Legislative Requirements for Appliances with Integrated Heating Elements?

All electrical equipment is inherently a fire hazard. This applies particularly to appliances whose purpose is to generate heat. These appliances are often widespread (coffee machines, kettles, fan heaters, radiators, etc.) and are typically found in households or offices. Furthermore, these devices are sometimes operated on a power strip, which further increases the risk of fire. The following regulations, among others, must be taken into account when using appliances with heating elements:

• VdS 2000 (Guidelines for Fire Protection in Operations)
• VdS 2015 (Electrical Appliances and Systems)
• VdS 2046 (Safety Regulations for Electrical Systems up to 1000 Volts)
• VDE 0105-100:2015-10 (Operation of Electrical Systems)
• Industrial Safety Ordinance 2015 (BetrSichV 2015) Section 3 Risk Assessment

Excerpt from VdS 2015 (Information Sheet “Electrical Appliances and Systems”) Paragraph 2.4:

Stoves, cookers, deep fryers, immersion heaters, ironing equipment, fan heaters, radiant heaters, charging power supplies (for cell phones, laptops), and the like must be set up and used in such a way that they do not pose a fire hazard to the surroundings. Therefore, always place or use portable electrical appliances on a fireproof mat and at a sufficient distance from flammable objects.

Excerpt from VdS 2046 (Safety Regulations for Electrical Systems up to 1000 Volts) Paragraph 2.11 Electric Heating Appliances:

Electric heating appliances must be mounted or set up in such a way that they cannot cause a fire. The operating instructions for the respective appliance must be strictly observed. Reference is made to VdS 2279 (Electric Heating Appliances and Electric Heating Systems) and VdS 2278 (Electric Heating Appliances).