U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION • (800) 638-2772 • www.cpsc.gov • www.SaferProducts.gov
Reducing Fire Hazards for Portable Electric Heaters
THE STATISTICS
CPSC estimates that from 2008 to 2010,
portable electric heaters were involved in
approximately 1,200 fires per year.
THE PROBLEM
Portable electric heaters are high-wattage
appliances that have the potential to ignite
nearby combustible materials like curtains,
beds, sofas, paper, clothing, and flammable
liquids. If ignition results from a heater left
on and unattended, a major fire could result.
SAFETY TIPS
CPSC recommends the following for the
safe use of electric heaters:
Never operate a heater you suspect is
damaged. Before use, inspect the heater,
cord, and plug for damage. Follow all
operation and maintenance instructions.
Visit
www.cpsc.gov
or
www.SaferProducts.gov
to see if your
electric heater has been recalled.
Never leave the heater operating while
unattended, or while you are sleeping.
Keep combustible material such as beds,
sofas, curtains, papers, and clothes at
least 3 feet (0.9 m) from the front, sides,
and rear of the heater.
Be sure the heater plug fits tightly into
the wall outlet. If not, do not use the
outlet to power the heater.
During use, check frequently to
determine if the heater plug or cord, wall
outlet, or faceplate is HOT! If the plug,
outlet, or faceplate is hot, discontinue
use of the heater, and have a qualified
electrician check and/or replace the plug
or faulty wall outlet(s). If the cord is hot,
disconnect the heater, and have it
inspected/repaired by an authorized
repair person.
Never power the heater with an
extension cord or power strip.
Insure that the heater is placed on a
stable, level surface, and located where it
will not be knocked over.
When purchasing a heater, ask the
salesperson whether the heater has been
safety-certified. A certified heater will
have a safety certification mark. See the
following web site (OSHA) for a list of
accepted certification marks:
http://63.234.227.130/dts/otpca/nrtl/nrtl
mrk.html
.
Never run the heater’s cord under rugs
or carpeting. This can damage the cord,
causing it and nearby objects to burn.
To prevent electrical shocks and
electrocutions, always keep electric
heaters away from water, and NEVER
touch an electric heater if you are wet.
SPREAD THE NEWS! Inform family,
friends, and coworkers of the ways to
use an electric heater more safely.
Pub. 098 012011 012013