner]

you could try connecting a 40W heater controlled by a thermostat. Perhaps a room stat might work - as long as you are competent in wiring it in.

K

 

[Myfordman]

Wire 2 x 60W bulbs in series. The heat output will be 30 watts but the voltage across each bulb is halved and so the power in each divided by 4 and the life will extend greatly.

If you can't get 60w bulbs ( and they are still out there!!) 4 x 25 watt bulbs wired as two series chains in parallel will give 25 watts total heat output.

 

[custard]

I think Lee Valley have just introduced a small heating element for tool cupboards, to keep tools above the dew point temperature.

 

[foxhunter]

Many thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately there is not enough space for the light bulbs. After much searching on the internet I have found a 'cupboard heater'. The cost is much greater than a few light bulbs. It is a slimline tubular heater and has just 12w output. Should do the trick.

 

[ChrisR]

A very good supplier of all electrical equipment/components is QVS Electrical.
I purchased a tubular heater from them (web order) to keep my metal turning lathe from getting damp and rusting.
QVS have a good customer service and delivery.

Disclaimer I have no connection with QVS, other than a satisfied customer.

Take care.

Chris R.
I. El. (Eng). (Rtd).

 

[Eric The Viking]

Heat is heat, is heat. A15W bulb is a 15W heater, basically. The light output is negligible. Could you try a CFL bulb - might be much cheaper than a specialist heater, or as suggested, just wire two bulbs in series. That will give you half the power, and they're far less likely to blow than one on its own. Also, candle and pygmy bulbs are quite small, and may fit in the space.