Infratech · Installation
Infratech: Pick 120V or 240V Before You Order
Infratech makes heaters in 120V, 208V, 240V, 277V, and 480V. Picking wrong at order time means swapping circuits or living with 60% output. Here's the sizing rule.
By Reed · Updated November 10, 2026
What you need
Step by step
120V — small spaces only
Up to 1,500 W rating. Suitable for enclosed areas like garages and work areas, OR outdoor spaces up to 5' × 5'. Runs on a standard 120V circuit, no panel work needed in most cases.
240V — larger patios
Infratech recommends 240V for larger areas. Same wiring run as 120V but requires TWO breaker spaces in the panel. Pulls half the amps of a comparable 120V heater — thinner wire runs where distance matters.
208V check (commercial buildings)
If your building is 208V (verify with electrician or look at the panel label), a 240V heater will run but deliver ~60% of rated output. Order the 208V-specific model to get full output.
277V and 480V — commercial 3-phase
Available for commercial builds on 3-phase panels. Not residential. If you're asking, you have an electrician — have them spec the model.
Coverage expectation
PG&E testing found a good patio install provides 3-7°F of perceived heat at 60°F ambient. Above 7° is too warm for extended sitting. Colder climates or draftier sites need more total wattage, not necessarily higher voltage.
Common mistakes
- Ordering 240V without confirming the panel voltage. Especially in older homes where the main service is 120V/240V split-phase but a subpanel is 120V only. Have the electrician check the panel feeding your patio circuit.
- Sizing by heater rating alone. A 3,000W heater at 240V doesn't automatically warm twice as much as a 1,500W at 120V. Mounting height, wind exposure, and ceiling material all shift coverage.
Hands-on tips
- For patios bigger than 5' × 5', 240V is almost always the right pick — fewer heaters, better coverage, less visual clutter.
- Confirm the breaker space BEFORE ordering. Adding two new breakers to a full panel = a subpanel install = $800+.
Questions people ask
Can I use an extension cord?
No. Infratech heaters are hardwired or plug into a dedicated outlet. Extension cords undersize the wire, drop voltage, and risk overheating the cord itself.
Will one Infratech warm a 400 sq ft patio?
Depends on wind + ambient + mounting height. One high-output 3,000W unit often does it — call Infratech sales for a free coverage layout.
Was this guide helpful?
Shopping for Infratech?
See Infratech products