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Potentially Dangerous Frost Heater.

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https://www.bltdirect.com/400-watt-frost-protection-convector-heater?adcid=brandseterna&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIobHcw7734QIVTLvtCh3sCQvSEAAYASAAEgJqk_D_BwE



Ref. ETERNA Model FPH400 Frost Protection Heater. 400-450 Watts. Wall Mounting.


This thermostatic heater has metal front and back panels. The ends are made of a plastic material which is vented at the top and bottom parts.


If partially covered, as the one that I have seen was, the plastic will become very very brittle and will decompose and crumble allowing a small hand to be able to enter the heater and touch live parts. This could happen if the heater is accidentally covered by a curtain or discarded item of clothing etc. A curtain covered only a small part of the top of one plastic end moulding, not the whole top,  and the end plastic moulding top fell away like so much brittle powdery seaside rock. It just turned to dust.


Z.






  • 0
    A better image.

    https://www.sparksdirect.co.uk/download/500STB.pdf


    Z.
  • 0
    ...and the better image includes the safety instructions which specifically state "Always ensure...that the heater is not positioned close to flammable materials such as curtains, drapes, etc....."

    (I'm not defending the heater, just pointing this out).
  • 0

    Alasdair Anderson:

    ...and the better image includes the safety instructions which specifically state "Always ensure...that the heater is not positioned close to flammable materials such as curtains, drapes, etc....."

    (I'm not defending the heater, just pointing this out).




    Yes, indeed Alasdair,

                                         but if overheating causes the heater to decompose creating an open hole, then  that is not good. A Dimplex frost heater is made of all steel and is much safer. The Eterna heater also has a label saying DO NOT COVER, but accidents do happen. 


    Z.

  • 0
    I fully agree, which is why I said I was not defending the heater.
  • 0
    I wrote out and handed a housing association tenant a dangerous situation report as they had put floor length curtains over a heater similar to this, then emailed a copy of it to the housing association.


    I trust that you advised your client to have the heater relocated or removed, alternatively that the curtains are shorten or replaced.


    Andy
  • 0
    I've known this kind of embrittlement happen on a scarier scale. A CE 'marked' (not BS kitemarked) multi socket outlet, (the long thin ones known to our american friends as power strips) exposed to heat and UV in a conservatory, on attempting to remove a plug, fell apart into 'sand'. leaving me holding 3 'busbars',  and looking surprised. (thankfully not shocked as the event was part of a rewire so the breaker was already off).


    But it makes me wonder how many people only survive just because...


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