Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Dr. regarding fires caused by electric stoves and heaters in the winter months. Lecturer Member Rüştü Uçan evaluated the dangers and safe use of electric heaters.
Dr. Uçan pointed out that there is a risk of fire with electric heaters due to the winter season, and explained that the electric heaters on the market are generally quartz, infrared, oil radiator and closed type resistance with fan, and that they also have different types according to their effectiveness and power.
Dr. gave the information that heat is carried by light in infrared electric heaters. Lecturer Member Rüştü Uçan said, “It does not heat the air, it heats the object in front of it. Therefore, it is more suitable for use outdoors. Flammable materials such as flammable fiber clothing or tent insulation materials in front of infrared electric heaters may ignite and start a fire. A few meters of space should be left in front of these heaters. Flammable objects such as sponges and sofas should not be placed in front of infrared electric heaters. “Phone charging cables, HDMI cables, and cables of other devices should not come in front of these heaters.” said.
Dr. noted that quartz heaters and oil-filled radiators heat the air and the environment. Lecturer Member Rüştü Uçan gave the following information:
- “-Oil-filled radiators heat the air and environment while operating, but do not cool down immediately. That's why they are more effective than others. It is also safer because it does not contain exposed hot tubes and resistances like infrared or quartz.
- -In general, the heater's own power cable should not be frayed and there should be no looseness in the plug-socket connection.
- -A grounded socket must be used. It is necessary to have a residual current relay in the circuit.
- -The heater should not be used in damp and wet places.
- -Should be kept away from children and pets.
DO NOT SLEEP WHILE IT IS WORKING!
- -You should not sleep while this type of heaters are operating. Or the house should not be abandoned.
- -Quarz and infrared types of stoves must have a tipping safety device.
- -When using an electric heater, first of all the electrical installation must be suitable.
- -Looseness in the installation is the biggest fire hazard.
- -Looseness in the socket, looseness in the extension cable, and looseness in the heater are the biggest danger points.
- -As much as possible, group sockets with extension cables should not be used.
- -If necessary, the switch type should be preferred; frequent plugging and unplugging should not cause loosening over time.
- -Even residual current relays are not effective in fires that occur as a result of looseness.
- -If it is absolutely necessary to purchase an extension cable, it should be purchased from well-known brands that have a warranty.
- -The cable should not be routed under carpets or rugs. If it is used continuously, it would be useful to pass the line to the authorized person doing electrical work.
- -The diameter and properties of the extension cable must be suitable for the electric stove used.
- -A special relay sensitive to looseness in the installation can be used (AFDD) (arc fault detection device.)”