In order for an electric fireplace to be usable outside it must be outdoor rated.

This means that the fireplace can be safely used outside in typically wetter conditions compared to being used inside.

An electric fireplace is different to wood burning or gas fireplaces because there’s no real fire inside. Instead, electric fireplaces produce an imitation of flickering flames by reflecting light off rotating mirrors, and use a conventional space heater to generate the supplementary heat.

In order for an electric fireplace to operate it requires a source of electricity.

The majority of electric fireplaces comes with a power cord and simply need to be plugged into a nearby standard electrical outlet in order to work. Other types of electric fireplace, typically those that are intended to be more of a permanent features in a home, may need to be hard-wired into home electrics.

Either way, an electric fireplace needs a source of electricity to provide the look and feel of a real fireplace in your home.

In order for an electric fireplace to be used outside the electrical components must be sufficiently protected from any wet weather in order to be used safely.

This means that the majority of electric fireplaces available can’t be used outside because they won’t be weatherproof and rated for outdoor use. If you’re looking for an electric fireplace to use outside then you’ll need to consider getting one that is rated for outdoor use.

As an example, we have an electric fireplace stove that we throughout the year around our home. It can’t be used outside because it’s not rated for outside use.

The instruction manual for our electric fireplace stove states that it’s ‘not suitable for outside use’.

The manual also explains that the appliance can’t be used in rooms that experience high amounts of moisture, such as bathrooms.

This will typically be the case for many other electric fireplaces. The majority will need to be plugged into an electrical socket and won’t have the required weatherproofing to be usable outside. If you’re looking to use an electric fireplace outside then you’ll need to get one that is rated for both indoor and outdoor use.

We’ve explained the different types of electric fireplaces here but one of the most common types that can be used outside are wall mounted electric fireplaces.