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.
Can I use a space heater with an extension cord?
DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD OR POWER STRIP WITH AN ELECTRIC SPACE HEATER. IT CAN OVERLOAD THE CIRCUIT AND CAUSE FIRE. An electric space heater’s power cord is not intended to be used with an extension cord.
Why can’t you use an extension cord 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.
Why do most manufacturers discourage using an extension cord with a portable heater?
(Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.) The space heater is always turned off when the area being heated is not occupied. ... The space heater is plugged directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips because of the risk of overheating and possibly catching fire .
Is it bad if an extension cord gets hot?
Residents should also periodically touch cords. “If the cord gets warm or hot to the touch, you may have the wrong size cord or there may be a problem with the wiring in the cord,” Dodson said. “If the cord should handle the load of the item that is plugged in and it becomes hot, there is a problem.”
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.)
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.
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.
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 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.
What happens if you leave a space 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 . ... Vented propane heater Similar to space heaters, this type of heater can release carbon monoxide and risk starting fires. Be sure to switch off your vented propane heater before bed.
What can you not put in a surge protector?
- Large Kitchen Appliances (Refrigerator, Dishwasher, etc.) These appliances are so high-powered that they’ll easily overload a poor, little power strip. ...
- Small Kitchen Appliances. ...
- Hair Styling Tools. ...
- Extension Cords and Other Power Strips.
Is it normal for electrical cords to get hot?
This amount of electricity may cause the cord to become warm – this is normal . You should be able to put your hand around the cord and feel that it is warm to the touch, but it should not be too hot to hold. If the cord is excessively hot, there may be a problem with the outlet the heater is connected to.
