Posted on 11/12/19
| News Source: WBAL
The weather is getting colder, and people are pulling out their space heaters. We just wanted to remind you that you should NEVER plug a heater into a power strip. These units are not designed to handle the high current flow needed for a space heater and can overheat or even catch fire due to the added energy flow. Please share and stay safe this Winter season.
This is an image from our fire station when a surge protector was misused. The point comes down to proper use. Even the best equipment can fail if not used correctly. No one manufacture is at fault, yet it’s all about the end users ability to use the product safely. #UCFD1
Umatilla Country Fire District #1 shared an alarming photo of a melted and charred power strip on Facebook showing the damage an overloaded outlet can cause.
"These units are not designed to handle the high current flow needed for a space heater and can overheat or even catch fire due to the added energy flow," the post explained.
The danger lies in a common misconception: Most people don't realize a power strip doesn't limit or block surges like a surge protector does, explains Rachel Rothman, chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Plus, many space heaters have specific manufacturer's instructions, like only plugging them directly into a wall outlet.
"You should definitely not use an extension cord or power strip, which could easily overheat," Rothman added. "And you really shouldn't plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater for safety reasons."
If you're thinking of buying a space heater this winter, choose one that's been tested by a third-party testing lab, like UL. You should also always follow these electrical safety tips, whether it's a space heater, phone charger or something else: