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Products and appliances

Heat guns

Heat guns usage and safety

A heat gun comes in handy when you need to strip old paint from timber or pipework. But it’s important to always take proper safety precautions.

Heat guns (sometimes referred to as hot air guns) are electric hand tools which look and work in a similar way to hair dryers.

They use a fan that pulls air into the body of the tool, drives it across an electric heating element, and then out through a nozzle.

These tools are lightweight and less likely than blow torches to scorch wood or crack glass.

But the hot air flow of a heat gun can reach up to 650 degrees Celsius so is still capable of causing flammable items to catch fire and to cause injury if directed onto the skin.

As well as cabled and cordless electrical models, gas-powered models are available.

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Key points

  • All cabled electric heat guns must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
  • Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand heat guns.
  • Keep children, animals and pregnant women away from the work area as fumes emitted by the melting paint could be harmful.
  • Ensure the surface you’re working on is free from debris such as shavings and sawdust as they could catch fire.
  • When finished using the heat gun, place it on a heatproof surface and leave it to cool completely before storing it away.

Buying a heat gun

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
  • Avoid buying second-hand heat guns as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards. 
  • Safety features to look for include thermal cut-out if the tool becomes too hot, a pressure-sensitive power switch on the handle to automatically turn off the tool if dropped or released, a built-in rest stand so the heat gun can be put down safely with the hot nozzle facing up, temperature controls, and insulated guards to prevent contact with the hot nozzle.
  • Register your heat gun so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a heat gun safely

  • Before you start, for cabled heat guns make sure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, plug the heat gun into an extension lead or fully unwound cable reel to extend your reach safely.
  • It’s recommended to keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of any problems.
  • Check the heat gun and cable for any signs of damage and don’t use it if you spot anything suspect.
  • Wear safety goggles, heat-resistant gloves, and a respirator mask.
  • Keep the area you’re working in well-ventilated.
  • Tie back long hair and don’t wear any loose clothing.
  • Keep children, animals and pregnant women away from the work area as fumes emitted by the melting paint could be harmful. Be aware that homes built before the mid-1960s may have lead-based paint as it wasn’t formally banned for domestic use until 1992.
  • Ensure the surface you’re working on is free from debris such as shavings and sawdust as they could catch fire.
  • Only use the heat setting recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Don’t block the air inlet grills on the heat gun when it’s in use.
  • When finished using the heat gun, place it on a heatproof surface and leave it to cool completely before storing it away.
  • If you notice any unusual noises, or sparking switch the heat gun off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
  • If it’s a cabled heat gun, unplug it before cleaning and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
  • An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the heat gun. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the heat gun is plugged in.
  • For a cordless heat gun, only charge the battery using the original charger or a replacement charger obtained from the manufacturer or reputable retailer.
  • Charge it in a safe place on a stable surface and disconnect batteries once they are charged.
  • Don’t leave it charging overnight as this could be a fire risk.
  • If the battery emits any unusual odours, sparks, smoke, swelling, cracks, or you see any form of damage, stop using the battery immediately and make sure it is unplugged from the charger.
  • If you need a replacement or additional battery, or if your current battery no longer holds a charge, buy directly from the original manufacturer or authorised retailer.
  • Don’t use batteries from other manufacturers or battery adapters, as these may pose safety risks.

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
  • Register your heat gun with the manufacturer.
  • Store the heat gun in a cool, dry place.  

AVOID

  • Buying second-hand heat guns or from third-party sellers online.
  • Blocking the air inlet grills on the heat gun when it’s in use.
  • Using the heat gun if you spot any signs of damage.
  • Charging a cordless heat gun overnight. 

     

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Additional info

Heat guns typically consume between 1,000 and 2,000 watts (1-2 kW) of energy, with most standard models operating at roughly 1,500W to 1,800W.

A 1,500-watt tool used for 30 minutes consumes 0.75 kWh, making them high-power tools that, while often used intermittently, are energy-intensive during operation.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

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Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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