A torpedo heater is a generally portable heater that has a cylindrical shape and two wheels and a carrying handle. They are powerful heaters that can easily heat large areas. Torpedo heaters are commonly used in construction sites and other large outdoor areas. They can be powered by electricity, kerosene or gasonline.
Basic Torpedo Heater Safety Tips
Choose a torpedo heater that has been tested and certified by a recognized testing laboratory in your country. Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe use. Only use an electric or vented fuel torpedo heater in a mobile home. Do not leave the heater on while sleeping or are out of the room. Place a torpedo heater on a hard flat surface, do not use it on carpets or rugs. Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture, bedding, curtains and other flammable materials. Do not use or store flammable liquids near the stove because vapors can ignite.
Electric Torpedo Heater Safety Tips
Do not direct the hot air from the torpedo electric heater under a rug or carpet, as they may overheat and cause a fire. The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you must use one, choose a wire #12 or #14 AWG that has been tested by an independent laboratory in your country. The heater plug should fit snugly into the socket. If the plug or the cord feels hot or if the fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet trips, unplug the heater to prevent a possible fire. Get an authorized electrician or technician to check the heater and the output before they are used again. Do not use an electric heater torpedo in a moist or wet area unless it is certified for such use.
Kerosene Torpedo Heater Safety Tips
Store kerosene in a blue ‘kerosene’ container. Do not put kerosene in a container which previously contained gas, and do not use gas and kerosene mixed together in a kerosene heater. Gas increases the flammability of kerosene, which could cause a fire. Use only 1-K grade kerosene heater in your torpedo heater, and do not fill the tank beyond the full mark. Kerosene expands when it is heated and if your overfill it could overflow and cause a fire. Mark sure that you only refuel the heater outdoors, and when it is turned off and has cooled down. Do not move torpedo the heater while it is operating or still hot. Allow maximum ventilation when using your heater to prevent accumulation of toxic gases from the torpedo heater. If a fire occurs, turn off the heater if it is safe to do so and call the fire department or 911. Don’t try to extinguish the fire with water or a blanket.
Gas Torpedo Heater Safety Tips
Unvented gas heaters built after 1983 have sensors that detect oxygen depletion levels. This allows the sensor to shut off the heater before dangerous levels of carbon dioxide can accumulate. You should always leave the room doors open to the rest of the house to avoid the accumulation of toxic gases. If you smell gas while the heater is on, turn it off immediately and open all windows and doors. Do not touch any electrical switches or telephones as a spark can ignite gas vapors. Leave the area and call an authorized repair technician.