As winter draws near, temperatures across Georgia and the Southern U.S. will — eventually — get colder. For many residents, this means cranking up the heat and using space heaters to keep warm. But an overlooked detail could potentially lead to harmful consequences: plugging these heaters into power strips.
The Technical Angle
First, a little electricity 101. Power strips and surge protectors are not designed to handle the high current flow needed for a space heater. These devices are better suited for low-power items like phone chargers or table lamps. Plugging a space heater into a power strip can overload the circuit, which could result in overheating and potentially a fire.
Fire Safety Tips
To prevent fire risks, here are some tips:
- Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
- Never use an extension cord or a power strip.
- Keep the space heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing, and rugs.
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.