How safe are electric fireplaces? They are very safe if you follow our electric fireplace safety tips.
We will comprehensively address common buyer concerns and also address some commonly asked questions about electric fireplaces. After all, not only do we want you to be cozy by the fire, but also to be safe and have an easy mind.
Not only are modern electric fireplaces, electric electric log sets and electric fireplace inserts much more efficient than wood burning or gas fired fireplaces, they are safer. There is no open flame. There is also no need for chimneys or venting.
One of the most commonly asked questions is ‘Do the flames get hot?’ The answer is no they don’t. The flame effects are simply an image or projection of flames. Touching the screen is like touching your TV set when it is on.
In fact, the only part of the fireplace that can get warm or hot is the area directly near the heating element or warm air discharge. The hot air blowing is like holding your hand near a hair dryer. Generally, parts you can touch will not burn you the way the top of a wood burning stove or fireplace can.
Can you use extension cords? No. Wink, wink. Virtually all owners’ manuals do not recommend using extension cords (so do we). I think they have to say that for legal reasons.
But at least 2 manufacturers that I have seen so far then go on to recommend heavy duty cords, and give specific recommendations on the minimum ratings. So I guess they are realistic enough to know some people will do it anyway and want them to be safe.
For a 1500 Watt heater, minimum recommendation is No. 14 gauge wire (AWG America Wire Gauge) minimum and rated at no less than 1875 Watts.
Household Sockets
In our reviews we talk quite a bit about the heating capability of a standard electric fireplace as providing ‘supplemental heat up to 400 square feet (infrared heaters = 1,000 sq.ft.). Twin-Star TSR-01 Safer Socket Fire Prevention Plug, WhiteMore InformationPretty much all forced air heaters perform the same. This not an electric fireplace makers desire – but rather a restriction place on them by the capabilities of the typical household socket, wiring and fuse box.
Many electric fire places have automatic shut offs and tip over shut offs. We came across a product that can protect any socket that is drawing a lot of power – Safer Socket Fire Prevention Plug.
Electric Fireplace Safety Tips
This list of electric fireplace safety tips was compiled from various manufacturers’ operating guides. Read and understand all instructions thoroughly before using an electric fireplace.
- The heating element is hot when switched on. Take care to avoid bare skin touching the hot surfaces. During the heater operations, the trim surrounding the heater outlet can also get hot.
- To avoid risk of fire, keep all materials made of combustible substances, such as furniture, clothes, bedding, pillows and curtains at a safe distance of at least 3 feet (0.9 meter) away from all sides of the electric appliance or unit.
- Do not block the fresh air intake or the hot air discharge vents. Air must move freely.
- Although generally kid and pet safe, exercise caution when electric appliance having heaters is operated by or is near children or individuals having physical disabilities, whenever the unit is ON and left unattended.
- Ensure that electric heater is always unplugged when not in use.
- Never operate the electric fireplace with a damaged plug or cord, or if you observe the unit malfunctioning or the heater has been dropped or damaged in any way. The heater must be returned to the authorized service facility for repairs or making electrical or mechanical adjustments.
- Electric fireplaces are for indoor use only, never use the unit outdoors or expose to the weather.
- Electric heaters are not to be used in bathrooms, laundry spaces and other indoor locations which likely to expose the unit to water. Water and electricity do not mix. Never install the heater at places where it can fall into bathtub or water containers accidentally.
- The cable or cord of the unit should never be run under the furniture, carpeting or other appliances. The cord should not be covered with runners, throw rugs and similar materials. Cord must be passed in areas safe from high traffic areas in home, so as to avoid someone tripping over the cord.
Before disconnecting the unit, turn off the firebox and remove the plug from the socket or outlet.Ensure that the connected outlets are properly grounded before connecting.- Do not insert or allow possibility of foreign objects enter the appliance through any exhaust or cooling openings as this can cause electric shock, fire or damage to heater or insulation.
- Do not block the opening for the air intake or for exhaust in any way so as to prevent possible fire. Take care to avoid using on soft materials like bed or clothes as this can result in clocking the openings. Electric heaters have some parts which produce sparking. Never operate heaters in areas where flammable liquids, gasoline or paints are stored or being used and in places where flammable vapors are present.
- Do not make any modifications to the unit and use it only in the manner described in the manual. Using it in any manner not recommended by the manufacturer can cause electric shock, fire, injury or death.Do not burn any material inside the heater.
- Do not attempt to lift the electric fireplace by the glass. Lift from the firebox. Do not impact or strike glass panel.
- Whenever new circuits or modifications are required, use services of only a certified electrician.Ensure that the outlets you use are grounded properly, polarized and provided with fuse units.
- Never use an extension cord or a re-locatable outlet or power strip, for plugging the heater; plug the heater directly into wall receptacle or outlet.
This may seem like quite a bit of safety information to absorb. If you really look closely the safety tips are common sense tips that apply to almost any electrical appliance. The one area to look at closely is the area around the heater. In this article on electric fireplace safrty tips, we hope we answered the question, ‘are electric fireplaces safe?’
