Space Heater Safety

When the temperatures drop outside, it can be tempting to bring your space heater to campus. However, there are some important safety restrictions you must consider prior to bringing a space heater to UNT. 

Before purchasing a space heater, contact UNT Facilities at 940-565-2700 or submit a work order to verify the your work area cannot already be made more comfortable with adjustments to the HVAC system. If you still wish to have a space heater in your area after contacting Facilities, please complete this Space Heater Request Form. When you fill out this form, the Fire & Life Safety Team will be notified. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for further contact from the staff. The team will work with Facilities to ensure your space is appropriate and approved for space heater use. Please do NOT purchase a space heater until Fire & Life Safety confirms a space heater can be used in the space requested.

If you have already purchased a space heater, please check it to ensure it complies with UNT's space heater requirements. Space heaters used on campus must meet the following requirements:

  • Operate on no more than 250 watts of power
  • Be electric
  • Be equipped with a tip-over, cut-off protection device 
  • Have the seal of an independent testing laboratory
  • Not exceed the circuitry limits, as evaluated by UNT Facilities
  • Be inspected and approved by the Emergency Management & Safety Services Fire & Life Safety Office

When the Fire & Life Safety Team has finished coordinating with Facilities to approve the space, they will contact you to schedule a time for a space heater inspection. If the space heater passes inspection, it will be given a tag for approval and use.

Thank you for your help in keeping the campus safe. If you have questions, please call 940-369-6436. 

Submit a Space Heater Request

 

Space Heater Use

When using a space heater, always adhere to these safety recommendations:

  • Plug the space heater into the wall, NOT into an extension cord
  • Run the heater away from combustible materials, included desks and chairs
  • Keep the heater on a solid, flat surface, away from foot traffic
  • Keep heaters away from exits, so as to not impede egress
  • Turn off and unplug the space heater when you leave the room

Read the full space heater guidance here.