Portable Electric Heater Safety
Portable electric heaters, also called space heaters, are small heaters that are used to heat one room in the home. Portable heaters are handy and an inexpensive heating supplement, but can pose fire hazards if safety precautions are not taken. Before using a space heater in your home, it is important to learn all you can about portable electric heater safety.
- After purchasing a portable electric heater, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and all safety warnings before plugging it in.
- When the heater is not in use, turn it off and unplug the unit. Never leave the heater unattended and always unplug it when leaving the house or the room.
- Plug the heater straight into a wall outlet and do not use a power strip or an extension cord, as these can overheat and create a fire hazard.
- Make sure the electric cord is strung on top of the floor and do not place any furniture or objects on the cord, as this can cause damage to the cord.
- Keep furniture, clothing, papers and any other combustible materials at least three feet away from the front and sides of the heater. Keep objects away from the exhaust source and the air intake so that these are not blocked from the air.
- Moisture can damage portable heaters, so do not use the heater outdoors or around water.
- Regularly inspect the plug and the wall outlet for a secure connection and fit. Touch the cord to ensure that it is not hot. If the cord is hot, a qualified electrician may need to replace the outlet.
- Do not use the heater if it has a damaged cord and do not yank on the cord to unplug it.
- To prevent overheating, do not plug other electrical equipment into the same outlet as the heater is plugged into.
- Monitor children and pets around the heater and do not place a heater in a child’s bedroom without supervision.
- Place heaters on a level flat surface on the floor and do not place on top of furniture, as it could easily fall off.