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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, DC 20207
February 2001
What You Should Know About Space Heaters Used for Supplemental Room Heating
The purpose of this publication is to provide safety information that should
assist in the purchase, operation, fueling, and maintenance of space heaters. A
space heater is a self-contained, free standing air heating appliance intended
for installation in the space being heated and not intended for duct connection.
This document is not intended to be all-inclusive, but it is intended to inform
the reader about some of the safety aspects associated with using space heaters
for supplemental room heating. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with
the use of room (space) heaters. More than 300 persons die in these fires. An
estimated 6,000 persons receive hospital emergency room care for burn injuries
associated with contacting hot surfaces of room heaters, mostly in non-fire
situations.
Hazards
Consumers should be aware of the following hazards when buying and using gas,
wood, kerosene, and electric space heaters:
- Fires and burns caused by contact with or close proximity to the flame,
heating element, or hot surface area.
- Fires and explosions caused by flammable fuels or defective wiring.
- Indoor air pollution caused by improper venting or incomplete combustion
of fuel-burning equipment.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper venting of fuel-burning
equipment.
General Suggestions for All Space Heaters
CPSC offers the following general suggestions for selection, safe use, and
maintenance of gas, wood, kerosene and electric space heaters:
- Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or the heating
element. This will help keep children, pets and clothing away from the heat
source.
- When selecting a heater, look for one that has been tested and certified
by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been
determined to meet specific safety standards, and manufacturers are required
to provide important use and care information to the consumer.
- Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. The
wrong size heater could produce more pollutants and may not be an efficient
use of energy.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. A good
practice is to read aloud the instructions and warning labels to all members
of the household to be certain that everyone understands how to operate the
heater safely. Keep the owner’s manual in a convenient place to refer to
when needed.
- Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Some heaters have very hot
surfaces. Children should not be permitted to either adjust the controls or
move the heater.
- Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an unvented
fuel-burning space heater. This helps to prevent pollutant build-up and
promotes proper combustion. Even vented heaters require ventilation for
proper combustion.
- Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or leave the area. For
fuel-fired heaters, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide could accumulate or
uncontrolled burning could cause a fire.
- Never use or store flammable liquids (such as gasoline) around a space
heater. The flammable vapors can flow from one part of the room to another
and be ignited by the open flame or by an electrical spark.
- Be aware that mobile homes require specially designed heating equipment.
Only electric or vented fuel-fired heaters should be used.
- Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding,
furniture and drapes. Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes. Do not
place heaters where towels or other objects could fall on the heater and
start a fire.
Specific Suggestions
Different types of space heaters present some different safety problems. You
should be aware of important information and advice about these specific types
of heaters.
- Have gas and kerosene space heaters inspected annually by qualified
persons to ensure that they are properly adjusted and clean. Keep the wick
of the kerosene heater clean and properly adjusted. Appliances that are not
working properly can release harmful and even fatal amounts of pollutants.
- Be certain that your heater is placed on a level, hard and nonflammable
surface, not on rugs or carpets.
- Keep the heater in a safe working condition. Replace missing guards and
controls at once. Never operate a defective heater. Have all necessary
repairs done by qualified repair persons.
Kerosene Space Heaters
- Never use gasoline in a kerosene heater. Even very small quantities
of gasoline in the heater tank can cause a fire. Kerosene should never be
stored or carried in a container that has had gasoline because the residual
gasoline is enough to increase the flammability of the kerosene.
- Only use 1-K kerosene in kerosene heaters. Kerosene should be purchased
from a dealer who can certify that it is 1-K grade kerosene. The fact that
kerosene is “water clear” does not ensure that it is 1-K, since both 1-K
and 2-K can appear clear.
- Never fill the fuel tank of a kerosene heater beyond the full mark because
as the fuel warms, it expands and could spill and cause a fire.
- Do not attempt to remove the fuel tank, or refuel the heater when it is
operating or hot. The heater should not be moved while it is operating.
