The Truth About Space Heaters and Home Electrical Safety

As the temperatures drop, space heaters come out of storage. They’re convenient, cozy, and perfect for warming up small areas — but they can also be one of the leading causes of home electrical fires each winter.

Before you plug one in this season, here’s what every homeowner should know about space heater safety and your electrical system.

Why Space Heaters Can Be Risky

🔥 1. They Draw a Lot of Power

Most portable space heaters pull 1,500 watts or more — roughly the same as running a hair dryer continuously. That’s a heavy load for a standard household circuit, especially if other devices are plugged into the same line.

Overloaded circuits can cause breakers to trip, outlets to overheat, or worse — spark a fire behind the wall.

⚡ 2. Old Wiring + High Wattage = Fire Hazard

If your home still has older wiring or an outdated electrical panel (like Federal Pacific, Zinsco, Push-O-Matic, or Challenger), it may not handle that level of electrical demand safely.

These older systems often fail to trip when overloaded, letting wires heat up until they ignite insulation or framing materials.

🔌 3. Extension Cords Are a Hidden Danger

It’s tempting to use an extension cord to reach that perfect spot, but space heaters should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.

Even heavy-duty cords can overheat under the constant draw, especially if the cord is coiled, run under a rug, or damaged.

How to Use a Space Heater Safely

✅ Plug directly into a wall outlet — never use an extension cord or power strip.
✅ Keep at least 3 feet of space between the heater and anything flammable (curtains, furniture, bedding).
✅ Turn it off when unattended or while sleeping.
✅ Inspect cords and plugs regularly for signs of heat, discoloration, or fraying.
✅ Use heaters with tip-over and overheat protection.

If you notice lights dimming, breakers tripping, or outlets feeling warm — unplug the heater and call an electrician.

Preventing Overloads with an Electrical Safety Evaluation

At East Side Electric, we offer professional Electrical Safety Evaluations to make sure your home can handle winter’s electrical demands.

Our licensed electricians will:

• Test outlet and circuit capacity

• Check for loose connections or overheating

• Evaluate your electrical panel’s safety and performance

• Recommend safe upgrades where needed

You’ll gain peace of mind knowing your system is ready for cold weather — without unnecessary risks.

Stay Warm — and Stay Safe

Space heaters can be a great comfort during winter, but they must be used responsibly. A few simple precautions — and a quick safety check — can go a long way toward preventing fires and protecting your family.

If you’re unsure whether your electrical system can handle the load, schedule a safety evaluation today.

📞 Call or text East Side Electric at 816-588-9701
📧 Email: Leads@ESElectricKC.com
🌐 Visit: www.ESElectricKC.com