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. Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces.
DO NOT use an extension cord. Space heaters are prone to start fires if used improperly which includes using extension cords. Follow whatever instructions come with the space heater.
This is because a power strip doesn't have a high enough current flow to support the electrical needs of a space heater, causing it to overheat and possibly lead to a fire. Instead, you should always plug your space heater into an electrical outlet in the wall.
Larger appliances, such as microwaves and refrigerators, may not be plugged into a power strip or extension cord. Such appliances must be plugged directly into a properly installed outlet.
Extension cords and strips are not designed to handle the high electric current of a space heater. That strip or cord gets overheated and melts and that's when the fire starts.
Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires.
"Let's say you connect [an extension cord] to a floor heater," Martinez says, "the plug melts and it starts a fire. That's why you can't use extension cords and/or power strips for any appliances, because they should be used for electronics only."
Just like any electrical device, your outdoor extension cord should be unplugged when not in use. Leaving your cords plugged in unnecessarily increases the risk of damage and potential hazards.
Many electric space heaters are rated for up to 1,500 watts, so it's important for homeowners to be aware of how much draw their appliance requires beforehand. As a rule of thumb, any combination of appliances that exceed a total wattage of 2,500 can potentially cause a circuit breaker to trip.
Place the heater out of high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface—NOT on carpets, furniture, or countertops.
Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely necessary. Using an extension cord with high wattage appliances can start a fire. If you must use an extension cord, it must be marked 14 or #12 AWG, this tells the thickness or gauge of the wire in the cord. (The smaller the number, the greater the thickness of the wire.)
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.
Depending on the actual amp and wattage rating of the cord: A 50-foot, 16-gauge cord can work with space heaters or jigsaws that draw up to 12 amps. A 50-foot, 14-gauge cord can work with drills or sanders that draw 12 to 15 amps.
But even still, you're going to need to be careful. According to electricians, electrical devices that have a heating element, such as space heaters, air fryers and microwaves, should never be plugged into extension cords or power strips.
Usage Flexibility. As surge protector or power strip features multiple power outlets, they are proven to be more convenient for home and commercial usage. While the extension cord only supports one device at a time, making it relatively inflexible.
Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Do not overload cords with more than the proper electrical load. Do not run extension cords through doorways, holes in ceilings, walls, or floors.
Always plug the cord directly into a wall outlet. Don't plug into an extension cord, power strip, or outlet extender. Don't overload the outlet – avoid plugging into an outlet already taxed with other devices. Do not use more than one electric blanket at a time.
An overloaded outlet can cause sparks. Be careful when using extension cords. Don't overload them either—if you put too much load on one side of an extension cord, it can start sagging and get hot enough to create a spark between its wires and those of whatever device is plugged into that end of the extension cord.
A loose fit in the outlet will cause the plug to overheat, as is stated in all Sunbeam Heater user manuals. If heater cord becomes too hot to touch, discontinue use immediately and contact a qualified electrician to inspect the outlet before any further use.
If any part of the extension cord is hot while in use, it is a warning sign that it may be overloaded. Check if the extension cord is properly rated for the products that are plugged into it. Also, inspect the cord along its entire length to ensure it has not been damaged.
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. Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpets, which can overheat and start a fire.