Experts draw attention to the points to be considered for the healthy and safe use of electric heaters, which are commonly used in cold winter days, reminding about the safe use of these different types of heaters. Emphasizing that phone charging cables and other device cables should not be placed in front of infrared electric heaters, OHS Expert Dr. Rüştü Uçan said, “Quartz and infrared type heaters must have tip-over safety.”
Dr. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, made an assessment regarding the dangers and safe use of electric heaters, in relation to fires caused by electric stoves and heaters during winter months.
What types of electric heaters are available on the market?
OHS Expert Dr. Rüştü Uçan pointed out the risk of fire associated with electric heaters due to the winter season and explained that electric heaters on the market are generally quartz, infrared, oil-filled radiators, and fan-assisted closed-type resistance heaters, and also have varieties according to their efficiency and power.
A few meters of space should be left in front…
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan, who informed that heat is transferred by light in infrared electric heaters, said, “It does not heat the air, it heats the object in front of it. Therefore, it is more suitable for outdoor use. Flammable materials such as fibrous clothing or tent insulation materials in front of infrared electric heaters can ignite and cause fires. A few meters of space should be left in front of these heaters. Flammable objects such as sponges and armchairs should not be placed in front of infrared electric heaters. Phone charging cables, HDMI cables, and other device cables should not be placed in front of these heaters.”
Quartz heaters and oil-filled radiators heat the air-environment
Noting that quartz heaters and oil-filled radiators heat the air-environment, Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan provided the following information:
“-Oil-filled radiators heat the air and environment while operating, and do not cool down immediately. Therefore, they are more effective than others. Also, since they do not contain exposed hot tubes and resistors like infrared or quartz, they are safer.
-In general, the heater's own power cable should not be worn out, and there should be no looseness in the plug-socket connection.
-A grounded outlet must be used. It is essential to have a residual current device (RCD) in the circuit.
-Heaters should not be used in damp and wet places.
-Should be kept away from children and pets.
Do not sleep while operating!
-These types of heaters should not be slept with while operating. Or the house should not be left unattended.
-Quartz and infrared type heaters must have tip-over safety.
-When using an electric heater, the electrical installation must first be suitable.
-Looseness in the installation is the biggest fire hazard.
-Looseness in the socket, looseness in the extension cord, looseness in the heater are the biggest points of danger.
-As much as possible, multi-socket extension cords should not be used.
-If necessary, a switched type should be preferred, and frequent plugging and unplugging should not cause loosening over time.
-Even residual current devices (RCDs) are not effective in fires caused by looseness.
-If an extension cord must be purchased, it should be from well-known brands with a warranty.
-Cables should not be run under carpets or rugs. If used continuously, it would be beneficial to have a line installed by an authorized electrician.
-The diameter and characteristics of the extension cord must be suitable for the electric stove being used.
-A special relay sensitive to looseness in the installation can be used (AFDD) (arc fault detection device).”
This relay is expensive in Turkey but can be found
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rüştü Uçan stated that the special relay device sensitive to looseness in the installation detects looseness in the circuit and cuts off the power, adding, “It is used in America. It is expensive in Turkey but can be found. This is not a residual current device, nor a fire protection relay, but another type of relay.”