Space Heater Safety Tips

It was discovered that heating equipment is one of the significant causes of home fires in the United States of America, and more than 65,000 home fires are caused by heating equipment per year.

We understand that space heaters can be a valuable source of warmth during the colder months. However, they can also be a potential hazard if not used correctly. Knowing how to use them safely is essential to avoid any mishaps. In this article, we will provide detailed safety tips on using a space heater.

1. Choose the Right Space Heater The first step towards using a space heater safely is to choose the right one. There are two main types of space heaters: convection and radiant. Convection heaters are better suited for heating larger rooms, while radiant heaters are best for smaller spaces. Please read the label carefully before purchasing a heater to ensure it is the right size for the space you need to heat.
2. Place the heater in the Right Location Always place it on a flat, level surface, and ensure it is at least three feet away from any flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, or paper. Keep the heater away from high-traffic areas to avoid tripping over it. Please do not place the heater on a carpet or rug, as it may cause it to overheat and ignite.
3. Keep Children and Pets Away Children and pets should never be left unsupervised around a space heater. They may accidentally knock it over or get too close and burn themselves. Make sure to keep the heater out of reach of children and pets.
4. Use the Heater Properly. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the heater. Make sure to plug it directly into an electrical outlet and never use an extension cord. Please do not use the heater to dry clothing or other items, and never leave it unattended while in use.
5. Maintain the heater. Maintain the heater regularly by cleaning it thoroughly and checking for any damage. Never use a damaged heater, and always replace any worn or broken parts.

To ensure the safe use of heaters, choose the right heater for your needs, place it on a flat, level surface at least three feet away from any flammable materials, and always supervise children and pets when they are around. Additionally, maintain the heater regularly, and replace any worn or broken parts.

Home Fire Statistics

Space Heater Selection

Safety should be a significant factor when using a space heater because anything can go wrong if mishandled, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Fire, shocks, and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters that aren’t set up correctly and placed near combustible elements.

Space Heater Quick Safety Tips

• It is a must to unplug and keep the heater in a safe place when it’s not being used anymore.
• Always ensure that any space heater you get has a label showing that it has been tested in a laboratory, i.e., make sure a recognized testing laboratory lists it.
• Always make sure the space heaters are placed on a levelled surface. Never put it on a chair, table, or carpet to avoid overheating. Overheating can cause a fire outbreak.
• Always read the instructions manual the manufacturer wrote before you use your space heater so that everything is done accordingly and correctly.
• Don’t allow kids or pets to play very close to the heater. Always ensure that there is an adult figure in a room with a switched-on heater and a kid or pet in it.
• Before you use your space heater, always check for broken plugs, cut wires, cracks, or loose connections, and if you notice any of these, do not use the heater. Make sure they undergo proper repairs before use.
• Ensure you plug your space heater directly into the wall outlet and never in an extension cord or power strip. And do not connect any other electrical device to the same outlet as the space heaters to avoid overheating, which may result in a fire outbreak.
• Never leave a space heater switched on overnight or unattended; turn it off if you are not using it anymore or whenever you want to sleep.
• It is essential to position your space heater properly. You must find a way to keep it in any available space. It should always be a few feet from things like clothing, papers, rugs, or anything easily combustible.
• Space heaters should only be used for what they were intended for, to provide heat in the home. It shouldn’t be used for things like drying clothes, making a meal, etc.
• Always ensure the space heaters aren’t placed where a lot of traffic goes on in the house; for example, they should never be placed close to the doorway to avoid tripping hazards.
• Smoke alarms should be placed on every home floor and all the sleeping areas and tested monthly.
• Keep your space heater away from water or damp spaces unless it is specially designed for that. And do not operate the heater with wet hands.
• Only use a fuel-burning heater in the home if it is hugely ventilated, even though it’s not advisable.
• Do not use the heater if it’s hot to the touch or if the cord is hot to the touch. Make sure an expert checks it out before use.

Infographic credits. compactappliance.com

Proper Use

Infrared heaters are designed to provide warmth and comfort for commercial, industrial, and some approved residential applications. Most infrared heaters* are not approved for:

1. Residential indoor living or sleeping areas.
2. Process heating includes paint booths, grain bins, and material drying.
3. Hazardous (class 1 or 2) environments.

