Safety & Clearances
https://support.focalheat.co/safety-and-clearances/
On this page
- Read this first
- General warnings
- Heat & burn hazards
- Electrical safety
- Minimum clearances
- Clearance rules
- Installation & use
- When to stop and call Focal
Read this first
Read these instructions carefully before installing or operating. Improper installation, use, or maintenance may result in serious injury or property damage — use only as directed.
Focal heaters are for covered outdoor areas only, protected from direct rain, water spray, and standing water. They also carry an indoor rating, but must never be where water can reach the unit.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in fire, electric shock, injury, or death.
General warnings
- Read all instructions before installing or operating.
- Use the heater only as described in this documentation. Any other use may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
- Focal heaters and rails must only be used in the allowable configurations Focal specifies. Never exceed the maximum number of heaters per rail.
Heat & burn hazards
- Do not tamper with or open the interior of the heater.
- Do not keep combustible materials (e.g. furniture, awnings, fabric, paper, decorations) near the heaters.
- Do not hang any objects from the heater or its mounting brackets.
- Do not operate near flammable vapors or liquids such as gasoline or solvents.
The exterior surface can exceed 70°C (158°F) during operation. The only part anyone should ever touch is the pull-cord.
Electrical safety
- The heater runs on 120VAC, 60 Hz. Connect only to a properly installed, GFCI-protected, dedicated outlet.
- Do not use the heater if the power cord or plug is damaged.
- Do not use an extension cord or power strip. Plug directly into a dedicated outdoor outlet.
- Do not run the cord under flooring, decking, or coverings where it can be pinched or damaged.
- Outdoors, always use a weather-protected outlet with an in-use weatherproof cover.
- Unplug the heater before relocating it, or before any cleaning or maintenance, or when not in use long-term.
Minimum clearances
Every install must meet these distances, measured from the heater and rail to the nearest surface.
| Reference | Dimension | Minimum distance |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling, above rail | A | 0 in (0 cm) |
| Wall, side of rail | B | 20 in (51 cm) |
| Objects under the heater | C | 36 in (91 cm) |
| Floor to bottom of rail | D | 84 in / 7 ft — use 90 in where people walk under |
| Wall to side of heater facing down | E | 20 in (51 cm) |
Note: each round heating spot is 8” in diameter on either side of the rail. Two rails mounted end to end must keep at least 4” of space between them.
Clearance rules
Mount above the table surface, out of the way of normal use.
Mount where people brush against the heater or its hot parts.
- Never install heaters or place objects near them without meeting the required clearances.
- Never block or obstruct the front of the heater.
- Keep curtains, awnings, umbrellas, and fabric roofs at least 20 in from the heater, and never hang or drape anything on the rail or heaters.
Installation & use
- Install only on solid surfaces capable of holding 300 lb.
- Keep the power cord away from hot surfaces and the heated air from the front of the heater.
- Do not power on the heater until installation is complete, clearances are verified, and mounting is secure.
When to stop and call Focal
Discontinue use immediately and contact Focal Support if you notice any of these:
- Physical damage to the housing or grille
- Burned, frayed, or damaged power cord or plug
- Unusual odors or sounds during operation
- Heater won't turn on or respond to controls
- Any other visible or suspected electrical or heating damage
The heater has no user-serviceable parts. All service beyond basic cleaning must be done by Focal-authorized personnel.