Space Heater Recommendation

Environmental Health and Safety & Emergency Management (EHSEM) does not endorse the use of space heaters. EHSEM does not recommend specific makes/models of portable space heaters for use on campus, but we do have the following guidelines for any heaters that are used:

1. All heaters must be UL listed or Factory Mutual approved for their intended use. Heaters must have a thermostat to automatically shut down the unit when the desired temperature is achieved.
2. Heaters with exposed heating elements or open flames, even if they are UL listed, should not be utilized.
3. Only electric heaters should be used. Units that produce heat my means of burning a fuel, such as wood, propane, natural gas, or fuel oil should not be used, even if they are UL listed.
4. Only oil filled electric radiator space heaters are approved for the University of Michigan – Dearborn.
5. Heaters must have “tip protection” – the heater must turn off automatically if tipped over.
6. Heaters must be kept at least 3 feet (36 inches) from all combustible materials.
7. Do not place heaters under desks or in other enclosed areas.
8. Heaters must NOT be utilized while unattended, and must be monitored while in operation.
9. Heaters must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle. Never plug a heater into an extension cord or portable power strip/surge protector.
10. Heaters need to be examined daily. Heaters that are missing guards, control knobs, feet, or other parts must be taken out of service immediately and repaired by a competent person discarded.