Question:
Can an electric heater on wheels be positioned away from or brought closer to a “normal” person depending on how hot a person gets? Can this be done for an older person with dementia issues? Please answer for both a normal person and an older dementia person?
Answer:
It is controversial if it may be moved or not. Some poskim say that it is considered like a candle and cannot be moved, while others say that it is like a kli shemilachto le’isur. If it is a coil heater or if it is a fan heater it is worse than the radiator looking ones.
Regarding moving it for an older person, this will depend on the persons condition of the person, and how cold it is, if he would be considered a choleh sein bo sakana or not.
Sources:
Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchoso (new edition) 23-31, and 13-40, Minchas Shlomo 1-14 (1), M:B 276-44, 328-58, Shut Ohr Sameach 2-21, Orchos Shabbos 20- ftnt 163, Chelkas Yackov2-41,Tzitz Eliezer 6-66(4), Minchas Yitzchok 3-43.
