Space Heaters Policy
Space heaters pose serious fire and electrical hazards and are not energy efficient. They can trip electrical circuits in buildings, disabling power to building areas. The use of space heaters at the university is strongly discouraged. The university reserves the right to inspect and declare as “unapproved” any space heater that creates a safety hazard or is inappropriate to a particular location, based on specific circumstances or legal requirements. If warranted, space heaters may be removed or ordered removed by Facilities Services.
Addressing Summer Overcooling
Several comments on the 2015 Campus Operations Survey indicated that freezing office temperatures during summer lead many occupants to use space heaters. Space heaters work against central air conditioning systems and can contribute to making the space colder. Warming your space to temperatures above the set point triggers the system to respond by cooling more. Thus, space heaters and air conditioning work against each other, and together cause even more energy use and carbon emissions. By controlling air-condition temperatures better, we can achieve the combined benefits of using less carbon-intensive electricity; reduce our peak demand for electricity and reap the associated cost savings; reduce space heater usage during the summer; and improve occupant comfort.
Space Heater Requirements
- All heaters must be Underwriters Listed (UL) or ETL Listed for their intended use.
- Heaters must have a tip-over automatic-shutdown feature.
- Heaters must be kept at least 3 feet (36 inches) from all combustible materials e.g., desks, trash cans, papers, boxes, fabric, plastics, office furniture, etc.
- Heaters must be monitored when in operation.
- Heaters must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle. Never plug a space heater into an extension cord.
- No open-coil space heaters are permitted in any University buildings.
- Space heaters of any type are prohibited in laboratories.
- Always turn off a heater and unplug it when you leave the office. Never leave an operating heater unattended.
- Before use, ensure that the heater is clean and not covered with dust. The cord must be in good condition and not frayed.
- Never run a power cord under a carpet or floor mat.
- Never use a heater where flammable materials or vapors may be present.
- Do not place a heater in or near wet areas or in high traffic areas such as exit ways.
- Inspect space heaters at least annually and have them repaired, as needed, by a qualified electrician. Heaters that cannot be repaired must be discarded with the plug cut off to prevent use by others.
- Do not place space heaters near room thermostats.
All requests for exemptions to this policy in academic or office areas should be directed to Facilities Services via an online work order request or by calling x6-8500.