How to Use an Infrared Lamp at Home: Distance, Time and Timer

This guide follows the Resty 275W single-head and 550W double-head infrared heat lamps through assembly, a spot in a Hong Kong flat, aiming, distance, time and storage.

What is in the box

Both lamps arrive in parts. The box holds the lamp stand, a telescopic tube, two cross base plates, four swivel wheels, the infrared bulb (one on the 275W lamp, two on the 550W), the lamp shade, a storage tray, a fastener, screws, washers, keys, a remote control and the manual.

Putting it together in seven steps

1. Push the four wheels into the cross base plates.
2. Join the two cross base plates as the manual shows.
3. Turn the base over and fit the fastener and the telescopic tube.
4. Turn the base upright again, add the screw and washer and tighten firmly.
5. Loosen the knob at the top of the telescopic tube, pull the inner tube out to the height you want and tighten the knob. Pull out no more than two thirds of its length, or the stand can become unstable.
6. Put the storage tray on top of the tube and press the lamp stand firmly into place.
7. Screw in the bulb and fit the lamp shade.

Where to put it in a Hong Kong flat

Put the lamp beside a chair or at the end of a sofa, where you sit still for a while. Roll it in on its wheels and leave room around the stand so nobody has to squeeze past. In a compact living room, the corner next to an armchair usually works better than the middle of the floor.

The lamp has a UK-style three-pin plug (Type G), the plug type that fits the wall sockets in Hong Kong homes. The 275W lamp has a 2 m power cord, so pick a spot near a socket and keep the cord out of walkways. You can set the height anywhere from about 70 to 160 cm, which suits a low sofa as well as a dining chair.

Aiming the head and finding the distance

Bend the gooseneck arm and turn the head towards the area you want to warm, such as your back, a shoulder or your legs, from the side or slightly above rather than straight at your face. The 550W lamp gives each head a separate arm, so you can cover one larger area or two neighbouring ones.

The manual gives about 40 cm between the lamp and you as the starting point. Use it as a guide: what counts is that the warmth feels comfortable. If it feels too hot, move the lamp back or turn the temperature setting down.

How long to use it: start with 10 to 15 minutes

The control box on the pole has a display, a temperature control and a built-in timer. The 550W lamp repeats the display, timer and temperature control for each of its two heads. A remote control is included with both lamps.

For your first sessions, set the timer for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the timer end the session. Once you know how the lamp feels, adjust the distance, setting and time to suit you.

The first time you switch it on

After switching on, give the lamp about a minute to warm up before you sit in front of it. On first use, or after a long time in storage, a little white smoke can rise from it. The manual explains this as moisture absorbed by the insulation material; it stops by itself after a short warm-up.

After use: cooling and storage

When the timer ends, leave the lamp where it is until the head and shade have cooled down, then move it or roll it away. To store it, lower the telescopic tube, keep the remote control in the storage tray and choose a dry place.

What 15 minutes costs in electricity

Assume the 275W lamp draws its full listed bulb power for 15 minutes: 275 W × 0.25 hours is about 0.07 kWh. Priced at an example HK$1.50 per unit, it comes to about HK$0.10. Check your CLP Power or HK Electric bill for the rate you actually pay. The 550W lamp with both heads on uses about twice as much.

Which lamp, and where to read more

The 275W single-head lamp is for warming one area at a time. The 550W double-head lamp has two heads that you set separately. Both are in the infrared heat lamp collection and side by side on our infrared lamp page. For light at set wavelengths rather than warmth, see the MARS 400 red light panel and our guide to red light and infrared.

Quick answers

How far should I sit from an infrared lamp?

Start at about 40 cm, as the manual says, and adjust until the warmth feels comfortable.

How long should I use it the first time?

Set the built-in timer for 10 to 15 minutes, then adjust.

Is it normal for a new lamp to give off a little smoke?

Yes, on first use or after a long break. The manual explains it as moisture leaving the insulation; it stops after a short warm-up. If it carries on, switch off, unplug the lamp and contact us.

Use and safety

• Do not touch the bulb, the shade or the metal guard while the lamp is on or hot, and do not look directly into the light.
• Stay awake while the lamp is on.
• Stop if the heat feels uncomfortable or if you notice an allergic reaction.
• Do not use it on irritated or damaged skin.
• If you are sensitive to heat, have reduced feeling in your skin, are pregnant or have a relevant medical condition, ask a healthcare professional before use.
• Children only near the lamp with an adult supervising.
• Never pour water or any other liquid on a hot lamp.
• Let the lamp cool fully before you move or store it.