Hey folks. I'm looking at building a smaller shop, 12X15 and I of course want to heat it. I will be running basic wire out to the shop but my heat of choice is going to be a safe one. Since I will have gas and paint and other flammable liquids in storage there I was going to use a small radiator type heater. it's the kind you can set and it heats up interior oil and then goes off when it' s not needed. It appears to be safe for my needs but I wanted to check with you all first. Thanks in advance!

 

Check with your local bldg. dept. before you do ANYTHING!

Codes vary A LOT from one place to the next, but what you are thinking about would require a permit where I live.

First, it's more than 120 sq. ft.

Adding electrical would require a permit, regardless of the size of the shed or shop.

Ditto adding heat.

 

I live out in the sticks, none of the building codes affect me, i've already checked. That aside did you have any feedback on my actual question?

 

firelion..I think you are talking about the plug in style heaters..? If so, then shouldn't be any problem as long as wiring is adequate. They do take a long while to warm up the area, we used to use them in office spaces when the ship was in the yards.

 

From your post I'm not sure if you plan on using the heater only when you are in the shed or try to use it as a constant heat source.

You do not ever want to leave a space heater of any kind unattended.Space heaters,even sealed oil units,can overload wiring and cause fires when left on for long periods of time.

You want to be certain the circuit this heater is on even if you only plan to use it occasionally is adequately rated for the unit.Any electrical item with a heating element draws more power than almost anything else and you want a decent amp range to handle it especially if the same circuit is used for other purposes.

If you plan on heating the shed only when you are in it then an oil type might not be the best choice because of as stated the time it takes to heat an area.

 

While most cases this is true, if you plan for the heater and install a dedicated circuit for it, it should never overload the wiring no matter how long it is on.


Good advice here!

 

If you knew how many space heater's I've seen melt their own cord when left on,have the cord and/or the plug get so hot it couldn't be touched or the cord's heat damage the receptacle....

I'd never advise anyone to leave an electric space heater unattended for any more than a minute or two.