A space heater should never be placed directly on carpets or rugs, as these are more likely to catch fire in the event of an accident and they also overheat the machine much quicker. Place heaters on hard floors or on a fire-proof surface, like a sturdy glass tray meant for candles.
Keeping this in consideration, should you use a surge protector with a space heater?
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.
Likewise, what can I put a space heater on?
Give it room.
Place the heater on a solid, flat surface, at least three feet from anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture or bedding. If you’re using it in a workshop or garage, be especially mindful of flammable items like paint, gas cans or matches.
Why space heaters are dangerous?
Space heaters generally rely on electricity, propane, natural gas, or kerosene to operate. However, the U.S. Department of Energy warns that unvented portable combustion units should never be used inside a home, as burning fuel can deplete oxygen and pollute indoor air with toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide.
How long can a space heater be left on?
Thanks to modern advances in space heater technology, it’s possible to leave space heaters on for quite a long time. If you have an upscale heater, you can easily leave it on for 10 hours or more without an issue.
Why does my space heater keep tripping the surge protector?
Common Reasons Why a Heater Might Trip the Breaker
The most likely reason is that the heater is drawing too much current and overheating that circuit. This can be dangerous, so the breaker shuts off to protect you. A second reason is that you might have too many other appliances on the circuit.
Why you should never plug a space heater into a 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.
Can you run a space heater on an extension cord?
Answer: No, you should not use an extension cord with your space heater. Most extension cords can not handle the high currents space heaters draw. Especially small, low-quality extension cords can easily catch fire. Don’t risk your home!
What are the chances of a space heater catching fire?
Space heaters are behind 79 percent of deadly home heating fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Half of those fires start because an object sitting within three feet of the heater got too hot and caught fire, but even plugging the equipment into the wrong outlet could put you in danger.
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.
Do space heaters automatically shut off?
Space heaters must have a thermostat that shuts unit off when a certain temperature is reached. must automatically shut off.
