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BY OXDALE PRODUCTS
During those cold winter months, having an electric heater by your side can make all the difference in a shed, garage or workshop. They quickly heat these workspaces, allowing you to get on with your work without feeling the impact of the freezing conditions. They are equally as handy during night-shifts in your workshop, keeping you ticking along through the early hours. But if you’re new to this, do you know how to use an electric heater safely in this environment?
In workshops, garages and sheds, there are typically a range of flammable materials in proximity, so the paranoia around running a heater in there is justified. Wood, oils and expensive machinery could all be devastating if damaged by a rogue heater.
Join us in this blog as we run through all the ways you can safely use an electric space heater and minimise risk in your workshop. We will also cover what makes some electric heaters safer than others.
There are many reasons to consider an electric heater for your workshop. They are portable and easy to install, meaning no matter where in the workshop you are, you can have access to fast and reliable heat. They also don’t come with a fuel tank attached, making them even safer, thanks to just needing to be plugged into the mains supply.
Of course, the biggest upside of an electric heater is the instant heat compared to log burners and diesel heaters. They can begin heating your workshop in a matter of moments, and in the winter, every second counts. On top of this, they are the ideal indoor heating solution, thanks to producing no fumes, like you’d expect from a diesel heater. Electric heaters are perfect for workshops as well as sheds and garages.
One of the most important factors of using an electric heater safely is ensuring it is in the correct location. When it comes to heating a garage, or heating a shed safely, you need to place it away from flammable materials such as wood, flammable liquids, machinery oil and fuel containers. On top of this, material such as wool can cause fires.
To use an electric heater safely indoors, you need to place it on stable, level ground, approximately 1-2 metres away from any combustible material. When assessing the heater, ensure that all vents are unobstructed and avoid placing it in areas with poor air flow. Remember, they still need air to regulate their temperature.
Here is our step-by-step guide to using an electric heater safely.
Inspection is key to using an electric heater safely. Look for damaged cables, dust that could be blocking bents or loose plugs. Regular inspection of your heater will catch these, highlighting the importance of regularly checking your machine.
Next, you need to position the heater in a spot that meets all the following criteria. It needs to be in a spot that has decent airflow, is away from combustible material and is on level, solid ground. Do not put it in a corner where air flow is restricted, nor on a slope where there is risk of it falling over.
Power supply is also important when using an electric space heater. Be sure to use grounded sockets and avoid overloaded extension leads. These can both cause fires if not adhered to. Additionally, ensure the correct voltage supply is used; this ensures the heater performs to the standard it was designed to.
When starting with a lower heat setting, the gradual increase improves efficiency and helps avoid power surges, which can impact other machines connected to the mains supply in your workshop.
It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the heater during use. Pay close attention to the vents, ensuring they remain clear. Also, make sure to turn the heater off when you leave the workspace.
Below are a few key safety tips to keep in mind when using your electric heater in your workshop, shed or garage.
When it comes to heating a garage or shed efficiently, there are a few things you can do to improve overall efficiency. For non-PTC models, this is something you should consider. First of all, seal drafts around doors as cold air can make its way in through these gaps. If possible, add basic insulation to your workshop, shed or garage. Of course, you should heat the area you’re working in as opposed to the entire space.
Insulation and heat reflective boards can make a huge difference in the cold winter months. Additional work like this will make the investment you make in an electric heater seem even better.
In the process of setting up your electric heater, there are a handful of common mistakes that you should aim to avoid if possible. If you follow our guide provided earlier, you will avoid them and have peace of mind that your heater is safe. Common mistakes when using an electric heater include:
If you spend a lot of time working in a small garage, hobby workshop or shed, the electric heater is a must-have machine. Critically, you need access to a mains supply, but providing you do, there are few heating options better than the electric space heater.
They aren’t just used for prolonged periods throughout the day; they can also be used for occasional winter use, thanks to their ability to heat up quickly.
Browse our full range of electric heaters for sale here at Oxdale Products. For more information or guidance, just get in touch.
Below are some commonly asked questions regarding the use of electric heaters in workshops, garages and sheds.
No, you should not leave your electric heater unattended under any circumstances. Allow time for the heater to cool down before leaving.
Depending on size, most small workshops and sheds are perfectly served by 2kW electric heaters. For larger workspaces, potentially garages, a 3kW electric heater might be more suitable.
Electric heaters are safe to use in sheds permitting they follow the guidance offered earlier in this guide. Placement and ventilation are both critical for safety.
Compared to diesel heaters, electric heaters are cheap to run. Especially if you get a PTC electric heater that self-regulates temperature, reducing output if the target temperature is achieved.
