You should not use an extension cord with a space heater because heaters draw a massive amount of electrical current. Standard extension cords cannot handle this continuous load, which causes the wires to quickly overheat, melt, and ignite a fire.
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.
If you're using a space heater, plug it directly into the wall and keep it at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed. Pictured is a space heater involved in a house fire in Columbia in 2022.
Never plug any electric heater into anything but the actual wall outlet directly. If you must use an extension, the only SAFE extension cord is a contractors grade 12 gauge or 10 gauge single plug extension cord in the shortest length possible, and never longer than 25 feet.
No, you should not plug a 1500-watt heater into a standard extension cord. Space heaters pull high, continuous power—roughly 12.5 amps—which can cause standard extension cords to overheat, melt, or cause a fire. The safest practice is to plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, never into a power strip or extension cord.
No, you should never plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord. Space heaters pull a large amount of electrical current, and most power strips are not designed to handle such a heavy, sustained electrical load. This can easily cause the strip to overheat, melt, and ignite a fire.
Typical heaters have standard 1" - 2-1/2" NPT tapered plugs. Other sizes or plugs are available on special order.
Never use extension cords or temporary power strips for high-wattage appliances, devices that generate continuous heat, or units with heavy-duty motors. These draw more power than standard cords can safely handle, risking severe electrical fires, voltage drops, and permanent damage to your equipment.
A 1500 w heater by itself on a 15 amp circuit is fine. If you're concerned, go over and feel the receptacle faceplate after it's been on awhile. Unless something is substandard, you should be fine.
Kids and pets
Children and pets can knock over a space heater or get too close and burn themselves. Don't put space heaters in hallways or other places kids or pets might pass by. And don't let kids move a heater or adjust the controls.
The Risk of Space Heater Fires
One third of fires in the home are caused by space heaters.
Whenever possible, plug your space heater directly into an outlet on its own circuit. This helps ensure that the heater has dedicated power without competing with other devices.
Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable, like curtains, blankets, and furniture. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet rather than using an extension cord. Turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep, and ensure they are on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping.
It is normal for a space heater cord and plug to feel slightly warm to the touch. Because space heaters draw a massive amount of power (often 1500 watts), the high electrical load naturally produces heat in the copper wires and plug prongs.
No, you should not plug an electric blanket into a power strip. Electrical safety organizations strongly recommend plugging electric blankets directly into a wall outlet to avoid potential overheating, circuit overloads, and fire hazards.
No, you should never plug a space heater into a standard household extension cord or power strip. Space heaters draw a massive amount of electrical current, causing undersized cords to quickly overheat and start a fire.
Power strips split your wall outlet’s available power but do not increase its total capacity. As a general rule of thumb, you should never plug high-wattage appliances or heat-generating devices into a power strip. Doing so risks electrical overloads, tripped breakers, and severe fire hazards.
Roughly 3,300 home fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring 270 more. Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly, so keep these important tips in mind to protect your home and workplace.
No, you should not plug a 1500-watt heater into a standard extension cord. Space heaters pull high, continuous power—roughly 12.5 amps—which can cause standard extension cords to overheat, melt, or cause a fire. The safest practice is to plug heaters directly into a wall outlet, never into a power strip or extension cord.
Room Size & Wattage - What You Need to Know
While it's tempting to dive into wattage charts, a general rule of thumb is that a 1500-watt heater can warm up to 150 sq. ft. However, factors like ceiling height, insulation, and even the number of windows can affect how much heat your space requires.
Winter Safe Information Extension cord or a power strip, even if it's a heavy- duty cord should not be used for a space heater plug. Extension cords and strips are not designed to handle the high electric current of a space heater.
Never use extension cords or temporary power strips for high-wattage appliances, devices that generate continuous heat, or units with heavy-duty motors. These draw more power than standard cords can safely handle, risking severe electrical fires, voltage drops, and permanent damage to your equipment.
Operating the unit at 240 V is more energy-efficient and less expensive for producing the same amount of heat. Because it operates at double the voltage, it draws half the current (amperage). This reduction in current results in lower energy losses in the wires and gets the room up to temperature faster, saving you money over time.