CAUTION: Use only super-thick extension cords for heaters. If you're putting a space heater on an extension cord, make sure the cord is
12-gauge
. (The smaller the number, the thicker the cable, so 14-gauge is worse than 12-gauge; not better.)
What kind of extension cord can I use for a space heater?
CAUTION: Use only super-thick extension cords for heaters. If you're putting a space heater on an extension cord, make sure the cord is
12-gauge
. (The smaller the number, the thicker the cable, so 14-gauge is worse than 12-gauge; not better.)
Can I use an extension cord with a space heater?
Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
Do not use an extension cord or power strip
, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
Why can't you plug a space heater into an extension cord?
Space heaters must be plugged directly into a wall outlet, which can handle a higher wattage, and should be the only item plugged into that wall outlet. The Electrical Safety Foundation International says
space heaters can overheat a power strip
, as well as an extension cord, and potentially cause a fire.
What is considered a heavy-duty extension cord?
A 10- to 12-gauge wire
is considered a heavy-duty extension cord, a 14-gauge wire is a medium-duty cord, and a 16-gauge wire is a light-duty cord.
How long can you leave space heater on?
If you have an upscale heater, you can easily leave it on for
10 hours or more
without an issue. Most fire safety specialists suggest heating up a room for two to three hours before you sleep, then turning it off.
Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?
An electric space heater
is small but uses a lot of energy
! A 1,500-watt heater running for eight hours each night for a month can add about $43 to your electric bill. Running multiple space heaters can run up your energy costs. Consider air sealing and adding insulation if your home is drafty.
Can I leave space heater on overnight?
A
modern space heater can be very safe to keep on for long unsupervised periods of time
, including while sleeping. Be sure your heater is certified by one of the three major testing organizations and has features like automatic shutoff, tip over protection, a shut off timer, and adjustable thermostat.
Can I plug an electric heater into a surge protector?
Notice that we specifically said wall outlet:
Manufacturers advise against plugging space heaters into
surge protectors, extension cords, plug timers, GFCI outlets (the kind with the test and reset buttons), or really anything that's not a wall outlet. … Or perhaps you need to use a wall outlet in an adjacent room.
Can I plug my fan into an extension cord?
Rule two:
never plug high power capacity
appliances, like space heaters, refrigerators, or microwave and toaster ovens into power strips or extension cords. These appliances have higher power capacity and need to be plugged into a wall outlet directly. … And rule number four: don't use indoor power strips outdoors.
Can ceramic heaters catch fire?
Simply put,
yes
– ceramic heaters can catch fire! … The reason for this is because the heating element (ceramic plates aka ceramic element) inside this type of heater does not get overheated which in turn reduces the chances of it catching fire.
Which is better 12-gauge or 14 gauge extension cord?
14-Gauge Cords: Any 14-gauge cord between 0 and 50 feet long will adequately handle loads between 10 and 15 amps.
12-Gauge
Cords: If your tool load is between 10 and 15 amps and the length of the cord is 50 to 100 feet, you need a 12-gauge cord to safely power any tool. This is a great extension cord for many purposes.
Can you use an extension cord permanently?
Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring
. If you find yourself using the same extension cord for more than 30 days, this may indicate a need for more permanent wiring. Do not run extension cords through holes in walls, ceilings, floors, doorways or other openings.
How many watts can a 12-gauge extension cord handle?
| Extension Cord Wire Gauges, Amperage Rating, and Wattage | #18 5 Amps 600 Watts | #16 7 Amps 840 Watts | #14 12 Amps 1,440 Watts | #12 16 Amps 1,920 Watts |
|---|
Do space heaters have automatic shut off?
Space heaters must have a thermostat that shuts unit off when a certain temperature is reached.
must automatically shut off
. Space heaters must be fan driven. Space heaters with heated coils or exposed elements are not permitted.
Can you leave a space heater on when you're not home?
Never leave a space heater unattended
. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep, and don't let pets or children play too close to a space heater. Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