Proper placement of heater for optimal performance

Safety Inspection Checklist

The IRSC recommends that a qualified person or agency do all installation, service, and annual inspections for optimum performance and safety. This is a partial list for a complete checklist; refer to the installation, operation, and service manual.

• Clearances to combustibles warning signs are posted as indicated.
• The manufacturer’s installation, operation, and service manual are legible. Keep the manual in a clean, dry place. Contact the manufacturer for replacement labels or handbooks.
• All warning labels are attached and legible.
• The area around the heater is free of combustibles.
• The reflector is in good condition and free of dust and debris. Clean the outside surface with a damp cloth if needed. Glasses must be properly resting on mounting brackets and not the tube itself.
• The vent pipe and outside air inlet are free of dirt, obstructions, cracks, gaps in the sealed areas, or corrosion. Remove any carbon deposits. Look for bird or insect nests.
• Tubes are connected and suspended securely. There should be no holes, cracks, or distortion on any part of the container, especially the top.
• The gas line has no gas leaks. Check the gas connection; see the proper one in the brochure and refer to the manufacturer’s installation, operation, and service manual.

Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside:

• Ensure your space heater has a label showing that a recognized testing laboratory lists it.
• Before using any space heater, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels.
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn, or damaged, do not use the heater.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Please turn it off when leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
• Space heaters only provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing, or thaw pipes.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas, and test them once a month.
• Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing, and rugs.
• Locate space heaters out of high-traffic areas and doorways that may pose a tripping hazard.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
• Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

Clearances To Combustibles Safety Issues

Consult the NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1 or CAN/CSA-B149.1 Gas Vent Termination criteria if roof pitch exceeds 9:12 and refer to manufacturer’s installation instructions for vent size and length.

Clearances are the required minimum distances that combustible objects can be placed from the heater to prevent fire hazards. Combustibles may catch fire and include everyday items such as wood, paper, rubber, and fabric. Clearances to combustibles must be maintained at all times to ensure safety.

Even if the equipment is installed with the proper permissions to combustibles, some materials with lower heat tolerances may be present and may be subjected to degradation.

All infrared heaters shall have permission to have combustibles prominently displayed on the product and in the installation, operation and service manual. Read, understand, and follow the safety guidelines below:

1. Keep gasoline or other combustible materials away from the heater or any other appliance, including flammable objects, liquids, dust, or vapours.
2. Maintain clearances from heat-sensitive material, equipment, and workstations.
3. Maintain clearances from heat-sensing devices, such as sprinkler systems, and make sure these devices are not overheated.
4. Maintain clearances from vehicles parked below the heater.
5. Maintain clearances from swinging and overhead doors, overhead cranes, vehicle lifts, partitions, storage racks, elevators, building construction, etc.
6. Hang the heater following the manufacturer’s suspension requirements.
7. Do not run a gas pipe or conduit in the area of exhaust discharge of flue products or the clearance zone.

When Building Ownership Changes

Current and future building owners must be well informed regarding the infrared heating system in their buildings.

If the building is sold to a new owner, it is the responsibility of the seller to transfer all documentation of the heating system, including the installation, operation, and service manual, to the new owner.

Placards should be placed appropriately and relocated. Contact the manufacturers for additional copies of the manuals mentioned above.

Change To Building Construction and Heating System

Special consideration is required if:

1. The building has been remodelled or renovated since the last inspection.
2. Additional heaters or racking system(s) have been added.
3. The equipment has not been operated for an extended period.
4. The usage of the building has changed.
5. The user has questions or concerns about the operation of the equipment.

Keep Children and Pets Away

Keeping children and pets away from heaters is crucial to ensure their safety.

Children are naturally curious and may not understand the potential dangers associated with heaters.

They may try to touch the heater or play with the cords, leading to burns, shocks, or even fires.

Pets, too, may not understand the potential dangers associated with heaters and may accidentally knock them over or chew on the cords.

To keep children and pets safe around heaters, following some safety guidelines is essential. Firstly, always supervise children and pets in a room with a heater. Never leave them unsupervised in a room with a heater, even temporarily. Always keep them at least three feet from the heater to avoid accidental contact.

