Portable electric radiators have become popular as a way to keep homes warm. They are mainly used to boost or complement existing heating systems. Sometimes, however, they are the only, or main, source of heating in a home. Portable electric radiators are effective and sustainable but do have safety implications.
To explore further, Rio Heating, specialists in smart electric radiators, share their insight into the topic.
How portable electric radiators work
Before looking at the safety implications of using portable electric radiators, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of how they work. Although there are different types of portable electric radiators on the market, all of them work in essentially the same way.
All electric radiators have some kind of eating element. Traditionally, this was oil fins. Now it’s more likely to be a ceramic element. The heating element converts electrical energy into heat energy. This is then radiated into the room where it is picked up by the air and circulated
What are the potential risks associated with using portable electric radiators?
There are four main risks associated with using portable electric radiators. These are the risks associated with faulty equipment, the risk of burns, the risk of trips and the risk of fires.
Faulty equipment
If you buy a portable electric radiator from a retailer in the UK, then you should be able to assume that it is fit for purpose. This is because the law obligates retailers to ensure that the goods, they sell are safe for their intended use. It holds them liable if they are not.
In the real world, however, the protection of this guarantee only applies if the vendor is both in business and traceable. The safest approach, therefore, is only to buy electrical equipment from retailers you know and trust.
If you buy a portable electric radiator pre-loved (or are given one), it’s advisable to get it checked by a professional before use. At a minimum, check it thoroughly yourself for signs of damage, particularly to the cord.
Once you have your portable electric radiator, make a point of checking it regularly for damage yourself. If possible, have it checked by a professional from time to time.
Burns
Any hot surface has the potential to cause a burn. This fact should be recognised and respected whenever portable electric radiators are in use. Adults should take care around them. They should also make sure that vulnerable people such as children are well supervised.
Likewise, animals should be kept away from them as much as possible. There is, of course, some room for judgement here. Some pets will enjoy a snooze by a source of heat. This is usually fine as long as they are at a safe distance from it. They should not, however, be able to play near it. Not only may they get burned, but they may also knock over the radiator.
Tripping
The key difference between portable electric radiators and hardwired sort is that portable electric radiators have plugs and cables. These need to be managed carefully to avoid becoming a tripping hazard.
Newer portable electric radiators often have some form of cord-management system built in. For older electric radiators, you will need to come up with your own system. For example, you could just buy a cable tidy solution online (or from an electrical store).
Fires
Fires are probably the biggest potential hazard when using portable electric radiators. Sometimes, fires are caused by faulty equipment. This is why it’s important to have portable electric radiators checked regularly. Mostly, however, the risk comes from the way they are used.
The way to protect against the risk of fire from an electric radiator is to make sure that it is operating in an entirely clear space. Also, if it has in-built ventilation, make sure that area is clear. It will probably need to be cleaned regularly.
Extra hazard for pet owners - electric shock
If you have pets that like to bite, chew, claw or otherwise rough-play, make sure that they do not do so with the cord to your portable electric radiator.
David Tyrer is the Director of Rio Heating and has over 30 years’ experience in creating smart heating & technology, designed to be enjoyed with smart home devices.
