In recent years, during the winter season, a series of heating devices have emerged and become popular to serve the increasing demand for temperature control in rooms and homes. One of these devices is called a heater lamp, which is often installed inside bathrooms, especially in households with elderly or young children.
Due to its installation in typically damp areas that may have frequent contact with water, if the heater lamp is not used correctly or is of low quality, there is a high risk of dangerous fire accidents. The following video is an example of such a incident.
The video was uploaded by a social media user named Nguyen Anh around January 2023, capturing the scene of a family’s heater lamp igniting.
The heater lamp in the family’s bathroom suddenly ignites. (Photo by Nguyen Anh)
In early 2021, another user also shared a similar incident with their bathroom heater lamp. Specifically, the user wrote: “Anyone who has installed it, please check it. Mine has been installed for about 3 months, but yesterday morning when I turned it on while brushing my teeth, it exploded. Luckily, it wasn’t while bathing the child.” Accompanying the status was an image of the shattered heater lamp on the floor.
Another incident with a heater lamp shared by a user on social media in early 2021. (Photo by FBNV)
How to use bathroom heater lamps safely?
A heater lamp is a device designed with 2-4 light bulbs. When activated, it not only provides warm light, but also a warmer sensation for the room and individuals. Currently, there are two commonly used types of heater lamps on the market: infrared lamps and halogen lamps. These devices can be installed as wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted fixtures.
According to manufacturers and distributors, most heater lamps are designed specifically for use in bathrooms with features such as fire and explosion resistance, water and heat resistance, and automatic power cutoff capabilities. However, as the incidents shared by users have shown, accidents can still occur. They can be caused by incorrect user habits or the purchase of low-quality heater lamps.
Bathroom heater lamps have gained popularity in recent years. (Illustrative photo)
Firstly, considering user habits when using a heater lamp, there are a few things to note. When purchasing and installing a heater lamp, it is necessary to hire a skilled and experienced electrician to ensure proper installation according to standard methods. A thorough check of power, voltage, installation position, and other factors such as the outlet and wiring must meet quality standards. Additionally, it is important to install an automatic power cutoff relay for the heater lamp to ensure that the electricity is cut off automatically in the event of fire or explosion. This recommendation was also made by the Hanoi Police Fire Prevention and Fighting Department in 2021, specifically for households using bathroom heater lamps and other heating devices.
The installation position of the heater lamp is also crucial. If it is a wall-mounted lamp, it should not be placed too high near the ceiling or too low near the floor. Many technicians suggest that the ideal position for installing a heater lamp is about 1.8 – 2 meters high, higher than the showerhead. This distance is the safest, allowing the device to maximize its power while minimizing the risk of water splashes. Objects should not be placed near the heater lamp, especially flammable objects such as clothes. Explaining this issue, Lieutenant Colonel Do Anh Quyen, Deputy Head of the North Tu Liem District Police and Firefighting Department in Hanoi, analyzed: “The heater lamp is a high-temperature heating device that can ignite nearby objects.”
The heater lamp should be installed higher and away from the showerhead to prevent water from splashing into the device. (Illustrative photo)
Throughout its use, it is important to avoid direct water contact with the heater lamp. Although it is designed to be waterproof, prolonged and intense exposure to water can increase the risk of fire. The ideal duration of heater lamp operation should not exceed a long period of time throughout the day due to its high power and heat radiation. If left on for too long, the temperature of the device can become extremely hot, leading to a higher risk of fire. It is best to only turn on the device for about 30 – 40 minutes per session when needed and allow the device to “rest” in between.
The origin and source of the device are also important factors to consider. When making a purchase, users should carefully check the brand or distributor of the device and choose reputable names with clear warranty policies. It is not wise to have a “cheap” mindset that leads to the purchase of low-quality heater lamps with unclear origins. These lamps may be significantly cheaper than genuine products, but they may have compromised safety structures, reducing their quality, efficiency, and increasing the risk of fire and shorter lifespan.
Upon purchasing a device, users should consider its origin, safety standards, and other quality criteria. (Illustrative photo)
In addition to the brand, users can also look for a detail on the device to choose a high-quality heater lamp. That is the presence of a conformity label (CR). The label indicates that the product has been tested for quality and safety compliance according to the National Technical Standards for Safety of Electrical and Electronic Equipment issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
In the event that a family’s bathroom heater lamp exhibits signs such as flickering, abnormal blinking, strange noises like popping or buzzing, or any unusual behavior, the user should immediately stop using it and call a technician for inspection.
Source: Đời Sống Pháp Luật
