Top tips for using your electric heater safely
Stay Safe!
A portable electric heater can be a great
convenience in cold weather, but if not
used properly can be a fire or electric
shock hazard. The Association of Home
Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has
developed this helpful list of tips for
safely using a portable electric heater.
Take time to review the information in
this guide, as well as the use and care
manual provided by the manufacturer.
The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
(AHAM) is a Washington, D.C. based not-for-profit
trade association representing manufacturers of major,
portable and floor care home appliances, and suppliers
to the industry.
AHAM’s mission is to enhance the home appliance
industry value through leadership, public education
and advocacy.
This brochure is sponsored by AHAM and its portable
electric heater manufacturers. Visit our web site at
www.aham.org for additional safety information or to
order copies of this brochure.
PleaSe be Smart,
be safe and enjoy
your portable
electric heater!
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
1111 19th St. NW, Suite 402
Washington, DC 20036
www.aham.org
Safety tips
The following organizations support
this public education effort.
These safety
tips apply to all
types of portable
electric heaters.
tIP #3
DO NOt use your heater with a power strip or
extension cord. Overheating of a power strip or
extension cord could result in a fire.
tIP #4
String out cords on top of area rugs or carpeting.
Placing anything, including furniture, on top of the
cord may damage it.
tIP #5
Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows,
bedding, papers, clothes and curtains at least three feet
from the front of the heater and away from the sides and
rear. DO NOt block heater’s air intake or outlet.
tIP #8
Check periodically for a secure plug/outlet fit. If the plug
does not fit snugly into the outlet or if the plug becomes
very hot, the outlet may need to be replaced. Check with
a qualified electrician to replace the outlet.
tIP #9
Unplug the heater when not in use by pulling
the plug straight out from the outlet. Inspect the
heater’s cord periodically. DO NOt use a heater
with a damaged cord.
tIP #10
DO NOt plug any other electrical device into the same
outlet as your heater. This could result in overheating.
tIP #2
DO NOt leave an operating heater unattended and
always unplug heater when not in use.
tIP #1
Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning
labels before using your portable electric heater.
tIP #12
Place heater on a level, flat surface. Only use heater on
table tops when specified by the manufacturer. DO NOt
place your heater on furniture. It could fall, dislodging or
breaking parts in the heater.
tIP #11
Heaters should be kept away from children and not be
placed in a child’s room without supervision.
tIP #6
Keep flammable materials away from the heater.
tIP #7
Unless the heater is designed for outdoor use or in
bathrooms, DO NOt use in damp or wet areas. Parts
in the heater may be damaged by moisture.
