Last Updated on 3 years by Francis

Half of All Home Heating Fires are Caused by Running Heaters Too Close to Other Things

You hear a lot about the dangers of running heaters too close to other objects, like heaters, fireplaces, or hot tubs.

But what you may not realize is that about half of all home heating fires are caused by heaters being too close to other, less desirable objects.

This is especially true when it comes to wood heaters, since there is so much movement in the logs that you risk running the flames around other, more flammable objects.

And if you have an electric fireplace, then you will be even more at risk.

In addition to running heaters too close to other heating objects, the actual fire itself can cause problems.

For instance, most fireplaces are designed with an outlet at the base of the unit, with a flexible hose to reach the chimney.

Unfortunately, this type of outlet is usually too small to actually heat the entire room. If it is too small, the fireplace may simply turn off, making it easy for residents to escape the flames and safety of their homes.

Another problem comes from having too many heaters.

Too many heaters on one platform can make it hard for residents to control the temperature they want.

Not only that, but if multiple units are overheating at once, they can start a fire.

As with wood fireplaces, having too many heaters on one platform can also lead to serious safety problems, particularly if a fire is already starting.

Why You Should Not Use a Long Extension Cord in Your Infrared Heating System

Many people are choosing to buy space heaters that come with long extension cords. These are infrared heaters that often have metal wires that extend all the way to the wall.

While it is nice if your heater has long cords running throughout the room, it can become a safety hazard if an extension cord is too long.

The longer the cord, the more chances an object will snag on it and become tangled in the cord.

If the cord is too long, it can also increase the risk of someone tripping over it or accidentally stepping on it while walking from the entrance to the room to the living area.

Space heaters that are electric generally come with a cord extension as well as a starter coil.

The starter coil is what actually provides the heat to the home. It is important that you make sure that your heater is properly installed in your home and that any space heater that you purchase has a long enough cord to run from the outlet to the wall.

Without proper installation or the use of a starter coil, electric heaters can become very dangerous.

As a matter of fact, one of the biggest fires that I have had in my home was caused by an extension cord that was too long. Something that you definitely do not want to happen to your home heating system.

One of the best ways to prevent the occurrence of this problem is to purchase a space heater that comes with a power supply that matches the size of the electric heater.

For instance, a 75w space heater needs a power supply that is larger than the cord that runs from your home to the wall in order to safely and securely provide the needed heat to the room.

Long extension cords can be a safety hazard when they are used in electric space heaters and if you choose to purchase a unit that is too small for your system then you will increase the risk of someone tripping over it.

Even If You Have a Cable Rated at 15A, It will still need to safe

Can My Cable Burn?

Power spikes are one of the most common causes of damage to your cable connections.

Even a small change in voltage or current can cause drastic changes in the amount of current that your cable produces.

If power is applied to a wire at an angle, even the smallest changes in voltage will cause the wire to break.

Even the slightest changes in temperature can create fluctuations in power that can affect the resistance of your cable.

Even a slight change in the atmospheric pressure of a room can change the atmospheric resistance of a cable. These fluctuations are enough to short circuit the wire and will literally burn your cable if it is exposed to too much of the fluctuations.

Cable wire sets are designed for optimal performance in extreme environments.

However, they are not immune from damage.

Even the most durable cable wire set can bend, snap, or burn if exposed to even a small drop in voltage or current.

Temperature fluctuations are the second biggest cause of damage to these products. Even the tiniest temperature variation can trigger a fire inside your power set.

Power surges are a big problem for residential and commercial customers. Even a slight fluctuation in electric power can lead to massive damage to power lines, causing fires and even sparking fires in your home. If your power lines are over fifty years old, they are no longer guaranteed safe.

Do yourself a favor, and invest in a high quality power cable that can stand up to even the most severe conditions.

Tips on How to Find the Right Power Cord to Suit Your Needs

When you buy an extension cord, you will almost certainly find that it comes with a rating.

The rating for your extension cord is essentially an estimation of how well it will function – in terms of the amount of current that it can provide you, and also the maximum distance that it can extend the current from your power source safely.

A good, reliable extension cord will feature a rating somewhere in the middle.

There are, however, a few things that you need to bear in mind if you are buying a cord rated for a particular current capacity.

Firstly, it should feature a maximum current capacity that is appropriate for the power you are attempting to supply.

