Introduction
We built this little portable turbo kerosene heater around a 400W halogen lamp. Why? Because when you’re working on the factory floor, you need heat that’s small, nimble, and doesn’t demand a whole redesign of your workspace just to get installed. It’s for the engineers and techs who need to warm up a specific spot, keep a machine from freezing over, or dry something fast—without moving heaven and earth.
The Tech Behind It
The 400W rating wasn’t an accident. It’s the sweet spot between serious heat and a power draw you can handle with a standard portable power setup. No need for a dedicated generator. And the “turbo” part? That comes from the shortwave infrared output. It means the heat comes on fast—like, instantly. And just as quickly, it backs off when you don’t need it. We kept the whole unit compact, around 300mm long. It slips into tight spots, mounts easily on a cart, or even fits in your hand. Being small means it gets right up close to what you’re heating, so you’re not wasting energy warming up the whole room.
What It’s Made Of
The lamp itself uses a quartz envelope. Quartz can handle the extreme heat and sudden temperature changes that would shatter regular glass. And the halogen cycle inside keeps the filament strong and the light output steady, so you get consistent heat over the life of the lamp. The reflector coating is tuned to throw that infrared energy forward, exactly where you need it. No stray heat, just focused warmth. For wiring, we went with an R7s connector. It’s a clean, secure fit that makes installation simple—even out in the field. And when the lamp finally needs replacing? It’s a straight swap. Pop the old one out, pop the new one in, and you’re back in business.
Where It Shines
On the shop floor, this thing is a lifesaver for temporary jobs: heating up a frozen joint, drying out a wet component, or keeping a critical process from stalling. The infrared heat hits surfaces directly, not the air around them. So you feel the warmth almost immediately. Now, let’s be real. This lamp runs hot. The quartz envelope is tough, but it’s not invincible—rough handling or contamination can crack it. Treat it with the respect you’d give any industrial heater. Keep it clean, mount it properly, and use the right power supply. When you do, you’ve got a tough, reliable heat source that goes exactly where the work is.