Fires and Heaters - New features improve safety of electric fires

15/01/2008

New safety features have made electric fires and portable heaters safer to use than had previously been the case, it has been claimed.

US consumer magazine Consumer Reports, which tested 20 models, found that a series of feature have been added to prevent accidents.

These include the incorporation of a tip-over safety switch, which automatically turns off the heater should someone accidentally knock it over.

Meanwhile, other models actually shut themselves down when the grille is touched, while models which turn off when they overheat have been industry standard for some time.

However, to prevent accidents consumers should still exercise caution, John Galeotafiore, a tester for the magazine, said.

He told wral.com: "With any portable heater, you have to use common sense. Place the heater at least three feet away from drapes, furniture and any other material that can catch fire."

Heat and Plumb sells a range of safe, affordable heaters and electric fires including models from Baxi, Dimplex, Valor and Oliver Haffner.