As the weather turns colder, many homeowners in Hampton Roads turn to space heaters to keep warm. These small, portable devices might seem like a convenient solution, but they can pose serious risks to your home’s electrical system if not used properly. Let’s dive into why space heaters can be dangerous, how your home’s wiring might not be prepared to handle their load, and what you can do to mitigate these risks.
Space Heaters and Your Home’s Electrical System
Space heaters are notorious for drawing a significant amount of electricity. Most space heaters operate at 1,500 watts, which translates to about 12.5 amps on a standard 120-volt circuit. While this might not sound like much, it’s a substantial load when compared to other household appliances.
Here’s why this is a problem:
- Wire Size Matters: Electrical wiring in your home is designed to handle specific amounts of current. Common residential circuits use 14-gauge or 12-gauge wire, rated for 15 amps or 20 amps, respectively. A space heater operating at full capacity can push a 15-amp circuit to its limit, especially if other devices are plugged into the same circuit.
- Continuous Loads: Electrical code defines a continuous load as any device operating at maximum capacity for three hours or more. Space heaters often fall into this category during winter months. Continuous loads require circuits to operate at no more than 80% of their capacity. For a 15-amp circuit, this means no more than 12 amps should be used continuously. A space heater alone exceeds this threshold, leaving no room for additional devices.
- Overheating Without Tripping the Breaker: Circuit breakers are designed to trip when the current exceeds their rating for a prolonged period. However, they don’t protect against gradual overheating caused by continuous high loads. Wiring can overheat, especially if the insulation is old or damaged, creating a fire hazard without triggering the breaker.
How to Safeguard Your Home
The good news is that there are effective ways to use space heaters safely while protecting your home’s electrical system:
- Install Dedicated Circuits: A dedicated circuit is reserved for a single device, ensuring it doesn’t share capacity with other appliances. Installing a dedicated 20-amp circuit for your space heater allows it to operate safely without overloading other circuits.
- Upgrade to Arc Fault Protection: Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) detect dangerous arcing conditions that can lead to fires. Arcing can occur when wiring is damaged or loose connections exist. AFCIs provide an additional layer of protection beyond standard breakers.
- Regular Electrical Inspections: Schedule inspections with a licensed electrician to assess your home’s wiring and identify potential hazards. An electrician can determine whether your circuits can handle a space heater or if upgrades are necessary.
Trust the Experts for Peace of Mind
At MorLite Electric, safety is our top priority. Our licensed electricians specialize in evaluating and upgrading home electrical systems to accommodate high-demand devices like space heaters. We’ll work with you to install dedicated circuits, add arc fault protection, and ensure your wiring is up to code.
Don’t let a space heater compromise your family’s safety. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a safer, more reliable home electrical system.
Stay warm and stay safe!