The following tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International will help you get the best and safest results from your portable electric space heater.
- Read the manufacturer’s warning labels and manuals and follow them closely before using a space heater.
- Keep flammable materials—including bedding, clothing, draperies, rugs and furniture— at least three feet away from the heater.
- Don’t use space heaters around unsupervised children and pets.
- Don’t poke fingers or objects through the heater’s protective guards. The slightest contact with a heating element can cause a severe burn, shock, or fire.
- Turn off your space heater and unplug it when leaving the room.
- Don’t use extension cords with space heaters.
- Electric space heaters use a lot of electricity. To avoid a circuit overload, plug it into a circuit that is not already burdened by other appliances and fixtures.
- Keep the power cord away from high-traffic areas to prevent a tripping hazard, but do not run the cord under a carpet, rug or furniture. The cord could overheat and cause a fire.
- Water and electricity don’t mix! Use only those space heaters marked as approved for such locations as bathrooms. If this information is missing, don’t use the heater in that area.
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