Electrical Safety Advice for Patio Heaters

Patio heaters usage and safety

Patio heaters are a great way to stay warm and cosy outdoors without the hassle of rustling up a fire. But choosing the right one and using it carefully is vital to prevent the risk of fire.

Most patio heaters use either gas or electricity to generate heat. Electric ones are often faster at heating an outdoor space as they can reach higher temperatures more quickly.

Patio heaters can be categorised by the three types of infrared heat they produce – shortwave, medium wave and longwave.

Shortwave (or near) infrared heaters are commonly known as tungsten heaters, halogen heaters and quartz heaters and give plenty of heat with a quick warm-up time – although for larger outdoor areas, it’s better to have multiple heaters.

Mediumwave heaters can be used for longer periods as they are built with durable carbon filaments and are great in more exposed locations which are harder to heat. Longwave heaters tend to be more for commercial premises.

Key points

All patio heaters must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand heaters.

Place a heater on a level surface with plenty of space around it.

Keep other objects (especially flammable materials) a safe distance away.

If using an outdoor socket, ensure it is splashproof or waterproof.

Buying a patio heater

Buy from a reputable retailer or directly from a known manufacturer, rather than third-party online sellers, as unverified products may not meet UK safety standards.
Avoid buying second-hand patio heaters which may not comply with current regulations.
Before purchase, think about where you will plug in your patio heater. It needs to have a cable long enough to reach a socket as it shouldn’t be plugged into an extension lead.
If the socket is outside, it must be protected against splashes and rain (rated IP44) or preferably higher. Particularly if it’s likely to be subjected to water jets, then a rating of IP55 or IP66 may be needed.
Register your patio heater so you can be contacted if there is a safety recall. Registration also makes it easier to arrange repairs or replacements if needed.

Using a patio heater safely

If you are setting up a patio heater yourself, follow all the instructions carefully to avoid any electrical mishaps.
Place the heater on a level surface and avoid placing it directly on a grassy area. If possible, position it out of the reach of children and turn it off if there are children around and unattended.
Ensure there is plenty of space surrounding a patio heater. If your outdoor space is prone to wind, weigh down or anchor the heater to prevent it toppling over.
Keep the patio heater cables tidy to ensure no-one will trip over them as this could make the heater tip over and start a fire.
Limit any direct contact with the patio heater itself and never directly cover it while in use, this creates a fire hazard. Keep patio heaters away from combustible materials.
Never place anything above or below your patio heater. Check the instructions to ensure a safe distance is always kept to other objects.
Check your patio heater before turning it on and avoid using it if any of the wires or plug fixtures look damaged or worn out.
Patio heaters should be cleaned regularly to help reduce the build-up of any debris or dust that could cause the heater to overheat and become a fire hazard.
Never use your patio heater indoors – outdoor heaters should only be used on patios, terraces, gardens, or outdoor porches/decks. And don’t move a patio heater when it is on or just after it has been turned off, wait for it to cool down.
Sockets which supply equipment outdoors should always be protected by an RCD (residual current device). This protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the heater.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.

Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.

Keep all combustible materials well away from the patio heater.

AVOID

Buying second-hand or from third-party sellers online.
Placing anything above or below the patio heater.
Plugging a heater into an extension lead.
Leaving a heater unattended if there are children around.
Using the patio heater if there are signs of damage.

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.

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

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

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

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

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

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

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.

Additional info

Electric patio heaters are generally more cost-effective than gas but use more energy than most other electrical products in a home.

Smaller heaters can use around 600W whereas medium-sized ones use up to 2000W.

Outdoor temperatures, wind, and insulation all influence running costs so place a heater in a sheltered spot or combine it with a patio cover to improve efficiency.

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.

Check your appliances

Patio heaters