Such a familiar heater, and how many dangers: how to protect yourself from fire

Rules for the safe use of electric heaters

Memories of five years of living in a university dormitory (80s) are associated with constant cold inside the room before the start of the heating season. A small room for five students was drafted through the door and 2 windows, which were not particularly insulated from the glued paper.

They were saved by a self-made electric "goat": on a two bricks a piece of asbestos pipe was placed, wrapped in a nichrome spiral from an electric stove. 2 meters of aluminum “noodle” were screwed to the ends of the wire and inserted into a socket through a plug. They used it only late in the evening - the commandant (severe retirement) "atrocities", severely punished everyone who found such structures.

We were lucky: they never fell under his arm, and most importantly - there were no electric injuries and burns. With age, I began to understand the commandant's concern, however, I can’t justify his actions. He counted only on the fear of punishment, and people need to explain the possible danger, show the risks of a fire, build in the minds of conviction of safe behavior.

What is the danger of electric heaters?

Overload

Like all electrical appliances, it contains wires that carry current and insulation that limits its direction. It is made of flexible plastic materials that work reliably up to the upper temperature limit, and then melt, losing their dielectric properties.

Therefore, the wires can not only be operated near an open flame, but also overheated by connecting powerful electric appliances to them, creating a large heat load, which are electric heaters. When you turn on, always analyze the possibilities of your wiring.

How does the power of household appliances affect electrical wiring

Connecting an unaccounted number of consumers through extension cords to a single outlet often turns into a fire. Wires do not withstand thermal stress.

Why it is dangerous to use tees and extension cords in an apartment

Homemade

The self-made electric "goat" described at the beginning of the article is considered one of the most dangerous devices. He has not only free access to exposed live parts, but also an increased possibility of a fire when paper, cloth and other flammable objects get on a hot wire.

We add here the unreliability, low structural strength, the tendency to tip over and the availability of touching a heated metal. You can still list the disadvantages of unreliable homemade products. But why wasn't the student dormitory commander doing this?

It would be nice for him to explain the danger of using home-made boilers from razors, horseshoes, or metal plates that heat the water in such a short time that with the “crouching” light of the bulbs it starts to “jump out” of the glass jar (God forbid metal dishes or adding salt / sugar when heated).

Use only certified, tested equipment.

Why are the "goat" and homemade boiler dangerous?

Electrical appliances unattended

On October 24, 2014, the Minsk Ministry of Emergency Situations prevented the ignition of a private house from a faulty heater, which worked from the network when the owner was absent. A vigilant neighbor in time called a rescue team.

The New Year 2012, the Dovzhenkov family from the Kursk region met at home. It was cold, my mother turned on the oil cooler, and she went out into the yard for a couple of minutes. Nastya (5 years old) and Vanya (3 years old) were near the Christmas tree.The working heater exploded, mineral oil scattered throughout the apartment, instantly flaring up.

The hostess was unable to run through the door: everything burned out in moments.

Manufacturers indicate in advertisements that oil radiators are considered the safest heaters, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations have submitted their photos after the fire on their websites.

What is the danger of oil radiators?

Heat transfer from the heater the surface of the device is provided with mineral oil and is regulated by a temperature sensor in automatic mode. Any technical device may break. When the oil volume decreases, it will begin to boil. To prevent this, the temperature is monitored by the sensor and transmitted to the automation. If a malfunction occurs in the system, then a fire is provided.

Ministry of Emergency Situations recommendations:

• Do not use devices with an expired warranty, even if they work properly;

• Always check the thermal protection at least when turned on. After 7 minutes, the heater should lower the temperature. If it continues to grow, then the device is malfunctioning and will explode;

• constantly monitor the operation of the device and have the means to automatically extinguish the fire;

• repairs should be carried out only in centers providing a guarantee;

• Never leave children alone near operating appliances.

Additional tips:

When purchasing a heater, carefully consider the method of manufacturing stickers with the release date, GOST or TU. Labels printed on the printer may be a sign of fake products.

The presence of corrosion on the metal heater - another reason for the contact of oil with electricity, the premise of the explosion.

Therefore, manufacturers installing stainless steel heating elements always indicate this in the passport and on the labels. Such heaters are allowed to be used in garages, workshops and rooms with high humidity. Other heating elements are forbidden to be included even in the country.

Heat guns

The powerful release of thermal energy associated with a cannon shot can quickly warm large-volume rooms. Therefore, they are used everywhere in construction and industry.

Electric converters

Work process electrical converters based on the supply of cold air from the floor level to the heating element with heat from it and the release through the upper holes into the room. Airflows are created by temperature drops and access to heaters. The design is installed on the floor or attached to the wall. There are options for embedding inside the floor.

In the operation of the convector, it is important to maintain a balance between the incoming energy and its removal: it is impossible to overlap the input or output windows. Otherwise, overheating and critical conditions are possible.

To the credit of modern manufacturers, the transition to low-temperature large-area heaters, which significantly reduced the risk of fires, should be noted.

Old models that work on nichrome wire elements very much repeated home-made designs, but in a factory, safer design. If you still use such devices, then seriously think about your safety.

Fan heaters

They have an electrical voltage supplied to a spiral blown by fan air. In ceramic structures, the heating element is hidden inside the case, and in spiral ones it is brought out.

The safety of the fan heater is ensured by the balance of heat release from the current in the spiral and the fan exhaust. Automation with the thermostat removes voltage from the heater when the upper temperature limit is reached without blocking the air flow.

Blowing is ongoing. Dust that enters the hot metal from the air stream burns out: the proportion of oxygen in the air decreases and carbon monoxide forms, blocking the flow of oxygen into the cells of the human body.

Based on laboratory tests, the Ministry of Emergency Situations advises:

• ceramic heaters, as less dangerous, turn on for no more than three hours;

• use spiral constructions less often. Their constant work for 6 hours is very dangerous. They are designed for short-term heating of the room.

Final recommendations

Be sure to read the manufacturer's documentation for it and comply with all safety requirements before turning on the electric heater.

In rooms with children and the elderly, use only safe, enclosed structures that preclude direct contact.

The heater must heat the air, but not create a fire, and if it does occur, first turn off the voltage using an input circuit breaker or by pulling the plug out of the socket. Only then throw a thick cloth over the fire to isolate the burning area from the air.

Read also on this topic: How to ensure fire safety of electrical wiring in an apartment and a house