Quick answer: Why infrared heating suits nursery workspaces

Infrared heaters warm people and surfaces directly — not the surrounding air.
In open or semi-open areas like potting sheds, this delivers targeted, efficient warmth even when cold air is constantly circulating. This makes Heatstrip units an ideal solution for agricultural and horticultural work environments.

Background: Winter cold reducing comfort and productivity

Proteaflora Nursery operates a busy potting shed where staff spend long hours in an open, exposed environment. During winter, temperatures drop quickly, creating uncomfortable working conditions that can reduce productivity and morale.

To address this, the nursery engaged JPG Tech to install a robust, safe and compliant heating system suited to large open work areas.

Planning the installation: Compliance, safety and effective heat coverage

JPG Tech developed a detailed installation plan that accounted for electrical compliance, heater performance, WHS obligations and energy efficiency.

RCM-certified equipment & electrical compliance

All heaters and electrical hardware selected for this project were:

• RCM-certified
  
• Compliant with AS/NZS 60335 (electrical appliance safety)
  
• Installed in accordance with AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules)

Using RCM-certified equipment ensures the appliances meet Australian electrical safety and EMC requirements.

Dedicated circuit and protection devices

Because each Heatstrip unit draws up to 3600W at 15A, JPG Tech installed:

• A dedicated 32A circuit, sized for simultaneous heater operation
  
• RCD (safety switch) protection
  
• MCB (circuit breaker) protection
  

These ensure correct fault protection and safe operation of high-load heating.

Safe, unobtrusive cabling and switching

Cabling was run along safe, compliant pathways away from foot traffic and moisture-prone areas. A remote-friendly, wall-mounted switch was installed at an accessible location for staff.

WHS-aligned heater placement

Mounting height and heater positioning were calculated to ensure:

• No risk of accidental contact or burns
  
• No obstruction to walkways, escape routes or workbench areas
  
• Even radiant coverage across the main potting benches
  
• No overheating of surfaces or nearby materials
  

This aligns with workplace safety expectations for infrared equipment in commercial environments.

Execution: A smooth installation with immediate benefit

The installation proceeded during normal business hours with zero disruption to staff or plant processing.

The two Heatstrip heaters were securely mounted to the roof purlins, tested under load and verified for:

• Correct radiant coverage
  
• Proper switch operation
  
• Safety device performance (RCD/MCB)
  
• Clean, low-profile presentation
  

Once activated, the heaters delivered consistent radiant warmth over the potting benches, dramatically improving working comfort.

Project Snapshot

What horticultural businesses can learn from this project

• Infrared heating is an efficient choice for open work environments where traditional heaters underperform.
  
• Using RCM-certified, standards-compliant equipment ensures safety and long-term reliability.
  
• Proper electrical design — dedicated circuits, RCDs and MCBs — is essential for commercial heaters.
  
• Correct placement improves comfort while maintaining WHS safety and workflow efficiency.
  
• Electric heating solutions can be installed without business downtime.
  

FAQs

Why was an infrared heating system chosen for the potting shed?

Infrared heaters warm people and surfaces directly instead of heating the air, making them ideal for open or semi-open environments where warm air dissipates quickly. This ensures staff feel warm even when cold air is circulating through the shed.

What type of heaters were installed at Proteaflora Nursery?

JPG Tech installed two 15A / 3600W Heatstrip infrared electric heaters, both fully RCM-certified and appropriate for commercial and horticultural spaces.

Are the heaters compliant with Australian standards?

Yes.
The heaters and all electrical components comply with:

• AS/NZS 60335 (Appliance safety)
  
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules)
  
• RCM electrical safety and EMC requirements
  

All electrical work was carried out by a licensed electrician, and a Certificate of Electrical Safety was issued in accordance with Victorian regulations.

Was there any downtime for nursery operations?

No, JPG Tech completed the entire installation during normal business hours with zero disruption to staff or workflow.

How was the system tested before handover?

Testing included:

• Load testing under full operation
  
• Radiant heat coverage checks
  
• Switch and control function testing
  
• Safety device verification (RCD/MCB)
  
• Visual inspection of all cabling and mounts
  

This ensured safe, compliant performance from day one.