Rank: New forum user 
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Hi Guys,
I work for a housing association and oe of our tenants is an oxygen user, he lives in the front room of his house which at present has a gas fire, he is aware not to get the cylinder close to the fire for obvious reasons.
He has recently asked for an electric fire to be fitted instead, i know from experience that oxygen cylinders and sources of electricity that procduce heat do not mix well......
However; which would be less risky - gas fire or electric fire???
Any help / advice appreciated.
Kizzy
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Rank: Forum user
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kathryn wrote:Hi Guys,
I work for a housing association and oe of our tenants is an oxygen user, he lives in the front room of his house which at present has a gas fire, he is aware not to get the cylinder close to the fire for obvious reasons.
He has recently asked for an electric fire to be fitted instead, i know from experience that oxygen cylinders and sources of electricity that procduce heat do not mix well......
However; which would be less risky - gas fire or electric fire???
Any help / advice appreciated.
Kizzy Gas fire
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Rank: Super forum user
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ptaylor say gas fire. I suggest it makes no difference what the heat source is other than an electric fire simply produces heat whilst a gas fire produces flame. Oxygen itself will not burn it simple makes fire burn more readily, an excelerant. Oxygen is normally supplied through plastic piping to a valve on the wall so it is down to the istalation of the kit where this will run. Irrespective of the heating source this should be planned to avoid any hot spots. One point to remeber is the flash point is the key thing, naked flames (as is gas fired) as oposed to electriv (radiant heat) is the key point to consider.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Would an oil-filled radiator do the job or is it that he wants a focal point in the room, i.e. gas/electric fire?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Since he has a portable cylinder it is obviously not piped.
I assume it is the standard small cylinder.
It should have an "on demand" valve which provides oxygen when needed.
With normal ventilation, such as is always provided with gas appliances, there should be no problems.
The only problem would be enrichment of room air if the cylinder/hoses leak.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Why does the person use oxygen inthe first place? If it for a chronic problem why is he not on an oxygen generator?
My wife suffers with a crhonic problem called COPD and uses oxygen through out the day and she has an oxygen generator with bottles oxy to allow her to go out. We use an electric fire but not very often because we have central heating (as do most homes these days). Jon there are nop 'on demand valve' used on this kit as it put out very low pressure on a constant basis when turned on because some people have problem getting enough pull to overcome the valve. But as I have already stated electric is prefered simply because there is no naked flame involved but when on full power.
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Rank: New forum user
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Thanks for your advice guys, much appreciated. x
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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Kathryn,
Your concern is correct I am sure as the cylinder is a pressured vessel and as such the contents and the pressure would increase if heated, therefore making a dangerous situation.
Additonally, a leak of oxygen will raise the oxygen level within the room and as a consequence it will lower the ignition temperature of materials saturated in oxygen. I think these are two of your greatest worries.
Regards
Wizard
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