This will be something that ranges in the order of 15 A Amperes or more, depending on the power source that you are using, and what sort of power distribution you are trying to use.

There are many different ratings for power supplies, but the most common ones are: five amperes, twelve amperes, twenty amperes, fifty amperes, one hundred amperes and one thousand amperes.

As a general rule, it is always best to avoid anything that is classified as ‘high’ or ‘high voltage’. It is very dangerous to try to use anything which is rated for anything over these levels, and can actually pose a serious safety hazard.

Secondly, it is important to bear in mind that the rating for your extension cord is not only going to be affected by the type of power supply that you are using, but also by the length of time that you intend to use it for.

For example, if you are intending to use it for a short while, it may be worthwhile to consider a low-cost, lightweight model.

However, if you are looking to get a longer distance from your outlet, then you should opt for a model that features a higher maximum rating.

This is because you will probably have several outlets in your home and may have to use multiple extension cords.

It may also be worth purchasing a cord which offers both an overload protection feature and circuit breaker, as these will both ensure that your electric supply never falls short and is safe to use for a long time.

The Safety Aspects of Using Extension Cords

Electric extension cords and battery electric extension cords are commonly used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

They can be used in a variety of different applications, including residential and commercial spaces.

There are two basic types of extension cords that can be used in a variety of applications; a short life extension cord, which are used in residential applications and in portable heaters; and a heavy-duty extension cord, which are more used in industrial applications and are ideal for powering industrial power tools, blowers, and generators.

The heavy-duty extension cord has an added advantage of being able to handle a higher maximum wattage; it also has a longer warranty than the short-term warranty cord. When using electric extension cords and heavy-duty cords with your HVAC system, make sure to follow all instructions included with your unit.

There are several types of extension cords that are available.

An example of this is the three prong extension cord, which provides one outlet for each of three power cords.

In order to utilize the three-pronged outlet, you need to have at least two-pronged power supply units.

These types of extensions cords are often meant for heating and cooling applications only; they will not work with your personal portable heater or air conditioner.

A heavy-duty three-prong extension cord is perfect for powering industrial power tools and blowers.

Portable space heaters are often used as alternatives to standard heating and cooling appliances because of their capacity to heat or cool an area relatively quickly.

As a result, it is important to purchase a cord that has a sufficient amount of wattage to adequately heat or cool the room.

Since many portable space heaters are powered by electricity, it is important to ensure that the outlet or plug that is used to connect the heater to the power cord is strong enough to handle the load of the appliance.

If you need electrical outlets installed in a room in order to use your portable heater, it is important to look for ones that have at least three prongs, as this helps to reduce the chances of a short circuit occurring.

With all of these safety precautions in place, buying the proper extension cords and power supplies for your heater is not only an important step towards protecting your investment, but it is also a smart way to ensure that you never experience any type of power shortage while using your heater.

Why Does Extension Cords Usually Cannot Handle High Current?

Extension cords are very common and they can provide you with a lot of benefits if you use them in a correct manner.

First of all, you should understand that an extension cord is not a simple extension cord that you can use for any purpose.

It has certain characteristics that differentiate it from other types of cords.

For example, you should not use it to provide power to a cold water heater just because it looks like an extension cord.

Moreover, an ordinary extension cord does not have the ability to handle high current. Instead, you should use high quality electric cords that are capable of handling such power levels.

The second thing that you need to understand is that a power surge is actually dangerous.

You might end up causing more damage to your electrical appliances than you already had.

Therefore, when you are looking to buy a cord, you should get one that will not affect your appliances and will also provide you with great savings.

You can use extension cords that have the ability to handle 50 amps or more.

This means that if you are using an extension cord for a small home improvement project, then you should get a cord that is actually capable of handling more power.

Never Plug an Infrared Heater Into a Power Strip

You should never plug a heater into a power strip not designed for high current use.

These power strips were not made for this purpose and will short out your heater. If your power strip is not properly installed, it could cause a fire or explosion if the wrong type of wire was used to plug it in.

The other reason why you should never plug a heater into a power strip is because if you do so you risk burning up your carpet or your house. Power strips were made to only handle low current.

Small Low Quality Extension Cords Can Often Catch Fire

Many people may not realize that the poor quality power cords they are using every day can easily catch fire and cause damage to your home.

