Electrical Heater

WARNING:  This "light bulb heater" and the way in which it is constructed is NOT UL Approved. This design used with a high wattage light bulb will produce a fire hazard.  Before you attempt to construct this project, seek advice from a qualified electrician. 

Light bulb shield

I chose a 3 pound coffee can for my light bulb shield.  A small can is probably not a good choice due to the heat build-up and fire hazard mentioned above.  The idea here is to generate some life saving heat, not create a sauna.  The can was cut with tin snips and the sides bent back to anchor on the roof of the box.  Ideally you will want the side flaps to be relatively straight.  To accomplish this you will need a "sheet metal brake" (or some pliers). 

Home made "metal brake"

Sheet metal is bent using a tool called a "brake".  Like me, you probably don't have one of these laying around, so I fashioned a brake by clamping a piece of wood over the metal which I needed to bend.  This permits the metal to bend in a straight line. 

Obviously, you can bend the metal using pliers or a clamp, or a workbench vise.  You are most likely not as anal as I tend to be, so an imperfect bend should not cause you to lose sleep or contemplate suicide. 

Light housing installation

After you have formed your coffee can (high-tech heat disseminator) to the precise shape, it should rest in the cutout area of your box.  I attached the shield with wood screws drilling pilot holes in the metal flaps. 

Seen from below (Miss Minnie's view)

Again, my goal was to provide heat from the light bulb by radiating it from the metal can attached to the ceiling, and to keep the light from illuminating the interior of the cat house.  I didn't want to disturb Miss Minnie's frequent naps with relentless light in her den.

With this design, she benefits from the radiant heat but is not bothered by the constant light.