What is a low surface temperature (LSTE) panel heater?
What is a low surface temperature (LSTE) panel heater?
A low surface temperature (LSTE) panel heater is designed so that the surface temperature of the radiator does not exceed 43°C. This is for safety reasons to prevent possible scolding or burning of skin in specifications where safety is paramount, such as schools and care homes. This maximum temperature limit of the radiator and any associated pipework is a requirement of UK legislation we will discuss shortly.
Where wet central heating radiators, standard electric radiators or panel heaters are installed, the metal casing and pipework can reach high temperatures[1] of around 60°C to 80°C. This can cause severe scolding or burns to the skin, depending on the length of exposure to the hot surface. In this instance, the installation of protective guarding will be required, to prevent contact with hot metal, before they could be regarded as suitable for use as LSTE panel heaters.
Low surface temperature radiators May resemble modern electric panel heaters but have been designed to combine specific safety features and effective heat delivery. LSTEs have sleek designs and they do away with the need for unsightly and bulky protective cages or low temperature casing that would otherwise be required. They have intelligent controls that allow them to deliver the heat needed for vulnerable individuals whilst maintaining a safe maximum surface temperature.
What buildings require the specification of low surface temperature heaters?
Any area or institution where people may be harmed through contact with hot surfaces requires the specification of low surface temperature radiators. These include the education, healthcare, and care home sectors along with some public spaces.
In a school, nursery, or teaching accommodation used by a nursery class, the Education Regulations 1996 state that ‘the surface temperature of any heater, including exposed pipework, which is in a position where it may be touched by a pupil shall not exceed 43°C.’.
This is replicated for the healthcare sector in the Department of Health’s ‘Technical Memorandum 00 – Policies and principles of healthcare engineering’. This discusses heating requirements under section 4.17, stating ‘the surface temperature of heaters should not exceed 43°C’.
A Health and Safety Executive information sheet covers risks from hot surfaces such as pipes or radiators in health and social care sectors. It states that ‘contact with surfaces above 43°C can lead to serious injury’ and says that equipment should be designed or covered so that its surface does not exceed this temperature. This is reinforced by the Care Quality Commission, who warn that unguarded hot surfaces can cause serious injuries and highlights the case of a 79-year-old woman who suffered serious burns from prolonged contact with an uncovered heater.
In contrast to the messages coming from the bodies concerned with the safety and well-being of the people in their care, there is no temperature requirement for LSTE heaters defined within the EU.
The requirement to specify low surface temperature heaters in the UK does not mean that heating control, or performance for asset managers, will be compromised.
What are the benefits of specifying modern electric low surface temperature space heaters?
Specifying modern LSTEs give asset managers access to heaters that will provide effective heating, whilst maintaining a safe maximum temperature that does not exceed 43°C. Some manufacturers design LSTEs that utilise low noise fan heaters, these models can heat space up more rapidly than LSTs without fan elements. They are relatively easy to install and as we mentioned, negate the need for cages or low surface temperature heater guards. As well as taking up additional space, such cages and guarding can be an issue in some mental health institutions and prisons and young offender institutions, where specially designed anti-ligature low surface temperature radiators are required for safety reasons.
The sleek nature of modern electric low surface temperature heaters can free up the space in hospital corridors, classrooms, playrooms, and communal areas.
Modern low surface temperature heaters have energy saving features such as Open Window Detection and Adaptive Start, along with programmable controls and precise electronic thermostats to help reduce fuel bills. They can be controlled remotely to assist asset managers in efficiently managing the heating load for the buildings under their control and keep costs to a minimum.
Where can I find out more about modern low surface temperature technologies?
At Dimplex our LSTE is a low surface temperature panel heater that provides a safe heating solution for public, care, and educational settings. It provides rapid and controlled heating whilst maintaining a safe maximum surface temperature of 43°C and is IP24 rated for splash resistance from any direction. The LSTE features can be operated remotely for streamlined reporting and maintenance with a Radio Frequency Module, Dimplex Control Hub (sold separately) and Dimplex Control app. If you would like to find out how choosing the LSTE can benefit your next project, please contact our application design specialists who will be happy to help.