An extension cord is one of the most important things you will need in your home and it should be used in a safe manner at all times.

You should never leave an extension cord connected to anything and should always use them with extreme care when you are trying to charge something at home.

It is important that if you have an extension cord in your home, you never use it on top of any furniture or anywhere else in your home.

If there is something extremely flammable in your home, you should never use an extension cord over an open flame because this can start a fire instantly and cause damage to all of your belongings.

You should never use them around an open gas flame either, because this can cause a fire as well. Always use them over an open flame and never above it.

If you think that you are going to use an extension cord outside of your home, you should take special care to make sure that it does not come into contact with anything flammable before you light it up.

Never ever light up an extension cord outside of your home because it can easily catch fire and turn into a deadly hazard.

If you see any open flames anywhere in your home, you should remove the cord immediately and put out the fire before it gets too big.

Never use an extension cord to charge anything over a high voltage source and never ever try to charge anything over and above a safe level. This can cause a very big problem and put you out of commission for several days until the power comes back on in your home.

Infrared Space Heater Tips – Most Extension Cords Can Not Handle the High Currents

Most extension cords can’t handle the high currents that space heaters draw.

When choosing a space heater, think about the area that it will be installed in. If you are only using it in one room, you can get by with a lower quality heater that has less wattage.

If you are planning on installing your heater in multiple rooms, you will probably want to look for one that has more wattage and a good warranty.

Many people who are thinking about home heating also prefer to install their units as close to their heating duct as possible. These units usually draw a lot less electricity and can be installed nearly anywhere. However, they do require a lot of clearance from walls in order to work properly.

As far as what size heater to buy, there really isn’t a hard and fast rule. Homeowners may choose to purchase a cheaper space heater with a lower wattage in order to save money.

No, You Should Not Use an Extension Cord With Your Home Heating Device

Have you ever accidentally bought a space heater that didn’t have an electric outlet built into it?

What you may not know is that if this is the case in your heater, you should not use an extension cord with your heater.

This is especially true if you have a large space heater in a tight spot such as a baby’s bedroom or a small apartment. Extension cords may seem like a good idea, but they can be quite the disaster if you haven’t planned for them.

If you want to avoid anything like this, then you should definitely make sure you buy your heating system without an extension cord.

They can easily cost you hundreds of dollars, and are a big safety hazard. So no matter what kind of heater you own, you should never use an extension cord with that heater, and you should definitely keep an extra cord around if you have one.

Can I Use an Extension Cord With a Space Heater?

Q: What are the safety guidelines for plugging in a space heater? Answer: Yes, as long as you follow all the safety precautions and follow the manufacturers’ installation instructions you can safely plug a heater into a wall. You do not want to accidentally leave a wire loose, do you?

A: If you do happen to need to leave a loose wire, make certain that it can be easily removed before starting the job.

Q: How do I plug in a space heater into a wall outlet? A: As long as your new power strip and your wall outlet are compatible, you can safely use an extension cord to plug in your space heater. However, if you are installing a new power strip, always make sure that the power strip’s crimp is installed properly and securely.

Also, as with any electrical cord, never connect an extension cord to a power strip that does not come with a power cord.

Always use the power strip and the wall outlet to connect your heater to the electrical source.

Q: I bought an electric space heater and connected it to a power strip that does not have a wall outlet. Can I still use an extension cord to connect the heater to my wall outlet?

A: In most cases, yes you can. It may require a little more work on your part, but if your extension cord is strong enough, it will typically be able to withstand the high current of a space heater and keep it plugged into your wall outlet without a problem.

How Much Power Do You Need to Limit Your Space Heater Power Consumption?

If you have bought an infrared space heater for your home and are wondering how much power it should use to limit your space heater power consumption to only the amount of energy it is designed to use then you may need to check the power ratings for your heater and limit your heater power consumption to that amount.

The wattage is an electrical measurement of the power that a heater uses to generate heat and that is measured in watts (watts).

The idea behind the wattage rating is that the larger the wattage the more powerful the heater and therefore the more heat it will produce.

Unfortunately, the size of the heater can greatly affect the amount of energy used and thus how much you will need to limit your heater power consumption.

Many space heaters that are sold will not give you any information as to how much power the unit utilizes but they will usually state the maximum allowable output power for the unit.

