Best Hazardous Location Heaters for Industrial Spaces

Choosing the right hazardous location heater requires matching heat output, certification, installation type, and control options to your specific hazardous environment. Below is a concise comparison of five relevant Amazon-listed products that address industrial heating, control, or inspection needs in hazardous or demanding settings.

Product	Type	Key Feature
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG	Natural Gas Unit Heater	50,000 BTU; Venting Options
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG	Natural Gas Unit Heater	80,000 BTU; 2000 sq. ft. Coverage
TPI EPETP8S Wall Mount Thermostat	Hazardous Location Thermostat	Bi-Metal, 22 Amps, 120-480V
DR Infrared Heater DR-238	Infrared Electric Heater	IP55 Rated; Portable Indoor/Outdoor
FLIR Cx5 Hazardous Location Thermal Camera Bundle	Inspection Tool	Thermal Imaging + Moisture Pen

Mr. Heater F260550 Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

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This unit heater provides 50,000 BTU per hour and is designed for large enclosed spaces. It supports powered exhaust venting, allowing either vertical or horizontal vent installation to meet site constraints. The unit offers outside access to the thermostat and A/C terminals for simplified wiring and maintenance.

Relevant features include suitability for heating up to roughly 1,250 square feet (coverage varies with insulation and ceiling height) and straightforward gas connection access. The design is aimed at garage, warehouse, and utility locations where robust natural gas heating and flexible venting are required.

Mr. Heater F260560 Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater

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The MHU80NG is a higher-capacity natural gas unit heater offering 80,000 BTU and claimed coverage for up to 2,000 sq. ft. It ships with angle mounting brackets and includes a liquid-propane conversion kit in the package contents, though thermostat, hose, and regulator are not included.

Key listed features include multiple venting categories (Category 1 vertical and Category 3 horizontal) and specified minimum clearances (for example, 8 ft. from floor to base of unit). The heater lists 120V electrical supply and an integrated mounting approach for fixed industrial installations.

TPI EPETP8S Hazardous Location Wall Mount Thermostat

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The TPI EPETP8S is a single-pole bi-metal thermostat designed for wall mounting in industrial zones. It supports 22 amps and a broad supply voltage range of 120-480V, suitable for heavy-duty heaters or fan controls in commercial or hazardous settings.

Manufacturer features emphasize durable construction, resistance to wear and corrosion, and efficient airflow when integrated with heating systems. TPI positions this unit as a reliable control option for industrial heaters where robust mechanical and electrical performance is required.

Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared Outdoor Heater

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The DR-238 is a carbon infrared electric heater with IP55 rating for indoor and outdoor use. It offers three power settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) on standard 120V supply and remote control capability for convenient operation.

Listed features highlight clean, instant, and odorless infrared heat, portability, and suitability for patios, garages, and open-air restaurants. While not specifically certified for all hazardous locations, its IP55 rating indicates protection against dust and water ingress, making it applicable where classified requirements do not prohibit electrical heating.

FLIR Cx5 Hazardous Location Thermal Imaging Camera Bundle

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This FLIR bundle includes the Cx5 thermal imager with WiFi plus the MR40 moisture pen. The Cx5 provides 160 x 120 thermal resolution and MSX image embossing to add visual detail for faster diagnostics. The MR40 adds moisture detection and flashlight capability for comprehensive inspections.

Key features support rapid identification of hot spots, duct and heater panel issues, and concealed faults in electrical or heating systems. For hazardous location operations, thermal imaging is a non-contact tool that can reduce inspection time and help maintain safe working distances around heaters and controls.

Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Hazardous Location Heater

Selecting a heater for a hazardous location involves safety certification, heat capacity, installation method, controls, and maintenance considerations. The guide below presents comparison perspectives and actionable criteria to match equipment to site requirements.

Certification And Classification

• Class/Division Or Zone Ratings: Confirm equipment is listed for the applicable Class I/II/III and Division or Zone. Unit heaters used in classified areas must meet the site’s gas and dust group ratings.
• Third-Party Listings: Look for UL, ATEX, IECEx, or equivalent approvals for hazardous environments. Where electric heaters are used, UL844 or other hazardous-location standards may apply.

