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Re: Re: Question for the expert ... (Reply to this comment)
by dianapinions
Thanks so much for your reply!
I never thought to let it sit on its side for as long as five minutes, for it to shut off. I was waiting for something to happen immediately. So, it sounds like I have to drag it out of the closet and test it again ...
Thanks so much!
Diana
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Feb 02 '10
2:21 am PST
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Re: Question for the expert ... (Reply to this comment)
by the_gas_man
Hi Diana,
No, I did not see a comment alert on your question. Go figure.
Yes you should be concerned by an electric heater that does not shut down within about five minutes when it is tipped over. They generally use a thermal switch for this safety feature and if it is out of calibration it may take longer or it may be defective, which would be unusual as they are generally designed to failsafe.
I would return it to the manufacturer, if possible or at least call them and ask what timing your unit should expect to shut down at when tipped over.
Most current models have such switches and they work pretty well so I would not use this one again until you know the manufacturer's response to questions. It's part of the current codes so don't be afraid to be agressive with them and ask them how they passed current regulations with a product that continues to run on it's side.
Unless of course it is an old model, built before these codes were put in place and enforced.
I hope this answers your question.
Regards,
The Gasman
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Jan 08 '10
5:20 pm PST
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Question for the expert ... (Reply to this comment)
by dianapinions
I hope you see this comment. Could you kindly let me know how those tip-over switches are supposed to work?
I recently played with my two Holmes brand ceramic compact space heaters, in order to review them. As part of my testing, I intentionally tipped each one over, to see what would happen.
One of them stopped running within a few seconds. The other one did NOT stop running... instead the motor seemed to slow down (but now stop entirely) and I quickly smelled something coming out of the heater (not really a burning smell, but a smell, nevertheless).
So, now I'm very concerned about the second space heater being very unsafe. Although maybe it acted exactly the way it's supposed to act when it tips over? Maybe if I'd left it tipped over longer, it would have eventually stopped running? The manual simply says that it has a patented turn-off switch that turns off if there is a risk of over-heating.
Anyway, I've stopped using the unit for now, and may just discard it, depending on what you say.
THANKS!!!
Diana
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Dec 27 '09
9:58 am PST
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very informative, as always. (Reply to this comment)
by dad-daughters
And... I just LOVE the new avatar! Best regards, Dan
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Sep 02 '09
4:37 pm PDT
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Re: Sorry I missed this earlier (Reply to this comment)
by macresarf1
Yes, very good advice. I've known several people who, one way or another, almost died by using space heaters of various kinds.
Excellent advice, gas man.
Alex -- Macresarf1
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Mar 23 '09
11:21 am PDT
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Sorry I missed this earlier (Reply to this comment)
by pilarzmom
this is a very timely review. I hear about fires every year due to room heaters.
Peggy
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Mar 19 '09
6:12 am PDT
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All the great safety advice you provide (Reply to this comment)
by Howard_Creech
is very important - we are in the midst of an ice and snow storm that knocked out power for over 100,000 people - four people have died of Carbon Monoxide poisoning here in three days. The reason - generators (used indoors) and unsafe heating devices.
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Jan 31 '09
10:58 pm PST
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Super Stuff (Reply to this comment)
by nagels
This one is good enough to print and save for future reference.
Re:
"I simply feel the oil filled, electric radiator types are more consisently comfortable and quiet."
I agree. We have one in the bedroom for supplementary heat.
Now a couple questions for the gasman. My wife is making a pot of bean soup today and I'll be eating lots of it. Should I stay away from electric heaters? and Would it be safe for me to start a fire in the fireplace today?
Thanks in advance,
spudman
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Jan 31 '09
2:32 am PST
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It's so great (Reply to this comment)
by mql1208
to have members like you contributing to this site! I look forward to reading new posts from you because they're always well written, interesting, and so helpful!!
Thanks,
Megan
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Jan 26 '09
6:24 am PST
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Re: Re: Great advice (Reply to this comment)
by nibor
No one was hurt - property damage was total - but it was okay. As long as no one is hurt, events like that are life-changing and if you're a positive person those changes can be good. I look at that fire as one of the events in my life that made me the person I am today. And I like me, so it's all good.
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Jan 26 '09
4:04 am PST
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Excellent Review, As Always :) (Reply to this comment)
by mtuairau
Thank you so much for all this valuable information and useful tips. I really appreciate your incredible knowledge and always enjoy your reviews.
-Kaahu
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Jan 25 '09
11:42 am PST
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Re: Great advice (Reply to this comment)
by the_gas_man
Hi Nibor,
You made a couple of great points and so I updated this review to include a couple of them. Thanks for taking time to read it and leave your comments. I suppose there are many more things I could write, but my intention was to keep it as general as possible. I was actually addressing common questions people ask me.
Sorry to hear about your fire, I hope no one was hurt and property damage wasn't too bad.
All the best in 2009. Stay safe.
Regards,
The Gasman
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Jan 25 '09
6:03 am PST
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Great advice (Reply to this comment)
by nibor
I wish we could get this published on a bigger scale. So many people could use this advice.
There should be some warnings for the small electric heaters, too. If they aren't working properly they need to be fixed or thrown away. We're pretty sure one of these little space heaters is what caused our house fire years ago. It was a plastic Black & Decker cube. The fan would "chug" when you plugged it in but then eventually start running normally. It got plugged in one day but no one was around to notice it didn't start running normally. We think it overheated and caused the fire.
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Jan 25 '09
4:19 am PST
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Re: Excellent advice from... (Reply to this comment)
by the_gas_man
I have been somewhat overwhelmed by the number of people asking me for advice about heating cold bedrooms and garages lately. Also, by people I know who took it upon themselves to buy heaters designed for construction work, but, they are using for "quick heat" in their garage for a smoke. One guy I know bought a 125,000 Btu/h deisel-fired, construction heater from Lowe's and thought I was being picky in my critique of his choice.
I decided this review was overdue.
Thanks for taking time to leave your comments Pops.
Regards,
The Gasman
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Jan 24 '09
7:49 pm PST
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Excellent advice from... (Reply to this comment)
by popsrocks,  in Home and Garden
...the pro. I happen to like the oil filled best. I also like that things can't be stuck through caging by little ones.
They are also best in reference to any odors most new heaters give off at first use.
Thanks.
pops
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Jan 24 '09
7:30 pm PST
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