Layout Table~~~~99~99~~

Lighting~Lighting

Amazingly there are patio heaters on the market, which although have a CE mark are dangerous and catch fire when the lighting instructions are followed. The photograph below shows one example.~~~99~661~~

Gas Shut-Off & Gas Pipe Safety~Gas Shut-Off & Gas Pipe Safety
Does the heater have a solid gas pipe in the central post of the heater(not a rubber flexible hose)? Hose perishes and it is dangerous to have rubber hose running up the centre of a patio heater where it can't be seen.

Does the heater have a tilt switch device, which immediately cuts off the gas supply should the heater be knocked over or violently jolted or tilted? If not, gas will continue to flow creating a dangerous environment.

Ventilation & Gas Cylinder Access
Does the heater have a properly ventilated gas cylinder container?
The cylinder container needs high and low vintilation as the build up of gas from even a small leak can create a hazard.

How easy is it to change the cylinder? On some models this can be a difficult exercise. Is there a hinged door for the gas cylinder, do you have to balance the cylinder cover or is there no cover at all?

The heater should also have an opening in the front of the cylinder container so the gas cylinder can be accessed in an emergency and switched off!

Stability
How stable is the heater? The heater needs to be well manufactured and made out of materials that are substantial enough to withstand the, sometimes tough, commercial environment they have been placed in.

Gas Control Panel
Are the controls housed in a lockable cabinet and how easy is it for the heater to be serviced? It is often forgotten that a patio heater is a gas appliance and needs to be looked after to ensure that it remains safe. Some patio heaters are very difficult to get into to and are quite often unrepairable. It is also nice if your heater controls can be locked to stop customers from playing with the heater when they shouldn't be.

Mobility
How easy is it for the heater to be moved? Idealy your heater will need to have a substantial set of wheels, recessed under the heater to reduce the risk of customers tripping over them. Look for a heater which doesn't take forever to dismantle should the need arise, it will make things easier if the head can be spun off and completely removed without the need for tools.

Emitter Shape & Size

Self Assembly
Is the heater delivered assembled or flat packed? SOme products are extremely difficult and time-consuming to assemble.

Gas Type
Are models available for both Natural Gas NG) and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)?

CE Mark
Ensure that the heaterhas a valid CE mark. Ask to see a copy of both the CE certificate and the CE production surveillance certifictae. (The latter is very important and often overlooked)

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