Can I plug space heater into power strip?

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 happens if you plug a space heater into a power strip?

(KUTV) — The colder weather is here and so is the need to stay warm, but if you use a space heater, do not plug it into an extension cord or a power strip. Power strips and extension cords are not equipped to handle the extra current flow needed to power a space heater and can overheat and even catch fire.

Can space heaters be plugged into surge protectors?

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.

Is it okay to plug a space heater into an extension cord?

Never leave the space heater unattended. 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.

Is it bad to plug a space heater into an extension cord?

Space heaters can easily overload extension cords. The best practice is to plug your space heater directly into the outlet. Also, keep all combustible items at least three feet from the space heaters.

Why shouldn’t you use an extension cord with a space heater?

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.

Can you run a space heater all night?

Never leave a space heater running while you sleep. Although modern heaters have safety features built in, you should never leave a space heater running overnight. Whether your heater runs on gas or electricity, it houses an element that gets hot enough to start a fire, and that’s a good reason to turn it off at night.

Do I need a surge protector for my heater?

Lt. Rich Chatman with Portland Fire said you should never plug your space heater into an extension cord or power strip. High-voltage appliances like space heaters can overheat power strips, sparking a fire. Chatman said you can use a surge protector with an on and off switch.

What causes a heater cord to melt?

It can be caused by a loose connection on one of the hot terminal screws, by a poor connection inside the outlet or by a loose clamp that doesn’t hold the plug securely enough. Outlet clamps wear out, given enough time, or they can be loosened when plugs are pulled out often and carelessly.

What causes a power cord to melt?

A coil of wire, such as an extension lead, increases the magnetic electrical field current. The result is the production of heat. The wire then gets hotter, making the outer plastic coating soft (and therefore weaker), which strengthens the electrical field, eventually causing the coating to melt.

Is it safe to plug a space heater into a power strip?

As KOMO News reports, space heaters plugged into power strips pose a major fire risk. 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.

What happens when a power strip gets too hot?

When hooked up to a power strip or extension cord, the outlet can overheat, causing it to short-circuit or to potentially catch fire. Fire departments around the country have been sharing images online of what can happen when a power strip gets too hot. Even when they’re not plugged into power strips, space heaters require a close eye.

Can a space heater cause a house fire?

The Electrical Safety Foundation International says space heaters can overheat a power strip, as well as an extension cord, and potentially cause a fire. It never hurts to take extra measures to learn how to prevent home fires. Make sure the space heater is placed on non-flammable tile or hardwood flooring—not on the carpet or a rug.

Can you plug a space heater into a wall outlet?

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.