Secondly, it’s essential to teach children about the potential dangers associated with heaters. Teach them to stay safe around heaters and regularly reinforce these safety guidelines. Explain to them that heaters are not toys and that they should never touch them or play with the cords.

Thirdly, it’s crucial to choose the right heater for your needs. Some heaters, such as radiant heaters, can get very hot to the touch, while others, such as oil-filled heaters, remain cooler. Choose a safe heater for children and pets with automatic shut-off switches and tip-over protection.

Fourthly, always place your heater in the correct location. Place it on a flat, level surface, and ensure it is at least three feet away from flammable materials. Please keep it away from high-traffic areas so you don’t accidentally bump into it. Never place your heater on a rug or carpet, as it can overheat and cause a fire.

Lastly, it’s essential to maintain your heater regularly. Clean it thoroughly, check for any damage, and replace any worn or broken parts. If you notice any unusual smells or noises from your heater, turn it off immediately and contact a professional for assistance.

What Should I Do To Protect Myself Against A Space Heater?

Space heaters are easy to install, use, and maintain in general. But here are some quick pointers on how to use one safely and minimize the safety risks and fire hazards posed by a space heater:

• Position your space heater at least three feet away from any human or living being, especially children or animals.
• Always keep the space heater away from the direct pathway of walking and sitting humans. Keeping a space heater in the corner of the room, against the wall and away from the window, is the best.
• Keep the space heater out of the reach of any flammable materials. This goes for anything made of wood, paper, and cloth, such as indoor potted plants, bedsheets, curtains, carpets, or even blankets.
• Always maintain an appropriate distance from anything that can pose a fire hazard.
• Turn off your space heater before leaving a room and before going to bed. Never place anything on top of the heater either, because this may cause it to trip and fall over.
• Do not plug your space heater into extension cords, even if they have surge protectors. Instead, connect your space heater directly to an electrical socket and test the device to ensure it is not faulty.
• Most space heaters have been noted to use up to 1500W at maximum capacity. That is a lot of power! Plugging a space heater into an extension cord increases the risk of the extension cord overheating and causing an electrical short circuit, turning your space heater into a shock hazard.
• Install smoke alarms in your home. These alarms can detect even the faintest traces of smoke and carbon monoxide and are set to go off at a jarring beep if there is a fire in your house.
• Should your space heater start a fire in one of your rooms without your knowledge, your smoke alarm should give you sufficient warning to put out the fire or evacuate your house.
• Always check the smoke alarm to see if it works. If the beeps have become faint, swap out the batteries and test them again.
• Invest in a carbon monoxide detector at your home. Install one for each level of your house, including your basement and attic.
• Each bedroom should harbor at least one detector and check them periodically to ensure they are still working efficiently.

Electric heaters

• Always plug your electric heater directly into a wall outlet, and never use an extension cord.
• Ensure your electric heater has an automatic shut-off feature if it tips over or overheats.
• Keep your electric heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.

Gas heaters

• Ensure a professional install your gas heater and correctly vents to the outside.
• Have your gas heater inspected regularly to ensure no leaks or other issues.
• Never use a gas heater in an enclosed space, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Oil heaters

• Keep your oil heater away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Make sure your oil heater is on a stable, level surface.
• Always use the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer.

Wood heaters

• Ensure your wood heater is installed by a professional and correctly vented to the outside.
• Only burn dry, seasoned wood in your wood heater.
• Keep your wood heater clean and free of ash buildup.

Solar heaters

• Solar heaters are generally very safe, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Keep your solar heater clean and free of debris that could block sunlight.
• Make sure your solar heater is installed correctly and securely.

Geothermal heaters

• Geothermal heaters are generally very safe but follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Have your geothermal heater inspected regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Keep the area around your geothermal heater clean and free of debris.

Heat pumps

• Make sure your heat pump is installed by a professional, and that it’s properly vented to the outside.
• Have your heat pump inspected regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Keep the area around your heat pump clean and free of debris.

Infrared heaters

• Make sure your infrared heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over or overheats.
• Keep your infrared heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Never touch the heating element of your infrared heater, as it can get very hot.