Some heaters use a variable range of maximum allowable output power but many just state the maximum power consumption.

If your heater has stated maximum allowable output power then you will want to limit your space heater power demand to that amount.

It may be in your best interest to purchase a heater that has a higher maximum allowable output power but one that consume less energy than others on the market.

Another option you have is to purchase a unit with a safety switch so that if you ever exceed the maximum allowable output power then the unit will automatically shut off.

This way you will be protecting yourself if ever you ever leave your home and exceed the maximum amount of energy your heater uses.

If you have purchased a space heater and are wondering how much power it should use to limit your space heater power consumption then you should consult a heating system professional and get an exact number that is acceptable for your particular heating system.

When asking how much power your system requires to limit your heat demand, you will also need to know the BTU’s of each of the rooms that will be heated.

These numbers are usually listed on the box that came with the heater or are found on the label of the unit itself.

You will also need to know what BTU’s the thermostat is operating at because this may also affect your ability to limit your power consumption.

Will a Short circuited Extension Cord Increase in Fire Hazards?

Many people use an extension cord to connect a light switch to a power socket.

Unfortunately this often leads to the extension cord overheating and catching fire easily if not used properly.

A short-circuit can be caused by the short-circuit or tripping of a circuit due to a weak or non-existent voltage regulator.

One of the best ways to prevent this is by installing a proper voltage regulator on your wall switch. These are available in many different brands and sizes.

They provide your home with a consistent and stable amount of electric current, which will help prevent the short-circuit of your circuit.

If you have one of these devices on your wall switch and your electricity goes out, you should try to isolate the switch from the power outlet. This way you can hopefully isolate the problem and hopefully prevent it from happening in the future.

You should also be careful when using extension cords around your computer equipment, electronics, or other similar items.

Can All Regular Extension Cords Handle 750W?

If you are looking to get a space heater but are worried about how much power the heater will use, then you should buy one with an AC input.

This will allow it to function more effectively in large spaces and will give you more energy efficiency than a unit that uses a 110v power source.

Any time you are buying a new electric heater, you need to consider the wattage rating of the product so that you know how much power it will consume when it is in use.

You should also check to make sure that there are no safety concerns with the device before you buy it, as this can easily be checked on the utility bills that are supplied with your utility bill.

If you accidentally plug an extension cord into a power strip then this can cause a short in the power supply and this can result in the machine stopping working which could mean that you have to spend a lot of money on repairs.

With an Extension Cord You Should Always Run Your Space Heater at Full Power

When you are looking to heat up your rooms, whether it is a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living area, or even the basement, using a wall mounted electric space heater can be a great solution.

It is always important though to make sure you purchase a cord that has the appropriate power for your heater’s rating so it will provide you with enough energy and heat to warm your home.

Using Power Strips Can Be More Dangerous Than Using an Extension Cord

Many people are not aware of the potential dangers involved with using power strips on electronics in the home.

When you have multiple electronics that must be attached to an outlet all at once, there is a potential for an electrical shock if you don’t know what you are doing.

Most people don’t know how to wire multiple outlets and extension cords safely, and this is where using power strips can make a big difference.

When you use a cordless impact driver or some other form of tool to quickly remove the power strip from the outlet, you take away the chance of an electrical shock because you are removing the potential risk of shorting out the outlet. The potential for harm is even greater when you are using multiple power strips to attach multiple electronics to the wall.

One way to avoid having too many power strips is to only use them on certain locations. If you have an outlet in your bedroom for your alarm system, for instance, you may not want to use the cordless impact driver to take the power strips out of the outlet.

This not only keeps you out of a potentially dangerous situation, but also may keep you from accidentally tripping over the extension cord while trying to get the power strips out.

If you are using power strips to connect multiple electronics to the wall, it is important to know where each strip is. You don’t want to trip over this cord as well, which means you need to know where the power strips are to make it easier to move the electronics that you are attaching to the wall.

When You Use an Extension Cord to Power an Appliance

The most common way to supply power to an appliance or device in your home is to use a power strip that simply plugs in an appliance into the wall.

However, while this method provides power to your appliance, it may also cause an electric surge and create a loss of power to the appliance, in which case the use of a separate outlet that is equipped with a separate 120V outlet, may be more useful.

