Shock From Heaters
Touching a heater might result in mild to intense shock. Mild shocks are the result of static electricity, while a more painful shock indicates a problem with the heater itself. Static electricity occurs more often during the winter and is generally not cause for alarm. If you feel any lingering pain from the shock, you should see a doctor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Static Electricity
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Static electricity occurs as the result of atoms on your skin jumping across the gap between your body and an electrical item. When surrounding air has less humidity, the risk of shock from static electricity increases. You might notice a small flash when you reach out to touch the heater or a small spark. Scuffing your feet across the floor will make the shock greater.
Other Causes of Shock
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A heater might cause a shock as the result of a faulty cord. The cord's outer sheath protects your skin from the electricity that courses throughout the heater. Any damage to the cord, such as fraying, reduces the protection and causes a shock. Breaking one prong off a three prong cord for use in a three prong outlet can also cause electric shock. You might also feel a mild or intense shock when touching the heater due to nearby standing water or an overloaded outlet.
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Prevention
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Before using a heater in your home, check the cord. If the cord shows any signs of damage, do not use the heater. Replace the cord yourself or hire a professional to replace the cord. If you only have two prong outlets in your home, consider hiring a professional to replace those outlets with grounded outlets that contain three prongs. You can also use an adaptor that changes a three-prong cord into a two-prong cord. Only use the heater in dry areas and never around any water source. During the winter, run a humidifier in your home. The humidifier increases the humidity in the room, which reduces the chances of static electricity.
Warning
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An electric shock can lead to cardiac arrest, thermal burns or damage to your tissue, muscles or nerves. Look for symptoms of electric shock in yourself or the person that touched the heater. If you notice muscle spasms, pain, seizures, tingling in the skin, headache, vision problems, hearing problems or a loss of consciousness, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Those symptoms might indicate damage caused by the electrical shock.
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