Sometimes heating in your home or your office is uneven, leaving you with cold pockets that never seem to warm up. One common solution is plugging in a portable space heater. These tiny, but mighty gadgets can be a convenient source of heat, and less expensive than installing a new heating system. Unfortunately they can also increase the risk of electric shock or fire hazard if used incorrectly. Heating equipment is actually the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. So the team at Fusion Electric put together these safety tips to keep in mind this winter when using your space heater.
Space Heater Do’s
- DO make sure your space heater has the label verifying that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory.
- DO read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully before using a space heater.
- DO inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater.
- DO make sure your space heater is placed in the proper place. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
- DO unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.
Related Read: 3 Ways to Keep Electronics Safe During the Holidays
Space Heater Don’ts
- DON’T leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
- DON’T use space heaters to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. They’re only meant for supplemental heating.
- DON’T plug space heaters into a power strip or extension cord, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater, instead plug them directly into a wall outlet.
- DON’T ever place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. Always place on level, flat surfaces.
If you have other electrical questions or concerns this winter, be sure to call your trusted electricians at Fusion Electric. You can always reach us at 913-563-7975.
