There is no universal distance that applies to every electric heater. What the fire department does say is: do not place appliances too close to curtains and furniture, plug a heater directly into the socket and not into a cable reel. Check the manual of your own heater for the minimum clearance, as this varies by model.
Direct answer: keep an electric heater well away from curtains, furniture, clothing and bedding, and follow the distance specified by the manufacturer in the manual. The fire department does not give a fixed number of centimetres, but advises not to place appliances too close to curtains and furniture.
Why keeping your distance is important
An electric heater produces a lot of heat in a small casing or grille. Combustible materials such as curtains, cushions, clothing and paper can overheat when they are too close or block the airflow. It is not just about contact: radiation and hot airflow can also heat up material. That is why the simple rule applies that you should never cover a heater and never use it to dry clothes.
The fire department emphasises in its tips about electrical appliances that you should preferably connect electric heaters directly to a socket rather than to a cable reel or extension lead. If you do use a reel, unroll it completely, because a coiled cable can overheat and cause a short circuit or fire. The fire department also says that you should not place lights and other appliances too close to curtains and furniture. The page does not mention a fixed distance in centimetres, so if you cannot figure it out, follow the manual.
How to choose the right place for your heater
Place the heater on a flat, stable and clear surface, far from curtains, sofas and beds. Keep the area around it clear so that the heat can circulate. Make sure that pets and children cannot reach it and that the cord does not run under any piece of furniture or carpet. Do not place the heater in a place where you can easily bump into it or trip over it.
A heater that can oscillate distributes the heat over a larger area, so that the radiation does not always land on the same spot. This is a practical benefit, but it does not replace the need for clearance. For use in a child's room, read more in is an electric heater safe in a child's room?.
Which safety features help?
Modern heaters have safety features that reduce the risk, but they do not replace common sense. Overheat protection switches off the heater if the temperature becomes too high, and tip-over detection switches it off if it falls over. A timer ensures that the appliance does not run unnecessarily long. Regularly check that the cord and plug are undamaged and that the grille is free of dust.
| Situation | What you do | |
|---|---|---|
| Curtains or furniture nearby | Move the heater or the piece of furniture, follow the distance in the manual | |
| Cord too short | Move the heater closer to the socket, do not use a coiled reel | |
| Heater switches on and off | Check the safety features and whether the air intake is clear | |
| You are leaving or going to bed | Switch off the heater or use the timer, as the manual advises |
The fire department also advises switching off appliances completely instead of leaving them on standby, and removing plugs when you leave. Read more about problems with automatic shut-off in why does my electric heater trip and what can you do?.
Product description: Dynter HW2002 electric heater
Product name: AirFlow HW2002 Electric Heater
Power: 1500 to 2000 W, adjustable
Suitable for: rooms up to 40 m²
Safety: overheat protection and tip-over detection, after which the heater automatically switches off
Operation: LCD touchscreen, remote control and timer function
Dimensions: 18 × 18 × 45 cm, weight 1.6 kg, cable 1.7 m
Are you looking for a compact heater with safety features? Then check out the Dynter HW2002 electric heater or the heater collection. Always consult the included manual for the recommended clearance around the appliance. If you want to know how much space a heater heats, read how many m² does an electric heater heat?.
Frequently asked questions
Can I place my heater under a window with curtains?
That is not a good idea if the curtains hang close by. Choose a place with plenty of clearance or pull the curtains aside, and follow the distance in the manual.
Can an electric heater be on an extension cord?
The fire department advises connecting a heater directly to the socket. If you use a cable reel, unroll it completely.
Can I dry clothes on an electric heater?
We advise against it: clothing on or near the heater blocks the airflow and can overheat. Use a drying rack at a distance.
What if my heater smells or gets hot?
Turn off the heater, remove the plug from the socket and let it cool down. Check for dust or damage and if in doubt, contact the seller or manufacturer.
Should I read the manual?
Yes. The manual states the minimum clearance and the correct use for your model, and provides general tips.