How Space Heaters Can Cause a Fire in Your Home

When the weather turns cold, it’s delightful to increase the heat, enjoy the warmth of a fireplace, or cozy up with an electric blanket or space heater. However, it’s crucial to ensure that space heaters are kept clear of any nearby objects to prevent potential fire hazards. This article will explore the different types of electric heaters available today, how they can pose fire risks, safety guidelines for using space heaters, and who to contact for professional fire damage cleanup.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is the leading cause of fires in the United States. These incidents can result in significant property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that space heaters are responsible for approximately 1,200 fires annually. While electric space heaters tend to be more expensive than combustion models, they are safer for indoor use.

Types of Electric Space Heaters

There are several types of electric space heaters available, and each type can cause fires differently. Understanding the different kinds of space heaters on the market is good for understanding and preventing fires caused by space heaters.

The following are the different types of electric space heaters and how they can cause a fire:

• Ceramic heaters: Ceramic heaters contain an electric element enclosed within a glass envelope capable of reaching high temperatures.
• Convection heaters: Convection heaters take in the air from the room and heat it through a heating element before recirculating the air.
• Fan heaters: Fan heaters, also known as forced convection heaters, use an electric fan to enhance airflow, heat generation, and distribution.
• Oil heaters: Oil heaters are a type of convection heater that uses an electric heating element to heat oil contained within the heater.

Why do space heaters cause fires?

Understanding why space heaters can cause fires is essential. To help prevent space heater fires, it’s important to recognize the various risks associated with these appliances.

Amount of Current Drawn During Use

One of the primary causes of a space heater fire is an increase in electrical current beyond the appliance’s designated capacity. For electric heaters, the standard rating is 1500 watts, equivalent to 12.5 amps. This represents the safety limit for your home, assuming the power cord is functioning correctly. A defective power cord can lead to a fire hazard. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether the electrical space heater should be plugged directly into an outlet or if it can safely be used with an extension cord. Following these guidelines can help prevent fires by avoiding the overheating of extension cords.

Proximity to Combustibles

When using a space heater, it’s crucial to ensure that it is kept away from any combustible materials to prevent fires. Maintain a clearance of at least three feet from combustible items such as paper or fabrics. While some modern heaters come with safety features like automatic shut-off when they tip over or overheat, they cannot detect nearby items that may overheat and ignite.

Guidelines for the Safe Use of Space Heaters

Space heaters are great for providing additional heat on cold days, but they must be used safely to reduce the risk of fires. Here are some safety guidelines you should follow when using them:

• If you think your space heater is damaged, do not use it.
• Before you start using the heater, make sure to check the heater itself, including the cord and plug, to see if it has any damage.
• Always make sure to follow all operation and maintenance instructions from the manufacturer.
• Check www.SaferProducts.gov to see if your electric heater has been recalled.
• Make sure you never leave a heater operating while unattended, especially while you are sleeping.
• Always keep combustible materials including sofas, curtains, paper, and bed sheets three feet away from the front, top, and sides of the heater.
• The heater plug should always fit tightly into the electrical outlet. If this is not the case, do not use the outlet to power the heater as this increases the risk of a fire.
• When you are using the heater, check often if the heater plug, cord, wall outlet, or outlet faceplate is hot. Stop using the heater immediately if they are hot to touch. You should then have an electrician check or replace the plug or the outlet. If you notice the cord is hot, make sure to disconnect the heater.
• Never use extension cords or plug strips unless you are sure that the rating exceeds the heater’s power requirements.
• The heater should be put on a stable, level surface and it should not be placed in an area where it could be knocked over.
• Any heater you purchase should have been tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a commonly recognized NRTL in the US.
• A space heater power cord should never be placed under rugs or carpets as this increases the risk of a fire.
• To avoid electrical shocks and electrocutions, keep electric space heaters away from water and make sure never to touch an electric heater if it is wet.

Professional Fire Damage Cleanup

Space heaters can help make a home more comfortable on the coldest winter days, but they are also a fire hazard if not used correctly. When using a space heater, make sure the cord is unobstructed and that the heater itself is at least three feet away from combustibles in every direction. If you notice any type of problem with your space heater, stop using it immediately. You should also never leave a space heater unattended.

Despite taking the necessary precautions, there is still a chance that a space heater can cause a fire. When this happens, you need to call the trusted professionals of HydroForce Cleaning Systems.

HydroForce provides a full range of fire damage restoration services to help restore homes and buildings that have been damaged by a fire, no matter the cause. Our technicians use advanced methods and equipment to clean up smoke and soot, repair structural damage, and remove smoke odors to return your property to its pre-fire condition. You can call HydroForce Cleaning Systems at (630) 835-0862 for emergency fire damage restoration services throughout the Chicago, IL area.