Safety is naturally a key consideration for anyone looking to install a fireplace in their home or space, and with good reason. With the right basic precautions and quality fireplace equipment, achieving a beautiful fireplace setup that’s completely safe is easily possible – though the precautions you take will vary depending on which sort of fireplace you purchase.

At Uintah Fireplace and Design, we’re happy to offer a huge selection of both gas and electric fireplaces, each of which comes with built-in safety features and instructions for safe, proper use. Focusing specifically on electric fireplaces, are these appliances safe for general use? What are some of the key precautions to take around them to ensure full safety for everyone in a given space? Let’s go over all the important factors to consider here.

Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

From a general standpoint, the simple answer here is yes – electric fireplaces are perfectly safe for general use. These appliances generate heat through an electric element, and do not require any venting or combustion of materials to achieve their end goal – meaning there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or other air quality-related issues like you’d find with a gas fireplace. In addition, most models come standard with a childproofing feature that automatically turns off the heat when left unattended, further reducing any risk of accidental injury.

That said, there are still a few important safety precautions to consider with electric fireplaces – if these are not followed, they can become dangerous in a hurry. We’ll go over these in our subsequent sections.

Safe Distances

Whether we’re talking about people or objects, one key safety guideline to keep in mind is that the surrounding material should be kept at least one foot away from the electric fireplace. This rule applies both when it’s running and when it’s off – even though an electric fireplace does not generate any combustion byproducts, there can still be a risk of mild scalding if someone were to come in contact with its hot exterior.

In addition, it’s also important to take care when placing any combustible items (e.g., newspapers, furniture, etc.) near the fireplace – these should be kept in an area with at least three feet of clearance from the sides and top of the electric fireplace. This precaution ensures that nothing accidentally catches fire while the fireplace is operating.

Avoid Touching

Especially if you have children or pets in your home, it’s important to be mindful of any handling of the electric fireplace itself. Most models come with a cool-to-the-touch exterior, but some may still present a mild scalding risk if handled for too long – so it’s best to avoid any direct contact with the appliance when possible. If you know your fireplace gets very hot and could risk burning a child or pet in your home, you might consider some sort of barrier to keep them away, such as a safety gate.

Unplug During Non-Use

Like with many other electric appliances, it’s always a good idea to unplug your electric fireplace when it is not currently in use – this will help prevent any accidental injury from the appliance being switched on while unattended. It will also reduce any risks of tripping over power cords, which is particularly important if you have young children or elderly people in your home.

It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case any unexpected accidents occur. With these simple precautions, you can safely enjoy the beauty and comfort of an electric fireplace without risk of injury!

Ensure Outlet Safety

Down related lines, another key factor to consider when using an electric fireplace is the safety of your outlets. This is especially important if you’re using a wall-mounted unit that requires hardwiring – make sure that all wiring and connections are up to code and certified by a licensed electrician. It’s also a good idea to inspect the outlet itself for any signs of damage (e.g., frayed cords, exposed wiring, etc.) to help ensure it’s in good working order.

By taking these simple precautions, you can help make sure your electric fireplace remains safe and hazard-free for many years to come!

For more here, or to learn about any of our electric fireplace options or services for SLC clients, speak to our dedicated team at Uintah Fireplace and Design today.