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I note that it is recommended that the fire place be unplugged when not in use. The location of our plug makes this very inconvenient. What is the risk of leaving it plugged at all times?
Is it safe to install my fireplace above an existing baseboard heater for additional heat in my basement
Absolutely none. I also read that and thought it about the stupidest thing ever and considered the rest of the article pointless. That’s so entirely ridiculous it’s like saying you should only plug in your electric appliances when you use it and then unplug it. Total nonsense!
Is It Important To Always Unplug Fireplace When Not In Use???????
No more so then any other appliance. Be careful about using extension cords – manufacturers don’t recommend it.
A heavy duty surge protector with a 6 foot cord should be okay with my Dimplex electric fireplace insert, yes? I do understand it’s not recommended.
Is it safe to be on oxygen and use an electric heater?fireplace?
There are no flames involved. Does that help? The heating elements are not accessible to touch.
I’ve noticed a chlorine smell lately when I turn mine off. What is that caused by.
I don’t feel comfortable letting mine run for long hours is it ok to let them run for long hours or should I shut it down for a few hours then turn it back on?
I just bought a Dimplex TV Stand/Fireplace. The TV is connected but the electrical wire for the Fireplace is too far from the electrical outlet. If I am not supposed to use an electrical extension, what should I do?
This is very definitive guide about electric fireplace, specially I like the paragraph about the using extension cable. Thanks mate.
I appreciate your article. Really helpful for buyers. Everyone considering safety before buying it. Now it is clear that it is the most safest.
Thanks for this article. I tho thought it was risky before buying it. But it is safe, cost effective and efficient. It make our room warmer and cool in winter.
Thanks a lot for sharing such an informative article about Electric Fireplace and I have pleased to get this blog page. I have read your valuable page and gotten much information. But I have a little question that, Has Electric Fireplace any side effect for baby or human? Could you please suggestion me? Then I will be benefited.
Is there a way to safely build a mantel around the duraflame 42in wall mounted fireplace?
Thank you for pointing out that electric fireplaces should only be used indoors. My husband and I are wanting to get a new fireplace installed in our living room and I think electric is the best way to go. I’ll have to do some research and find the best company to come and install this for us.
Thanks for sharing this helpful information. I’m sure most people can take notes from this article. One thing most people lack knowledge about electric fireplace safety measure. Well, this post gives us some good ideas for an electric fireplace safety issue.
My unit’s instructions said don’t put your electric fireplace directly in front of your wall socket. Given sockets are typically close together, is this really a concern? Should I cover the socket with styrofoam or something?
Wow! Such awesome tips in regard to the safety issue of an electric fireplace. An electric fireplace is a modern technology for room heating. But I was worried about using heat glass for an electric fireplace have any problem for baby or other when they touch the glass? Thanks.
How do buy the safer socket fire prevention plug
Excellent tips. A lot of ideas about electric fireplace safety tips. Very informative and helpful article. Thanks for this one.
The safety of an electrical fireplace is also extremely beneficial, especially in homes with small children or pets. Excellent point of view Here!
Hello
The point of an electric fireplace is not only to provide heat but also light up the room with the fire. The flames are patented still people prefer them to give off a great vibe to their room, the exact same one that is given off with the traditional fireplace.
I was looking for the best review and recommendation about electric fireplaces, and finally I got it here.
Thanks for the information, sounds so great and helpful. Kodus!
I’m looking for something to cover my light switches as my toddler keeps turning them on and wasting electricity
Thank you so much for your electric fireplace safety tips. We have a traditional fireplace. But we want to get the chimney restored before we use it.
My electric fireplace heater element did catch fire under normal use 5 min after being turned on. A smell was detected and unit was turned off then a search for the source of the smell was made the unit was then turned back on to a puff of smoke and a visible glowing flame. At the point the unit was shut off unplugged. After taking off the back cover the heater element was hot with an older and charred.
I will consult with an electrician if I will replace it heater element or replace the entire unit..
If later at night while sleeping I believe this electric fireplace would have been a significant home fire event.
I want to get a nice fireplace for my home. It makes sense that an electric fireplace would be beneficial for energy efficiency. I’ll make sure that I have the right kinds of sockets for this kind of fireplace.
Nothing is stated about leaving clearance space between the fireplace and the wall. Are these safe to use if they’re flush against the wall?
It tells you there has to be room in the back for air circulation to go into the heater at least one foot
the glass in the front of my fireplace got broke is it still safe to run it
It is nice to know that I will want to not use a power strip for a heater. I have been considering getting a better power stip to use in my entertainment room. It gets really cold in my basement so I have also been considering getting a heater. It is good to now that I shouldn’t plug it into a power strip. I wonder if there are power strips that are made to handle heaters.
I appreciate your hard work for this write up. Really helpful for fresh buyers. Everyone considers safety before purchasing the product. Now it is clear that it is the safest. Thank you for sharing.
This is well worth a read. You presented great insight and information. Thanks.
If you follow the correct installation, maintenance, and use guidelines, this type of fireplace offers a safe and easy heating option. Thank you for giving us an articulate post! Keep writing!