Safety tips for your electric fireplace - a simple list

Homeowners love electric fires for their cost-effective heating, easy operation and contemporary designs. They’re also a top pick for homes with children and pets because they provide warmth without the presence of real flames. 

However, that's not to say that electric fires shouldn’t be operated cautiously. Installing and using one in your home requires knowledge of fireplace safety, including where to keep combustible materials, where not to touch and when to turn it off. 

To learn more about operating your electric appliance safely, read on for Fires2U’s top tips. 

Tip 1: Don’t leave it on overnight 

While it’s true that modern electric fireplaces come with safety features to prevent overheating, leaving them unattended for extended periods can increase this risk. 

Overheating can lead to potential malfunctions or even fires, especially if the internal components have degraded over time. By turning off your electric fireplace before going to bed, you’re extending the lifespan of your appliance with responsible practices. 

Running an electric fireplace overnight can also lead to unnecessary energy consumption, which can raise your electricity bills. Luckily, today’s electric fireplaces come with timers and remote controls that allow you to set the unit to turn off automatically after a certain period. 

Tip 2: Keep combustible items away from the fire

Using your electric fireplace responsibly is about more than just turning it off. A crucial aspect of safety is maintaining a clear zone around the fireplace, free of combustible materials.

Even though electric fireplaces don’t produce real flames, they emit heat that can potentially ignite nearby flammable objects. Items such as curtains, furniture, blankets, and other household objects should be kept at a safe distance from the fireplace. 

The general recommendation is to maintain at least a three-foot clearance around the unit. Taking this precaution helps prevent accidental fires and reduces the risk of items overheating and catching fire. 

It’s also essential for fireplace owners to regularly check the area surrounding their electric fireplace. Dust and debris can accumulate over time and, if left unchecked, can become a fire hazard. 

Tip 3: Don’t attempt to modify your fire 

The reason electric heating appliances are so reliable is that they’ve been constructed by expert fireplace manufacturers. 

A critical safety tip is to refrain from making any modifications to your electric fireplace, including both electrical and structural alterations. Electric fireplaces contain intricate electrical components that require precise configuration to operate safely. 

Tampering with these elements can compromise the safety features built into the unit, such as automatic shut-off mechanisms and temperature controls. Such modifications can lead to an increased risk of electrical faults, which may result in fires or electric shocks. 

Tip 4: Keep liquids away 

Fundamental to the safe operation of electric fires is keeping all liquids a safe distance away. 

Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, and even a small amount of liquid can cause significant problems, including electrical shorts, fires, or severe damage to the fireplace's components.

Electric fireplaces are designed to be safe and efficient, but they are not waterproof. Spilling any liquid on or near the fireplace can lead to electrical malfunctions: this tip is particularly important in areas like living rooms or offices where beverages are commonly consumed. 

Always ensure that drinks, aquariums, or other sources of water are placed far away from your fire. 

Tip 5: Use responsibly near children and pets 

The main appeal electric fireplaces have for homes with pets and children is that they produce heat without the presence of real flames. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise caution. 

Children and pets are naturally curious and may be attracted to the glowing lights and warmth of an electric fireplace. To prevent accidental burns or injuries, it is essential to establish a safe zone around the unit. 

The surface of an electric fireplace can get hot to the touch, especially around the heating elements and vents. Teaching children not to touch the fireplace and using barriers or screens can help mitigate these risks. 

Tip 6: Avoid touching heated surfaces 

While it’s vital to keep pets and children away from an electric fire’s hot surfaces, everyone else in your home should be aware of where not to touch. 

Some modern electric fires come with safety features such as cool-touch glass, which ensures the exterior glass remains safe to touch. However, other parts can still become very hot. 

Always use the fireplace as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid placing body parts close to these areas. 

Tip 7: Purchase from a reputable seller! 

We can’t stress enough the importance of purchasing your electric fireplace from a reputable seller. 

Respected retailers, like Fires2U, sell high-quality appliances designed to meet the UK’s stringent safety standards. It will also mean if you buy from us, your electric fireplace will come with a full manufacturer's guarantee! 

With Fires2U, buyers always have the assurance of product quality. As established suppliers, we offer electric fireplaces that have undergone rigorous testing and comply with UK safety regulations, such as the British Standard (BS) and European Standard (EN). 

These certifications mean that the fireplaces have been tested for electrical safety, fire resistance, and overall durability. Here, you can find electric fireplaces from brands like Celsi, Dik Geurts, Flamerite Fires and many more.