- Refuel heater out of doors.
- If flare-up or uncontrolled flaming occurs, do not attempt to move the
heater. If your heater is equipped with a manual shut-off switch, activate
the switch to turn off the heater. Do not attempt to extinguish a
kerosene-heater fire with water or blankets. If activation of the shut-off
switch does not extinguish the flame, leave the area and immediately call
the fire department.
- Keep kerosene stored outside in a sealed blue container labeled “Kerosene.”
Portable Electric Space Heaters
Portable electric heaters manufactured after 1991 include many new
performance requirements to enhance safety. For portable electric heaters that
may present a fire hazard when tipped over, a tip-over switch will turn the
heater off until it is turned upright again. New heaters also include indicator
lights to let users know that the heater is plugged in or is turned on. Some
manufacturers have included technically innovative safety controls such as
infrared or proximity sensors, which can turn a heater off when objects come too
close, or when children or pets are near. These kinds of controls may prevent
burn injuries to children who might play too near a heater, or reduce the risk
of ignition of combustible materials that could contact the heater.
- Use heaters on the floor. Never place heaters on furniture, since they may
fall, dislodging or breaking parts in the heater, which could result in a
fire or shock hazard.
- Unless certified for that purpose, do not use heaters in wet or moist
places, such as bathrooms; corrosion or other damage to parts in the heater
may lead to a fire or shock hazard.
- Do not hide cords under rugs or carpets. Placing anything on top of the
cord could cause the cord to overheat, and can cause a fire.
- Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely necessary. Using a
light-duty, household extension cord with high-wattage appliances can start
a fire. If you must use an extension cord, it must be marked #14 or #12 A
WG; this tells the thickness or gauge of the wire in the cord. (The smaller
the number, the greater the thickness of the wire.) For example, a cord sold
as an air conditioner extension cord will have these heavy wires. Do not use
a cord marked #16 or #18 AWG. Only use extension cords bearing the label of
an independent testing laboratory such a U.L. or E.T.L.
- Be sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet. Since a loose plug can
overheat, have a qualified repairman replace the worn-out plug or outlet.
Since heaters draw lots of power, the cord and plug may feel warm. If the
plug feels hot, unplug the heater and have a qualified repairman check for
problems. If the heater and its plug are found to be working properly, have
the outlet replaced. Using a heater with a hot cord or plug could start a
fire.
- If a heater is used on an outlet protected by a ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI) and the GFCI trips, do not assume the GFCI is broken.
Because GFCIs protect the location where leakage currents can cause a severe
shock, stop using the heater and have it checked, even it if seems to be
working properly.
- Broken heaters should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance
service center. Do not attempt to repair, adjust or replace parts in the
heater yourself.
Wood Burning Heaters
- Existing building codes and manufacturer’s instructions must be followed
during installation.
- Buy wood-burning stoves that are certified as meeting EPA emission
standards.
- Check chimney and stove pipes frequently during the heating season for
creosote build-up and have them cleaned annually.
- Stoves must be placed on an approved floor protector or fire resistant
floor.
- Do not burn trash or anything other than the proper fuel.
- Use a metal container for ash removal.
Gas Space Heaters
- All unvented gas-fired space heaters (manufactured after 1983) should be
equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). An ODS detects a reduced
level of oxygen in the area where the heater is operating and shuts off the
heater before a hazardous level of carbon monoxide accumulates. These
heaters also have labels that warn users about the hazards of carbon
monoxide.
- Always have your gas heater and venting system professionally installed
and inspected according to local codes.
- Vented gas-fired heaters can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they
are not vented properly.
If your space heater is meant to be vented, be sure that the heater and flue
are professionally installed according to local codes. Vent systems require
regular maintenance and inspections. Many carbon monoxide poisoning deaths occur
every year because this is not done. A voluntary standard requirement provides
that a thermal shut-off device be installed on vented heaters manufactured after
June 1, 1984. This device is designed to interrupt heater operation if the
appliance is not venting properly.
