www.nfpa.org/education — 12/16/2015
NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169
Your Source for SAFETY Information
SafetySafety
HeaterHeater
ElectricElectric
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:
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.
HEATER CHECKLIST
KKK Purchase a heater with the seal of an independent
testing laboratory.
KKK Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything
that can burn, including people.
KKK Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat
protection.
KKK Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
KKK Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn
the heater off if it tips over.
KKK Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic.
Never block an exit.
KKK Keep children away from the space heater.
KKK Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never
use an extension cord.
KKK Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged
when you leave the room or go to bed.
Portable Space Portable Space
Fact
Nearly half of
all space heater
fires involve
electric space
heaters.
