A model for an electric infrared (IR) heater has been developed. The model includes non-grey radiative heat transfer between the different parts of the IR heater, as well as conduction in reflector material and convective cooling of surfaces. The geometry is simplified into one dimension. Using IR module voltage, as the only input, the model predicts the temperature of heater components and cooling air, as well as the net radiation heat transfer to the surroundings at steady state and transient conditions. The model has been validated against both steady state and transient experimental results from a small electric IR heater. The model predictions are in good agreement with experimental data both regarding steady state results and the transient response over a wide range of voltages. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.