But before you plug in that dusty old space heater this winter, you’ll want to follow this safety tip: don’t use extension cords and power strips. ... “These units are not designed to handle the high current flow needed for a space heater and can overheat or even catch fire due to the added energy flow .”
Is it OK to use an extension cord with a space heater?
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.
What kind of extension cord can you use with a space heater?
For instance, if your space heater pulls 15 amps, you’ll want an extension cord that can handle at least 15 amps. This means you’ll probably end up with at least a 14-gauge extension cord , but even 10- or 12-gauge cords will work as well.
Why can’t you use a power strip with a space heater?
Space heaters can generate a lot of energy, with heating elements sometimes reaching 600°F, which means they should only ever be plugged directly into a wall outlet. When hooked up to a power strip or extension cord, the outlet can overheat , causing it to short-circuit or to potentially catch fire.
Can you plug extension into electric heater?
1. Don’t plug into an extension lead . As heaters can use a lot of energy when they regulate temperature and often fluctuate in power as they turn off and on, plugging them into an extension lead might not be the safest bet. This is because the high energy levels can cause the extension lead to overheat.
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.
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.
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.
Do extension cords need to be grounded?
If equipment is double insulated it does not need to grounded by cord . The equipment is grounded internally. However, some equipment has both the double insulation and a 3-prong cord for added protection. This is an extension cord for 2-prong corded equipment.
What is a heavy-duty extension cord?
Heavy-duty extension cords are suitable for drawing 10 to 15 amps of power . These are always grounded extension cords that include a third wire and plug prong for grounding and have plugs with three slots for accepting grounded appliance cords. Uses: tools and heating appliances drawing up to 15 amps of power.
Can I plug my space 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.
Why did my space heater burn my outlet?
Space heaters can melt outlets because they require a lot of power to run . And, some electrical systems are not designed to serve power-hungry appliances. That’s why outlets melt when you turn on the space heater for an extended period. ... It covers everything, from the anatomy of a socket to replacing an outlet yourself.
What happens if you leave a portable heater on?
Electric space heater If left on for too long, a space heater can damage the outlet it’s plugged into and act as a fire hazard . Therefore, it’s best to turn these on in advance and switch them off before you go to sleep. ... Be sure to switch off your vented propane heater before bed.
Does an extension cord use power if nothing is plugged into it?
Does an extension cord consume electricity if plugged into a live socket but is not plugged into an appliance or device at the same time? Simple answer: No, it does not . Electricity is “consumed” in a wire due to resistive heating of said wire.
Can an extension cord handle 1500 watts?
Extension cords usually can’t handle high current
Medium-sized space heaters draw around 1,500 watts and 12.5 or more amps. That is what most extension cords can barely handle. The rating for your extension cord could be anything between 10-15A. It’s like you’re walking on the edge of a cliff.
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.
