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.
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