Heat Output And Coverage

• BTU And kW Ratings: Match the heater’s BTU/hour or kW output to your space volume, insulation, and required temperature rise. Higher ceilings and poor insulation need higher capacity.
• Coverage Estimates: Use manufacturer coverage guidance as a starting point and account for ventilation losses, occupancy, and equipment heat loads.

Fuel Type And Venting

• Natural Gas Vs. Propane Vs. Electric: Natural gas and propane offer high output for large spaces. Electric infrared can be ideal for targeted spot heating and low-maintenance needs.
• Venting Requirements: Gas-fired heaters often require category-specific venting (vertical/horizontal) and clearances. Confirm vent routing, exhaust tolerances, and local code compliance.

Installation And Mounting

• Mounting Options: Ceiling, wall, or floor-mounted units each affect airflow and heat distribution. Unit brackets and clearances must conform to heater instructions.
• Service Access: Choose units with easy access to thermostats, terminals, and gas/electrical connections to simplify maintenance and reduce downtime.

Controls, Thermostats, And Integration

• Control Capacity: Ensure thermostats and relays are rated for heater current and environmental conditions. Industrial thermostats like the TPI EPETP8S provide broad voltage and amp ratings for heavy-duty loads.
• Automation And Safety: Consider integrated safety features (overtemp shutoff, pressure/flow interlocks) and compatibility with building control systems or remote monitoring.

Environmental Protection And Durability

• Ingress Protection: IP ratings (e.g., IP55) indicate dust and water resistance. Match the IP rating to location exposure—exterior, washdown, or dusty indoor spaces.
• Materials And Corrosion Resistance: Look for corrosion-resistant housings and finishes when installing near chemicals, salt air, or high-humidity areas.

Inspection And Maintenance Tools

• Thermal Imaging: Non-contact inspection tools such as the FLIR Cx5 can identify hotspots in heater elements, electrical connections, or ductwork without exposing technicians to hazards.
• Routine Checks: Establish a preventive maintenance schedule for venting, burners, filters, and control calibration to maintain safe operation.

Operational And Safety Trade-Offs

• High Output Vs. Localized Heating: Large BTU unit heaters provide whole-space heating but require venting and clearance; infrared electric heaters provide targeted warmth with minimal air movement and easier installation.
• Fuel Availability And Infrastructure: Choose fuel type based on site gas hookups, LP availability, or electrical service capacity.
• Inspection Frequency: Hazardous locations often demand stricter inspection and documentation; select systems that facilitate safe inspection (remote sensors, accessible components).

Cost Considerations (Operational Perspective)

• Energy Efficiency: Compare thermal efficiency and duty cycle. Higher-efficiency systems or zone heating can reduce runtime and operating costs.
• Total Cost Of Ownership: Evaluate first-cost, installation, venting modifications, maintenance, fuel costs, and inspection expenses over the equipment lifespan.

Matching Product Types To Use Cases

• Large Warehouses Or Workshops: Consider high-BTU unit heaters with appropriate venting and thermostat control—examples include the Mr. Heater Big Maxx series for natural gas sites.
• Outdoor Covered Areas And Patios: IP-rated electric infrared heaters like the DR Infrared DR-238 offer flexible placement and instant heat where hazardous certifications are not required.
• Control And Integration Needs: Industrial thermostats such as the TPI EPETP8S provide reliable switching and voltage compatibility for heavy heater loads in demanding environments.
• Inspection And Diagnostics: Add thermal imaging tools like the FLIR Cx5 bundle to your toolkit for rapid, non-contact diagnostics of heater performance and electrical connections.

When selecting a hazardous location heater, cross-reference your local code requirements and site-specific hazard classification with manufacturer specifications and third-party certifications. Prioritize certified equipment, appropriate controls, and inspection tools to maintain safe, reliable heating in industrial and hazardous environments.