Tubular Heaters

Tubular heaters are low-wattage electric heaters in a slim metal tube that give gentle background warmth and frost protection at very low running cost. We stock Eterna tubular heaters in 1ft (60W) and 2ft (120W) lengths, consuming roughly 60W per foot of tube.

They are widely used in sheds, greenhouses, lofts, airing cupboards, pump houses and under church pews. Fitting a frost thermostat lets them run only when temperatures drop. Trade pricing is available on account, and next working day delivery covers NI and ROI on orders in by 5pm, Monday to Friday.

TH1 In-Stock

Eterna 1FT 60W Tubular Heater

£18.70 inc. VAT

TH2 In-Stock

Eterna 2FT 120W Tubular Heater

£24.60 inc. VAT

How to choose and fit tubular heaters

Tubular heaters are simple, robust and inexpensive to run. They will not heat a room to living temperature quickly, but they are excellent at keeping a space dry and above freezing, protecting pipes, stock, plants and equipment through the winter.

Working out how many you need

Because output is roughly 60W per foot, total wattage is easy to calculate. Consider:

The volume of the space and how well it is insulated.
Whether you need frost protection only or a slightly warmer environment.
Mounting several shorter tubes around the space for more even heat.
Banking tubes one above another on a wall where length is limited.

For warmer comfort heating in a workshop or garage, a higher-output convector heater may suit better.

Control with a frost thermostat

Running a tubular heater continuously wastes energy. A frost thermostat, such as the Choice Frost Thermostat in our analogue thermostats range, switches the heater on only when the temperature falls to the set point, then off again once the space warms.

Installation and safety

Mount tubes low on a wall using the supplied brackets, keeping the clearances in the manufacturer's instructions and away from combustible materials, stored items and curtains. The tube surface becomes warm in use, so use guards where people or animals may touch it. Supplies to sheds and greenhouses often need RCD protection and weatherproof switches and sockets; check current wiring regulations before installation, particularly in damp locations.

Ordering from Meteor

We are a family-run electrical wholesaler with depots in Cookstown, Cashel and Saggart. Order before 5pm on a working day for next working day delivery in Northern Ireland and the Republic, or collect from our Cookstown trade counter.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What is a tubular heater used for?: A tubular heater is used for low-level background heat and frost protection in small or enclosed spaces. Typical uses include sheds, greenhouses, garages, lofts, airing cupboards, boat cabins and under church seating. They keep spaces dry and above freezing at very low running cost rather than providing quick comfort heating.
How many tubular heaters do I need for a shed or greenhouse?: It depends on size, insulation and the minimum temperature you want to hold. For frost protection in a small, reasonably sealed shed, a single 2ft (120W) tube may be enough, while larger or draughty spaces need several tubes. Greenhouses lose heat quickly through glass, so allow more capacity and use a frost thermostat.
Do tubular heaters need a thermostat?: They do not need one to work, but a thermostat is strongly recommended. Without one, the heater runs constantly. A frost thermostat switches the tube on only when temperatures fall near freezing, cutting running costs significantly while still protecting pipes, plants or stored items.
How much electricity does a tubular heater use?: Tubular heaters use about 60W per foot, so a 1ft model uses around 60W and a 2ft model around 120W. Running a 2ft heater for ten hours uses roughly 1.2kWh. Multiply by your unit rate to estimate cost, and remember a thermostat will reduce actual running time.
Are tubular heaters safe to touch?: The tube surface gets warm to hot during use, so it should not be touched for long periods or covered. Where children, pets or livestock may come into contact with the heater, fit a suitable guard. Keep combustible materials clear and follow the manufacturer's spacing and mounting instructions.
Can tubular heaters be fitted in a loft or airing cupboard?: Yes, tubular heaters are commonly fitted in lofts and airing cupboards to protect pipes and tanks from freezing and to reduce damp. Mount them on a firm surface, keep insulation, stored items and timber clear by the distances the manufacturer specifies, and control them with a frost thermostat.