Electric Heater Safety

 During cold weather, we sometimes turn to additional heat sources to keep warm. One common item used is an electric space heater. Most people don't think too much about their space heaters and that could be the reason there are more than twenty-five thousand fires started each year from electric space heater use. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also reports that over five thousand people report burns or other injuries from electric heaters.

The problem with electric heaters is that they get extremely hot, so even though there is no actual flame, any material near the electric heater can catch fire. This can include anything, including curtains, furniture, toys, and paper. Electric heaters can be designed in several ways. Radiant heaters have a heating element that is enclosed in some sort of reflective material. The reflective material helps reflect the generated heat into the room. A fan or convection heater has a heating element with no reflective material. Instead, a fan pushes the heated air away from the heating element into the surrounding air.

Most fires can be avoided by following these guidelines for safe usage. First, ensure that the electric heater you purchase is registered with Underwriters Laboratories. A UL mark on a product has been tested in UL labs to meet safety guidelines. On the item itself, or the box, you will see a circle with the letters 'UL' inside. This means that the heater has passed UL inspections. While this does not guarantee that there will be no problems, you do have the assurance that this product meets safety guidelines.

Avoid using an extension cord with your heater if at all possible. If you must use one, ensure it is a cord with a three-prong grounded plug. Also, use a cord with at least a 14-wireThis gauge size. This size is large enough to handle the power from the electric heater and reduces the chance of a fire. Never run the cord to your electric heater underneath carpeting. Ensure the heater is on a level surface to reduce the risk of it tipping over.


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