Electric Heater Safety Tips: 12 Rules for Every Home

Electric heaters are much safer than gas heaters in a closed room — they burn nothing, so there is no carbon monoxide. But any heater can cause a fire or a burn if it is used carelessly. These twelve rules prevent most accidents.

The 12 rules

1. Wall socket only. Never plug a heater into a cheap multi-plug or a long extension board — they overheat and melt.
2. One heater per socket. Do not run a heater and an iron or kettle from the same point.
3. One-metre rule. Keep curtains, bedding, sofas, clothes and paper at least 1 metre away.
4. Never cover it. Do not dry clothes, socks or towels on a heater.
5. Flat, hard floor. Not on a bed, sofa or thick rug — the tip-over switch needs a flat surface.
6. Off when you sleep. Warm the room before bed, then switch off — or use a timer.
7. Off when you leave. Never leave a heater running in an empty room.
8. Children and pets. Keep them away from hot grills; consider a wall-mounted heater.
9. No water. Never use a room heater in a bathroom or near water.
10. Check the cable. A cracked plug or a hot, soft cable means stop using it.
11. Listen and smell. A burning smell or crackling sound means switch off and unplug.
12. Buy safety features. Tip-over switch, overheat protection and a proper grill.

Safety features compared

A first-use smell is normal

New heaters often give a light smell for the first few minutes as factory dust burns off. Open a window for the first use. A strong or lasting burning smell is not normal — switch off and contact the seller.

Special care for elderly parents

• Choose a heater with a thermostat or timer so it does not run all night.
• A silent oil radiator has no glowing element.
• Keep walking paths clear of cables.

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