When you use an extension cord to power an appliance, there is a potential for a loss of power as well. This is especially true if you use an appliance whose power source is the cord itself, but it can also occur if the power cord itself is damaged or broken.

When you use this type of power connection, you should make sure that the power cord is kept at least three inches away from the appliance and that the distance between the two objects that the cord is plugged into is at least three feet.

You should also keep the power cord away from any other objects that could damage the connection or trip the circuit breaker.

When you use an extension cord to power an appliance, when you turn the power off, it is important to unplug the cord first before turning the appliance off.

If you leave the cord plugged in and then turn the appliance off, you run the risk of shorting out the electrical component of the appliance, which can result in an electrical fire.

In addition to using an extension cord, another option is to use a power strip instead.

Power strips are typically used in businesses but they are also perfect for homes as well.

Using a power strip to supply power to an electric space heater is not only safe but if you do not have an extension cord, it is easy to install as well.

Extension Cords Lower the Efficiency of a Space Heater

Why would anyone need to increase the efficiency of their power supply, you may ask?

Well there are many reasons and the most common reason is because someone is trying to increase the available space in their home or work place.

For instance, if you work in a factory that has several spaces and you have to make sure every outlet is fully operational to prevent equipment from overheating or shorting out, by using extension cords on the outlets you will reduce this risk significantly.

By using them in your home you can easily achieve the same result and if you have multiple outlets than by using multiple extension cords you can help reduce your power consumption by up to 40%.

Not only are they cost effective but if you install them properly, they will be able to give you the maximum amount of current for each outlet.

Another benefit of using them is that they help to conserve energy, which is another contributing factor in helping to keep the environment clean.

For example, space heaters draw large amounts of electricity, which in turn produces harmful waste products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and water pollution.

By using extension cords to connect the hot water tank, boiler and outdoor fridges and water heaters you are effectively cutting all these types of harmful emissions. This not only helps to keep your home or work space cleaner but it also helps to save the planet by reducing the impact we make on it.

Many homes are now incorporating space heaters with electric trays and solar panels but despite their efficiency they cannot cope with more power.

So, if you want to do anything to save money, you should consider changing the power strip to a high efficiency one.

High efficiency ones have been known to draw just under a tenth of the amount of energy that a normal extension cord uses.

Not only are they cost effective but if you change your power strip to a high efficiency one, you will be able to cut your bills by an impressive margin and even improve your credit rating.

If you don’t want to spend that much, you can always stick to a standard extension cord to heat your space heater but

if you really want to save, change to a high performing space heater with a solar panel and battery backup.

Modern Space Heaters Has Tip Over Protection That Shuts Off The Heat When It Tops

Modern space heaters come with safety tips to keep you safe from fires in case of a tip over.

A common cause of fire in homes is something simple and easy to start such as a candle or a cigarette lighter. These are easily discarded and set on fire, and can quickly turn into a raging inferno. That’s why you always need to keep the flame and any flammable items away from where your children and other loved ones may be playing.

Modern space heaters have safety options built right into them that automatically shut off the flame when it tips out of control.

These safety shut off features are built into the heating element, so all you have to do is turn off the power, unplug the appliance, and you can go about your business without fear of an impending fiery disaster.

If you ever leave the room while your space heater is on, don’t worry, the unit will shut itself off automatically, too.

They’re built tough and won’t catch on fire, so you’ll be safe in the knowledge that if you have to leave the room during an emergency, your heater will still keep you warm.

And even if you do have to leave for some reason, at least you know your heater will keep you warm.

So, when your modern space heater tips over, take the time to look at it and find the most convenient place for you to plug it in safely.

You might also want to use a surge protector if you have an outlet in the room you are planning to plug it in.

How Did My Space Heater Fall Over?

Many times a space heater’s downfall is not because of something mechanical going wrong, but more so when the user doesn’t maintain it properly.

When someone falls over the cord your heater could fall over because it does not have the weight to hold it up.

To solve this problem you need to put some weight on the bottom of the heater to hold it up and keep it from falling over.

One way to do that is to use an extension cord that goes behind or under your table and run it through the room, this stops the extension cord from being pulled down and you can use your heater again.

Last, if your space heater has a safety switch, use it! This safety switch will stop the heater from heating up if someone falls over it, but it also keeps it from automatically heating up as soon as you walk in the room.