What Is the Difference Between Infared & Regular Lamps?

A common household lamp is used primarily for lighting.

There are several differences between infrared lamps and regular lamps. The primary difference is function. The main function of a regular lamp is to provide light. The main function of an infrared lamp is to provide heat.

Regular Lamps

Regular lamps are used almost exclusively as sources of light, both in private and professional settings. Before electric power, lamps burned oil or kerosene as fuel. Special lamps called signal lamps use light signals to communicate between ships at sea.

Infrared Lamps

Unlike regular lamps, infrared lamps are used to produce heat. They are often used in homes as personal heating units, especially in small spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms. They can also be used to cook and brown food.

Types of Radiation

Aside from their uses, another notable difference between infrared and regular lamps is the type of radiation they produce. Regular lamps produce light, or radiation with a wavelength that is visible to the human eye. Infrared radiation has a longer wavelength than light, limiting its visibility but allowing it to produce more heat.

References

• Infrared Heaters - Infrared Heater Guide