The shift from gas to electric heating changes the fire risk profile of buildings. Understanding heat pump and electric heating fire safety is essential for the energy transition.. The Electrification of Heating The UK's commitment to ban gas boilers in new homes from 2025 and the Future Homes Standard are driving a transition to heat pumps and electric heating. This changes the fire risk profile. Fire Risk Comparison: Gas vs Electric Gas heating risks being eliminated: Carbon monoxide poisoning (300+ incidents/year) Gas explosions (rare but catastrophic) Flue fires from blocked or defective chimneys Gas leak ignition Flame failure hazards Electric heating risks being introduced: Electrical cable overloading from increased demand Heat pump refrigerant leaks (some refrigerants are mildly flammable — R32, R290) Battery storage fire risks (if coupled with solar PV) Electrical distribution upgrades creating construction phase fire risks Immersion heater thermostat failures Heat Pump Fire Safety Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP): Outdoor unit contains refrigerant (typically R32 — A2L mildly flammable) Separation from windows, doors, and boundaries required Not typically a significant fire risk in normal operation Electrical connections must be correctly rated for high starting currents Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP): Very low fire risk — no combustible refrigerant in external loop Electrical connections and indoor heat exchanger standard risks Antifreeze in ground loop (ethylene glycol — low flammability) High temperature heat pumps: Some use R290 (propane) refrigerant — highly flammable Charge limits per BS EN 378 restrict quantity Ventilation requirements for plant rooms housing R290 systems Gas detection recommended for enclosed installations Impact on Building Fire Strategy Removal of gas supply eliminates gas explosion risk No need for gas meter cupboards (fire rated enclosures) Electrical intake rooms may increase in size — fire rating considerations District heating connections — energy centre fire safety Thermal storage (hot water cylinders) replacing combi boiler instantaneous heating For electrification fire safety guidance, contact us. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.