As a rule of thumb, you should allow for 3-feet of clearance in front of the heater and 6 inches to either side and above the heater. We always recommend consulting the heaters owner's manual as specific requirements may vary from product to product.
Always make sure that there is at least a three feet clearance space between the heater and other objects in the area. This could be TVs, Speakers, ceiling fans, lights or sprinklers. Extra care should be taken with fabrics, such as awnings, blinds or curtains as these items tend to be highly flammable.
Gas heaters need at least 3 feet (36 inches) of clearance from ceilings and walls due to their higher heat output and potential gas ventilation needs. Electric heaters, on the other hand, often require only 15–25 cm above and around them because they are designed to direct heat more efficiently and safely.
603.5. 3 Heating Appliance Clearance to Combustible Materials
A minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) shall be maintained between gas or fuel-oil heat-producing appliances and combustible materials. A minimum of 36 inches (914 mm) shall be maintained between solid fuel-burning appliances and combustible materials.
Never place anything on top of a space heater. At least 3 feet of clearance must be maintained around the heater at all times. Combustible materials like paper, plastic, and cloth must be kept away from the heater. Electric cords must be kept out of foot traffic paths to prevent tripping.
Proper Use
Keep the space heater at least three feet from anything that can burn, such as furniture, fabrics and decorations. “More than half (53 percent) of all home heating fire deaths resulted from fires that began when heating equipment was too close to things that can burn,” reports the NFPA.
Pieces of furniture and other objects increase the risk of fire when they're placed too close to a baseboard heater. You should place all objects, including fabrics, cushions, or wooden items, 6 to 12 inches away from the heaters. These can easily catch fire when exposed to sustained heat.
DO NOT place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
I.e. General opinion accepts that an allowance of at least 30 inches all around the heating system is enough. That means; you should place the furnace at least 30 inches from the nearest wall. Also, every other item in the perimeter of the furnace should be at least 30 inches away.
Most home heating deaths happened because a space heater was too close to furniture, clothing, mattresses, or bedding. Make sure your heater is at least three feet from anything that can burn.
At the flue cap you must have at least 3 metres clearance to your adjacent roof, and minimum 6 metres horizontally to any nearby structures or buildings. Not meeting these requirements could cause the fire to burn incorrectly, cause a smoke nuisance, or could create a fire hazard.
Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
What are the Clearance Requirements? As a rule of thumb, you should allow for 3-feet of clearance in front of the heater and 6 inches to either side and above the heater. We always recommend consulting the heaters owner's manual as specific requirements may vary from product to product.
Place it somewhere safe
For example, never place your space heater near flammable materials such as bedding and curtains. Also be sure to keep your heater out of bathrooms, as moisture can damage the unit. And finally, choose an area that is protected from small children and pets.
However, there are other safety recommendations you should follow with this sort of heater, as well. These include clearing three feet in front of your baseboard heater, six inches to each side, and 12 inches above it.
Make sure to always use a baseboard heater cover. These covers can help direct hot air that emanates from the heater keeping it away from the lower and foot areas of furniture nearby.
Drapery or furniture placed too close to heaters can also be a problem. Especially when it comes to electric baseboard heaters, you should treat your baseboard heaters with respect. Ensure there is an 18 inch space between hydronic baseboard heaters and drapes or furniture.
Safe Distance: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from any furniture or flammable materials.
The CPSC calls it the “3-foot rule,” and it's pretty simple: Avoid placing a space heater within 3 feet of anything flammable. Some manuals list curtains, papers, furniture, pillows, and bedding as objects to stay away from.
Allow 91 cm (36 inches) of clearance in front of a fan heater; 6 inches to the sides, and 12 inches above the heater.
Twelve inches or more is a generally recommended distance between furniture and electric heaters. To the sides, the furniture can be as close as 6 inches away. But the farther away, the better.
Place Space Heaters at Least Three Feet Away from Combustibles. Combustible materials such as blankets, curtains and newspapers can easily catch on fire. Be sure to keep these types of materials at least three feet away from space heaters. Turn off space heaters when you leave the room, house, or go to bed.
On a carpet, rug or flammable surface
Space heaters can't sit on any surface that can easily scorch or catch on fire. That means you can never place one on a carpet or rug. You should also avoid using them on more delicate hardwoods or meltable vinyl, especially for long periods.