Electric Portable Space Heater Safety

When the weather turns cold, it can bring a chill into our homes.

Portable space heaters have become a popular way to supplement

central heating or heat one room. If you plan to use portable electric

space heaters, make sure to follow these tips and recommendations:

HEATER CHECKLIST

• Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people.
• Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.
• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
• Make sure your heater has an auto shut off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
• Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
• Keep children away from the space heater.
• Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
• Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.

 

Types of electric space heaters

 

Oil or water-filled radiator

Heated oil or water travels

through the heater.

 

Fan-forced heater

A fan blows warm air over

metal coils.

 

Ceramic heater

Air is warmed over a ceramic

heating element.

 

Infrared heaters

Heat is created by infrared bulbs.