12 awg cord would be fine even at 50′. All the tape style heaters I have seen are rated for use on a 15 amp circuit, cords are rated differently than house wiring so in reality a 14 gauge cord will be sufficient in size.

Can you use an extension cord with roof heat cable?

Helpful? A: It’s ok to use an extension cord with this roof cable as long as it is rated for outdoor use and is a grounded extension cord and either 10 or 12 gauge.

Can you connect electric heater to extension cord?





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.

What kind of extension cord is safe for a heater?

You will require a heavy-duty extension cord of gauge #14 or a larger one than this. A heavy-duty extension cord with less gauge than #14 can cause fire making you go at a loss. Ensure your heavy-duty extension cord is short (not more than 20 feet) to avoid high resistance and reduce the chances of tripping.

Can you use an extension cord with an outdoor heater?

Question: Can I use an extension cord with my electric patio heater? Answer: Yes. If you have to use an extension cord make sure that the extension cord is a 3 prong cord and it is a no. 14 AWG minimum size rated not less than 2000 Watts and is the shortest cord length that you can use.

Can you run extension cord over roof?

As long as the ends aren’t in the gutter and you are on a GFCI – you are just as safe/unsafe as using any extension cord outside. My issue here is that if someone yanks that cord hard your gutters may be unsafe.

What gauge extension cord do I need for heat tape?





12 awg cord would be fine even at 50′. All the tape style heaters I have seen are rated for use on a 15 amp circuit, cords are rated differently than house wiring so in reality a 14 gauge cord will be sufficient in size.

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 use an extension cord with an electric heater UK?

Don’t plug into an extension lead. As heaters can use a lot of energy when they regulate temperature and often fluctuate in power as they turn off and on, plugging them into an extension lead might not be the safest bet. This is because the high energy levels can cause the extension lead to overheat.

Can I use a heavy duty extension cord with a space heater?

To run a space heater, you need to use medium or heavy-duty extension cords ranging from 14 to 10AWG. Every extension cord has a gauge. The gauge tells you the thickness of the cord. If you don’t want the extension cord to catch fire, you must secure the thickest cord possible.

Can I 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.

What happens if you plug a heater into a surge protector?

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.

Do I need a surge protector for my heater?

Always Skip Power Strips



The Electrical Safety Foundation International says space heaters can overheat a power strip, as well as an extension cord, and potentially cause a fire.