Space Heaters

The State Fire Marshal strictly regulates space heaters in university buildings. Both electric and fuel-based space heaters have been the source of numerous fires and injuries. Space heaters can cause severe burns when people come in contact with them, and they can cause fires when they come in contact with clothing and other flammable materials. Improperly adjusted fuel-burning heaters can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

Fires occur when electrical wiring overheats or when the wrong fuel or improper fueling practices are used. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of room/space heaters. More than 300 people die in these fires. An estimated 6,000 persons receive hospital emergency room care for burn injuries associated with contacting hot surfaces of space heaters, mostly in non-fire situations. If you must use a portable heater at home, please watch the United States Fire Administration’s Portable Heater Safety video at the bottom of the page.

If you are experiencing uncomfortably cold temperatures indoors, please contact Facilities, Planning, and Management (FP&M) at (515) 294-5100. FP&M may be able to adjust building settings to meet your needs. If you must use one, heaters must meet the following criteria:

• Must be UL listed and labeled (electric only)

• Heating element cannot exceed 212°F

• Must be plugged directly into a wall socket (no extension cords)

• Cannot be operated within three feet of combustible material, including wastebaskets

• Can only be operated as the instructions stipulate

Grainger part #3VU33 (available via CyBuy) meets these criteria