Electric Space Heaters at Home: SES Rules and Mistakes That Can Cause Fires

Portable electric space heaters are among the most popular heat sources during the cold season, but improper use can lead to serious fires. According to electrical safety experts and rescue services, the main risks are associated with placing the heater too close to curtains, covering the body, using homemade devices, or connection issues.

Placement Rules and Safe Distance

The State Emergency Service (SES) strongly recommends maintaining a distance of at least 1.5 meters between a working electric heater and any combustible materials. This rule applies to curtains, furniture, clothing, and bedding. Floor-standing units should be placed exclusively on flat, stable, and non-combustible surfaces, strictly avoiding carpets, sofas, or piles of items.

Electrical Risks and Connection Rules

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and industry experts advise plugging space heaters directly into wall outlets. The use of extension cords and power strips is strongly discouraged as they can overheat under high loads. It is strictly forbidden to leave devices running unattended, overnight, or before leaving the house, as well as using them to dry clothes.

Contradictory Data

While official manufacturer and rescuer instructions demand an absolute ban on using any extension cords for powerful heating appliances, consumers often face a lack of stationary wall outlets in practice. Some experts allow the short-term use of certified heavy-duty extension cords with a cable cross-section matching the appliance's power, but the SES and the British organization Electrical Safety First insist on the absolute safety of direct connection to prevent contact overheating and fires.

What to Do in a Critical Situation

If the circuit breaker trips while the heater is running, a burning smell is detected, humming occurs, or the plug becomes hot, operation must be stopped immediately. In case of a fire, call 101 immediately, turn off the apartment's power at the electrical panel (if safe to do so), and under no circumstances extinguish a plugged-in appliance with water.