Expert warns! Do not sleep while heaters are running!

Experts highlighting the points to consider for the healthy and safe use of electric heaters, which are commonly used on cold winter days, are issuing reminders regarding the safe operation of these various types of heaters. Emphasizing that phone charging cables and other device cords should not be placed in front of infrared electric heaters, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Specialist Dr. Rüştü Uçan stated, "Quartz and infrared types must have a tip-over safety switch."

Regarding fires caused by electric stoves and heaters during the winter months, Dr. Rüştü Uçan, Head of the Occupational Health and Safety Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, provided an assessment on the dangers and safe use of electric heaters.

What types of electric heaters are on the market?

OHS Specialist Dr. Rüştü Uçan pointed out that there is a fire risk associated with electric heaters due to the winter season, explaining that electric heaters on the market are generally quartz, infrared, oil-filled radiators, and fan-assisted closed-type resistance heaters, and that they also vary within themselves according to their efficiency and power.

A few meters of space should be left in front of them...

Providing information that heat is carried by light in infrared electric heaters, Dr. Rüştü Uçan said, "They do not heat the air; they heat the object in front of them. Therefore, they are more suitable for outdoor use. Flammable materials such as clothing with synthetic fibers or tent insulation materials placed in front of infrared electric heaters can ignite and cause a fire. A few meters of space should be left in front of these heaters. Flammable items such as sponges or armchairs should not be placed in front of these heaters. Phone charging cables, HDMI cables, and other device cords should not be placed in front of these heaters."

Quartz heaters and oil-filled radiators heat the air and the environment

Noting that quartz heaters and oil-filled radiators heat the air and the environment, Dr. Rüştü Uçan provided the following information:

"-Oil-filled radiators heat the air and the environment while running and do not cool down immediately. Therefore, they are more effective than others. Furthermore, they are safer as they do not contain exposed hot tubes or resistance elements like infrared or quartz heaters.

-In general, the heater's own power cord 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.

-The heater should not be used in damp or wet places.

-It should be kept away from children and pets.

Do not sleep while they are running!

-One should not sleep while these types of heaters are running. Or the house should not be left unattended.

-Quartz and infrared types must have a tip-over safety switch.

-When using an electric heater, the electrical installation must first be suitable.

-Looseness in the installation is the greatest fire hazard.

-Looseness in the socket, looseness in the extension cord, and looseness in the heater are the biggest danger points.

-As much as possible, extension cords with multiple outlets should not be used.

-If necessary, a switched type should be preferred; one should not cause looseness over time by frequently plugging and unplugging.

-In fires caused by looseness, even residual current devices are not effective.

-If it is absolutely necessary to buy an extension cord, it should be purchased from well-known brands with a warranty.

-The cable should not be passed under carpets or rugs. If it is used continuously, it would be beneficial to have a line installed by an authorized electrician.

-The diameter and specifications of the extension cord must be suitable for the electric heater being used.

-A special relay sensitive to looseness in the installation (AFDD - arc fault detection device) can be used."

This relay is expensive in Turkey but can be found

Dr. Rüştü Uçan stated that the special relay device sensitive to looseness in the installation detects looseness in the circuit and cuts off the circuit, saying, "It is used in America. It is expensive in Turkey, but it can be found. This is not a residual current device, nor is it a fire protection relay; it is a different type of relay."