Fire dangers

Little heaters can pose a major house fire risk

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES and electrical faults are a major cause of house fires. Other fires are started by faults in appliance cords, receptacles and switches. Never use an appliance with a worn cord which can send heat onto combustible surfaces like floors, curtains and rugs that can start a fire.

A compact electric heater is convenient and cost-effective, because it directs heat to a specific location. But it is also potentially dangerous because of the fires it can cause. The high temperatures of these heaters create a fire risk. Many fires start because the heater is sitting within one metre of bedding or flammable furnishings that get too hot and catch fire. Keep children and pets away from heaters, and place the heater on a hard, nonflammable surface.

The fire risk can be

compounded if you plug the heater into the wrong outlet.

Plugging a room heater into a power board is never a good idea. Power boards simply aren’t designed to handle the energy load required of a heater. Power boards are designed for low-power items, such as televisions, DVD players and stereos. As radiant room heaters require so much start-up energy and also heat up quickly, if used for a prolonged time, the heat can transfer back along the power cord and into the power board, causing it to overheat. Manufacturers recommend plugging room heaters directly into the wall socket.

And, as a general rule, for any appliance that needs to stay plugged in for a long period, always use a board that has a surge protector.