ElEctric
spacE hEatEr
safEty
Staying safe and warm this holiday season.
The U.S. Fire Administration names heating as the
leading cause of fires during the winter months, just
slightly higher than cooking. Each year, portable
heating equipment -- a subcategory of heating fires
that includes electric space heaters -- is responsible
for thousands of unnecessary deaths. Space heaters
pose a greater risk because they provide a number
of opportunities for human error, ranging from
installation and maintenance to operation and
placement.
As the temperatures drop during the winter
holiday season, many families will increase their
use of alternative heat sources, such as portable
electric space heaters, to help warm their homes.
If used improperly, this indoor heating equipment
presents increased risk of fire, electric shock, and
electrocution.
This fact sheet provides information to help
ensure that electric space heaters are safely used
and maintained in the home, and outlines safety
precautions that can be taken to mitigate the
hazards posed by indoor heating equipment this
holiday season.
What is a Space Heater?
A space heater is a self-contained, free
standing air heating appliance intended
for installation in the space being heat-
ed and not intended for duct connec-
tion (CPSC).
There are four different types of space
heaters: kerosene space heaters, portable
electric space heaters, wood burning
heaters, and gas space heaters. Each
type of space heater has its own distinct
safety hazards. Familiarize yourself with
the proper maintenance and operation
procedures for each specific type of
heater.
What are the Dangers of
Electric Space Heater Use?
A recent ESFI survey showed that while
most Americans owned an electric
space heater, many unnecessarily
put themselves in danger through
carelessness. If used improperly, space
According to the National Fire
•
Protection Association
(NFPA),
heating equipment was involved in an
estimated 53,000 reported home fires
in the United