Inspection | Electric Heater Inspection Standards and Methods

Electric heaters pose fatal risks

New York apartment fire (17 dead) caused by malfunctioning bedroom space heater → Core hidden dangers : mechanical structure failure, lack of overheating protection, insulation degradation

14 mandatory safety tests for electric heaters (GB 4706.23 / IEC 60335-2-30)

1. Electrical safety

1. Protection against electric shock

   • The shell structure ensures Fingers cannot touch live parts (test finger detection)

2. Power deviation control

   • Measured input power ≤ nominal value ±10% (to prevent overload)

3. Leakage current limit

   Equipment type	Limit
   Class II appliances	≤0.25mA
   Class I portable	≤0.75mA
   Class I stationary electric heater	≤0.75mA/kW (maximum 5mA)

4. Electrical strength test

   • Hi-pot test : 1500V~3750V (depending on insulation level) for 1 minute → No breakdown

   • Transient overvoltage : pulse voltage test (lightning protection/power grid fluctuation)

2. Structural Safety

5. Overheat protection

   • Surface temperature: Hand-held parts ≤ 60℃, non-handled metal ≤ 85℃

   • Tipping protection: 15° tilt Automatic power off (mandatory!)

6. Mechanical strength

   • Impact test : 0.5J spring hammer hits the shell → no cracks/electrical exposure

   • Protective mesh : withstand 5kg load for 1 minute → No permanent deformation

7. Internal wiring

   • Wire wear protection: sharp edges with insulating sleeves, active parts Ten thousand times bending test

   • Grounding wire: Yellow and green , resistance ≤ 0.1Ω

3. Material Safety

8. Flame retardant grade

   part	Test temperature	Require
   Supporting insulation material for live parts	850℃ glow wire	Self-extinguishing within 30 seconds
   External non-metallic parts	650℃ glow wire	Silk paper does not catch fire

9. Moisture-proof and waterproof

   • IP rating verification: Indoor type ≥ IPX1 (anti-vertical dripping water)

   • After humidity treatment (95%RH/48h) → Insulation resistance ≥ 2MΩ

4. Key Safety Design

10. Grounding measures

    • Class I appliances: Grounding priority connection (grounding first and then power on when plugging in or out)

11. Safety gap

    • Between charged bodies Creepage distance ≥3mm , electrical clearance ≥2.5mm (arc protection)

12. Childproofing

    • Air outlet grid spacing <5mm or >12mm → Finger-proof

Core standards for global market access

 Amazon mandatory requirements : UL certification is required for US sites, and CE+EMC reports are required for EU sites

Consumer safety advice

1. Placement specifications :

   • Keep away from curtains/sheets ≥1 meter, and do not cover clothes during drying.

2. Electrical safety :

   • Use independent sockets to avoid connecting power strips in series

3. Childproof :

   • Choose a model without exposed heating elements (such as oil heaters, fan heaters)

4. Fault symptoms :

   • Unusual smell, unusual noise, temperature control failure → Deactivate immediately

Accident replay : New York fire heater suspected Dumping without power outage + An internal short circuit and failure of the double safety mechanism led to the tragedy.
Compliant products must pass Stability (Clause 9) and Electric strength (Clause 7) Double verification!