Propane heaters

• Make sure your propane heater is installed by a professional, and that it’s properly vented to the outside.
• Never use a propane heater in an enclosed space, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep your propane heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.

Kerosene heaters

• Only use the type of kerosene recommended by the manufacturer.
• Make sure your kerosene heater is on a stable, level surface.
• Keep your kerosene heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.

Ceramic heaters

• Keep your ceramic heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Ensure your ceramic heater has an automatic shut-off feature if it tips over or overheats.
• Never touch the heating element of your ceramic heater, as it can get very hot.

Convection heaters

• Make sure your convection heater is on a stable, level surface.
• Keep your convection heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Never cover your convection heater or use it to dry clothes.

Radiant heaters

• Keep your radiant heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Ensure your radiant heater has an automatic shut-off feature if it tips over or overheats.
• Never touch the heating element of your radiant heater, as it can get very hot.

Fan heaters

• Keep your fan heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Make sure your fan heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over or overheats.
• Never touch the heating element of your fan heater, as it can get very hot.

Panel heaters

• Make sure your panel heater is installed by a professional, and that it’s properly vented to the outside.
• Keep your panel heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Never cover your panel heater or use it to dry clothes.

Duct heaters

• Duct heaters are usually installed as part of a more extensive heating system, so make sure they’re installed by a professional.
• Have your duct heater inspected regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Keep the area around your duct heater clean and free of debris.

Garage heaters

• Make sure your garage heater is installed by a professional, and that it’s properly vented to the outside.
• Keep your garage heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like gasoline or other flammable materials.
• Never use a propane heater or other unvented heater in your garage.

Patio heaters

• Keep your patio heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Make sure your patio heater is stable and won’t tip over in the wind.
• Never leave your patio heater unattended.

Immersion heaters

• Only use immersion heaters in a container of water or other liquid.
• Make sure your immersion heater is plugged into a GFCI outlet to prevent electrical shock.
• Never touch your immersion heater while it’s in use.

Strip heaters

• Make sure your strip heater is installed by a professional, and that it’s properly vented to the outside.
• Keep your strip heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Never cover your strip heater or use it to dry clothes.

Tubular heaters

• Keep your tubular heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Make sure your tubular heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over or overheats.
• Never touch the heating element of your tubular heater, as it can get very hot.

Industrial heaters

• Industrial heaters are usually installed as part of a larger heating system, so make sure they’re installed by a professional.
• Have your industrial heater inspected regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Keep the area around your industrial heater clean and free of debris.

Portable heaters

• Never leave your portable heater unattended.
• Keep your portable heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Make sure your portable heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over or overheats.

Wall heaters

• Make sure your wall heater is installed by a professional, and that it’s properly vented to the outside.
• Keep your wall heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Never cover your wall heater or use it to dry clothes.

Smart heaters

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when setting up your smart heater.
• Make sure your smart heater is connected to a secure, password-protected Wi-Fi network.
• Never leave your smart heater unattended.

Micathermic heaters

• Keep your micathermic heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Make sure your micathermic heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over or overheats.
• Never touch the heating element of your micathermic heater, as it can get very hot.

Hydronic heaters

• Hydronic heaters are usually installed as part of a larger heating system, so make sure they’re installed by a professional.
• Have your hydronic heater inspected regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Keep the area around your hydronic heater clean and free of debris.

Boiler heaters

• Make sure your boiler heater is installed by a professional, and that it’s properly vented to the outside.
• Have your boiler heater inspected regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Keep the area around your boiler heater clean and free of debris.

Electric fireplace heaters

• Keep your electric fireplace heater at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Make sure your electric fireplace heater has an automatic shut-off feature in case it tips over or overheats.
• Never touch the heating element of your electric fireplace heater, as it can get very hot.

Baseboard heaters

• Keep your baseboard heater at least 12 inches away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, bedding, or furniture.
• Make sure your baseboard heater is installed with adequate clearance and on a stable, level surface.
• Avoid placing furniture or other objects in front of your baseboard heater that could block air flow or cause a fire hazard.

Further Reads:

1. https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics/Major-Causes/osHeating.pdf