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!
Can I plug a space heater into a heavy duty extension cord?
You can use a heavy-duty extension cord with your space heater. But not all heavy-duty extension cords can work with a space heater. This means you need a special heavy-duty extension cord to enable your space heater to work with ease. Normally space heaters require a high current supply to work.
Why did my space heaters melt outlets?
Why Do Space Heater Plugs Get Hot? A space heater plug gets hot because it draws a lot of electricity. It can also become hot because of a short circuit, loose connections in the plug or outlet, worn-out wiring, an outlet with damaged contacts, etc.
Why should you not use an extension cord with an electric 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.
Why did my extension cord melt?
Overheated Wires
If the wires supplying an outlet are too small for the load, the terminals can heat up enough to melt the plastic faceplate. Similarly, if an extension cord is too small for the load it supplies, the plug prongs can heat up enough to melt plastic.
What gauge extension cord do I need for an electric heater?
For instance, if your space heater pulls 15 amps, you’ll want an extension cord that can handle at least 15 amps. This means you’ll probably end up with at least a 14-gauge extension cord, but even 10- or 12-gauge cords will work as well.
Why does the cord on my space heater get hot?
Why is the cord on my heater getting warm? All of our heaters operate at around 1500 watts. 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.
Can a space heater break an outlet?
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 a space heater cause electrical problems?
Space Heaters and Electrical Consumption
Many electric space heaters are a high consumers of electricity and can cause problems with electrical circuits, especially if the electrical wiring is out dated or under sized.
What makes an outlet melt?
Outlets burn and melt due to internal sparking or overheated wires. Left unfixed, you could end up with a house fire, broken appliance, or severe injury. Many homeowners can confidently replace an electrical outlet as a DIY project, but in this case you may have wiring damage that requires professional repair.
How do you fix a melted outlet?
After you’ve determined where the wires have burned and caused a short circuit, cut it off using wire strippers. Next, strip the insulation down to about 3/4 inches. From there, twist the ends of the wire into a tight wire nut. Next, take out your new outlet and insert the newly fixed wires to the side.
When should you not use an extension cord?
Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring. Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard. Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
How do I know if my extension cord is overloaded?
Do not overload your extension cord by using it to power appliances beyond its capacity. You can check its capacity, or rating, by looking at the tag on the cord or its packaging. and can overheat if shorted.
Can you leave an extension cord plugged in without anything plugged into it?
Extension cords are only for temporary use and are not to be left plugged into wall outlets when not being actively used. This plugs into a wall outlet and is considered a power strip even though it doesn’t have a cord. Do not plug an extension cord or power strip into it.
Are indoor extension cords safe?
Indoor cords lack the protective insulation that outdoor extension cords are made with. Outdoor cords are designed to withstand moisture, sun damage, and temperature flux. Cords for indoor use are not designed to endure the elements. Another way these cords differ is the amperage rating.
What is the heaviest duty extension cord?
10- to 12-gauge wire
Q: What is the heaviest duty extension cord? A 10- to 12-gauge wire is considered a heavy-duty extension cord, a 14-gauge wire is a medium-duty cord, and a 16-gauge wire is a light-duty cord.
What happens if I use an indoor extension cord outside?
Indoor extension cords
External extension cords are thicker, rain tight and have a safe rubber moulded female socket at the end and can carry more power over longer distances. Indoor extension cords left outside for extended periods may break and could lead to sparking, fire and shock.
Why do some appliances say not to use an extension cord?
Certain high wattage appliances should not use an extension cord when possible (check the owner’s manual). Using an extension cord on these appliances could cause excessive heat and voltage drop, this could damage the appliance or motor.
How much wattage can an extension cord handle?
As the cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity of the cord gets lower. For example, a 16 gauge extension cord less than 50 feet in length can power a 1625 watt (W) appliance. A 16 gauge cord that is longer than 50 feet in length can only power an appliance up to 1250W.
How many amps can my extension cord handle?
For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for 14-15 amps. If your cord is 150 feet long, the 14 gauge is best suited for 1-7 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will support 8-10 Amps. This shows that the extension cord’s length also plays a part in the power it helps safely.
