Space heaters are behind a large share of home heating fires every winter, especially the deadly ones. Most of those fires start in the same few ways, and they’re easy to avoid.
Plug it directly into a wall outlet. A typical space heater draws about 1,500 watts, close to the limit of a standard 15-amp circuit. Extension cords and power strips aren’t built for that load and can overheat and melt. Avoid running another big load, like a hair dryer or microwave, on the same circuit at the same time.
Give it room. Keep at least three feet between the heater and anything that can burn: bedding, curtains, furniture, and clothes. Choose a model with tip-over and overheat shutoff, set it on a hard, level floor, and turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
Pay attention to the warning signs. If the plug or outlet feels hot, the breaker keeps tripping, or the lights dim when the heater kicks on, the circuit is overloaded or has a loose connection. Stop using that outlet and have it checked.
If you rely on a space heater every winter because a room just won’t stay warm, a dedicated circuit or a permanently installed heater is a safer long-term fix.
