Power strips are designed for low-wattage devices like lamps, phone chargers, or TVs. Space heaters, however, pull a large amount of electricity to generate heat quickly. Plugging one into a power strip can overwhelm it, leading to overheating, melted plastic, fused wires, and in many cases, fire.
This isn’t theoretical. In Ohio, a space heater plugged into a power strip sparked a blaze that consumed a home in minutes—the couch ignited first, and the fire spread rapidly.
🔌 How to Use a Space Heater Safely
- Plug directly into a wall outlet. Wall wiring is built for the high current space heaters require.
- Keep a three-foot buffer. Maintain distance from flammable items—curtains, bedding, furniture, laundry, and even walls.
- Use a stable surface. Hard, flat surfaces are best. Avoid tables, stools, or thick carpets that increase tipping or heat buildup.
- Never leave it unattended. Turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Even heaters with tip-over sensors or automatic shut-off features aren’t foolproof. Use them as a backup, not your primary safety measure.
