As the temperatures drop, it's time to pull out the space heaters to keep your home nice and cozy. These devices are incredibly effective at providing supplemental heat. However, they do come with risks if they aren't used properly. The crucial tip to avoid a potentially fiery mistake when using a space heater is to never plug your heater into an extension cord. This might seem like a convenient solution, but it can have dangerous consequences if you aren't careful. Extension cords aren't typically designed to handle the high power load of space heaters. This can result in your space heater overheating, an increased risk of electrical fires, and, in the instance of a fire, severe property damage. It's important to understand how to use space heaters safely, why you should never use extension cords with them, and the overall best practices for placement and maintenance.
First things first is understanding how to use a space heater safely. Be sure to always read any warning labels and manufacturer-supplied information that comes with your heater. These are powerful devices that draw a significant amount of electricity. When you plug a space heater into a wall outlet, it can operate safely within the electrical system's capacity, as opposed to being plugged into an extension cord, which significantly increases the risk of the heater overheating. Also, using a space heater with built-in safety features, like automatic shut-off and tip-over protection, can further reduce the risk of accidents.
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Along with overheating, tripping hazards and other factors significantly contribute to the fire risk associated with plugging your space heater into an extension cord. Extension cords span across the floor, potentially creating a tripping hazard that can lead to accidents, especially in a walkway. If you or your pet accidentally tripped over the cord, it could cause the heater to tip over and potentially ignite nearby flammable materials like carpets, curtains, and sofas. Continuous tripping or tugging can also damage the cord itself, potentially exposing wires and increasing the risk of electrical shorts and fires. You might think that placing the extension cord under a rug to keep it out of the way is the solution. However, this only further increases the risk of causing it to overheat, as the rug traps heat and prevents proper ventilation.
When it comes to space heater placement and maintenance, there are several practical tips you can follow to avoid some of the common mistakes when using a space heater. First, always place your heater on a flat, stable surface away from flammable materials, keeping it at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Use that same 3-foot parameter to establish a kid-free and pet-free area around the heater. You'll also want to develop a routine to keep your space heater clean to prevent dust build up, which can be a potential fire hazard as well. Another tip is never to leave your space heater unattended. Anytime you leave the room, are sleeping, or the heater isn't needed, it's safest to turn it off. Avoiding the use of extension cords and properly looking after your heater can significantly reduce the risks and fire hazards associated with them.