['77 Regal]

I am interested in starting some light bodywork this winter in my 1 car garage [], should there be any concerns with using an electric heater?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Brian

[daimon1054]

A lot depends on the heating element, not all electric heaters are created equally. Some use contact type switches that arc every time they open; I have even seen flashlights cause explosions when they were turned on in the wrong place (not a paint booth but it really woke me up!) The safest bet is always to have the heat source and all electrical equipment the is not intrinsically safe outside. I use a blue blower with a heat attachment http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/MAN92.html this is a site where I saw it but I bought it locally. I put the fan and heater outside then use a flexible a/c duct to blow the warm air in. That way all the air that is heated or in contact with the electronic parts is clean I also don’t need to warm the air a bunch as a Louisiana winter might hit freezing for 3 days if we get unlucky. Most time it is between 50 – 80 deg f, in fact it is a bone chilling 65 right now.

[astroracer]

Ever hear of a grain elevator exploding? Same thing here exactly... Do like Daimon said and keep the heater out of contact with ANY bondo, paint or thinner fumes and/or dust...
Mark

[kenseth17]

never have anything that has an open flame or produces a spark. I've painted in 30 below with a keroseen heater, but warmed up the garage real hot and didn't have it on while painting or there was still overspray in the garage. I like the other guys ideas about venting it in, I'll have to try that if I ever pick up a side job.

[lluciano77]

Don't use any more extension cords or power strips than necessary. Those heaters draw a lot of amps.

[Kevin45]

My father was doing some painting with a woodburner going. He said he looked down at the floor because he thought he saw something out of the corner of his eye. Blue flames rolling across the floor. That cured him. Luckily no explosion.

Kevin

[firebirdfanatic]

No matter what type of heater you use, think before you set it down. You would be amazed at what is combustible. Coffe creamer (powder) is combustible under the right circumstances.

[Huskinhano]

Great post! Residential garages are considered class 1 division 2 locations. Meaning that combustables gases aren't normally in the atmosphere, but could be. This is becuase it's believed you're parking a car here. The safe limit is 48"

However, once you start painting or sanding, you've created a class 1 or 2 (vapor or dust) division 1 location that requires explosion proof wiring!