Policy - The Use of Space Heaters at BYU-Idaho

 The use of portable heating devices, particularly space heaters, has contributed to many industrial and residential fires.  Here on campus, the uncontrolled use of space heaters has caused many problems; e.g. overloading electrical circuits, shutting down the heat to areas of the building, shutting down computer circuits causing loss of data and additional problems with computer programs, etc. 

 This policy has been prepared to clarify the university’s position on this subject.  If your area is cold, please contact Facilities Management and they will send over someone from HVAC to adjust the heat in your area making it more comfortable.  However, there are special circumstances when space heaters may be needed, it is for those times that the following has been established.

 The use of portable space heaters will be permitted when approved by Facilities Management and the Safety Office.  All approved space heaters shall meet the following minimum requirements:

Ø      U.L. listed.

Ø      The unit must be in excellent working condition.

Ø      Ceramic or Radiant heaters, or heat panels only will be approved.

Ø      Tip-over sensor that automatically shuts down the unit when accidentally tipped over.

Ø      Cool, to the touch, body construction.

Ø      Automatic over-temperature sensor which shuts down the unit.

Ø      The electrical cord is the 3-prong, grounded type, or internally grounded 2 prong type.

Ø      The heater shall not be plugged into the same electrical circuit as the computers.

Ø      Low Amperage (3 to 12 amps)

Ø      The heaters are to be placed only on the floor when in operation.

Ø      Combustible materials are to be kept at least 3 feet from the unit, or separated by a fire resistant barrier.

Ø      The space heater is to be turned off when you leave the area for more that 30 minutes and at the end of each day.

Ø      Only extension cords approved by the Facilities Management Electrical Department and/or the Safety Department may be used with space heaters.  These cords must be UL tested and marked as either 14 AGW or 12 AGW.  Higher numbers (16 +) mean a lighter duty cord and may overheat, causing a fire.

Ø      Since the added heat in the area can, and many times does, effect the heating for the entire area, HVAC has to be contacted and final approval of placement will be by them.

 This policy is in effect as of December 3, 2004, and has the full support of the Presidents Council.  If you have any questions concerning this information, please contact the Safety Office at 2457, or Marie Wells in the Facilities Management Customer Service Center at 2431.