Be aware that older gas-fired space heaters may not be equipped with the
safety devices required by current voluntary standards, such as an ODS or a
pilot safety valve that will turn off the gas to the heater if the pilot light
should go out. If the pilot light on your heater should go out, use the
following safety tips:
- Light the match before you turn on the gas to the pilot. This avoids the
risk of a flashback, which could occur if you allow gas to accumulate before
you are ready to light the pilot.
- IF YOU SMELL GAS, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIGHT THE APPLIANCE. Turn off all
controls and open a window or door and leave the area. Then call a gas
service person. Do not touch any electrical switches.
- Remember that LP-gas (propane), unlike natural gas supplied from the gas
utility distribution pipes, is heavier than air. If you believe a leak has
occurred, go to a neighbor’s phone to call your gas distributor or fire
department. Do not operate any electrical switches or telephones in the
building where the leak has occurred because a spark could cause an
explosion.
Health Effects of Combustion Products
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with
oxygen availability throughout the body. Exposed individuals and physicians may
not recognize some symptoms as CO poisoning due to their similarity with viral
illnesses such as influenza. Individuals with heart disease, chronic respiratory
ailments, such as emphysema, and anemia, and also fetuses, infants, and young
children have an increased susceptibility to CO poisoning. Low levels of CO can
cause fatigue and chest pain in people with chronic heart disease. As CO
exposures increase, symptoms progressively worsen through headaches, drowsiness,
nausea, vomiting, confusion and disorientation. At very high CO exposures, loss
of consciousness and death are possible.
Nitrogen dioxide can irritate the skin and the mucous membranes in the
eyes, nose and throat. Depending upon the level and duration of exposure,
respiratory effects range from slight irritation to burning and chest pain,
coughing, and shortness of breath. In addition, repeated exposure to elevated
levels of nitrogen dioxide may contribute to bronchitis. Children who are
exposed to low levels of nitrogen dioxide, often show increased susceptibility
to respiratory infections. Others who may be especially sensitive to nitrogen
dioxide exposure include people with chronic respiratory disease including
bronchitis, asthma and emphysema.
Reducing Exposure to Combustion Products in Homes
Take special precautions when operating unvented space heaters. Consider
potential effects of indoor air pollution when deciding to use unvented kerosene
or gas space heaters. Follow the manufacturer’s directions, especially about
using the proper fuel and about providing fresh air while the heater is in use.
This can be accomplished by keeping doors open to the rest of the house from the
room where the heater is being used. In addition, keep the heater properly
adjusted. Choose a space heater properly sized for the room you wish to heat and
make sure that it is installed correctly. Keep flues and chimneys in good
condition. Leaking chimneys and damaged flues can result in the release of
harmful or even fatal concentrations of combustion gases, especially carbon
monoxide. If operating any combustion type appliance, including space heaters,
install a CO alarm. Use alarms that meet the current requirements of UL 2034 or
IAS 6-96.
General Home-Safety Information
Regardless of the method you use to heat your home, the Commission encourages
you to:
- Equip your home with a least one smoke alarm on each floor and outside
sleeping areas.
- Install a CO alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard
2034 or the IAS 6-96 standard in the hallway near every separate sleeping
area of the home.
- Keep at least one dry-powder operative, ABC-type fire extinguisher in the
home at all times.
- Keep areas around heat sources free of papers and trash.
- Store paints, solvents and flammable liquids away from all heat and
ignition sources.
- Develop a fire-escape plan before a fire occurs. Be certain that all
members of the household understand the plan and are able to carry out the
plan in case of emergency.
- Be sure the plan includes a predetermined meeting place outside the house.
- If your clothing does catch fire, don’t run! Drop down immediately,
cover face with hands, and roll to smother the flames. Teach your family how
to do this.
- Have annual safety checks on all home heating equipment.
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