Cleveland’s fall weather can shift quickly from warm to cold, changing the temperature inside your home. If you’re not quite ready to turn on your heat, a space heater can help you stay comfortable. But because these small heaters draw a lot of power, they can easily overload a circuit. By figuring out how to prevent your space heater from tripping the breaker, you can help protect your electrical system and reduce the risk of fire.
Why Does My Space Heater Keep Tripping the Breaker?
The most common reason your space heater trips the breaker is that it’s drawing more power than the circuit can handle. Depending on the rating of the circuit and the space heater, this is surprisingly easy to do.
Let’s say you have a space heater that draws 1,500 watts of power, and you plug it into a 120-volt, 15-amp circuit with a theoretical maximum of 1,800 watts. If you have other appliances plugged into the same circuit, your space heater could overload it quickly. When it detects a higher electrical load, the circuit breaker will trip automatically and stop the flow of power.
What to Do When Your Space Heater Is Tripping the Breaker
If your space heater trips the breaker, you may still be able to use it safely with these tips:
- Choose a different circuit: Plug the heater into an outlet connected to a different circuit. Choose one that’s not connected to major appliances such as your washer, dryer, refrigerator or stove.
- Unplug other devices: If you need the space heater in a specific room, you may be able to use the circuit if you unplug everything else that’s connected. This reduces the electrical load on the circuit.
- Use a lower setting or a smaller space heater: A low heat setting typically uses less power, though the total draw varies by device. You can also try using a smaller space heater with a lower wattage to reduce the power draw.
- Don’t use extension cords or power strips: Although it can be tempting to use an extension cord to connect the space heater to a different circuit, it’s not a good idea. Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet. Standard cords aren’t rated for the high power draw of a space heater, and even heavy-duty cords can increase the risk of fire and overheating.
When you’ve tried everything and the space heater is still tripping the breaker, it could point to a problem with the heater or your wiring. To be safe, stop using the heater and don’t repeatedly reset the breaker. Have an electrician inspect the circuit before using it again. They can help ensure that your home’s electrical system is ready for winter.
If all else fails and a space heater is non-negotiable, you can hire an electrician to install a new circuit. The dedicated circuit installation cost might be worth it for poorly insulated spaces that you use regularly, such as a home office or a workshop.
Can a Space Heater Overload the Whole Electrical Panel?
A space heater is more likely to overload an individual circuit than the entire electrical panel. However, if the home’s total power draw is already near the panel’s capacity, adding a heater could trip the main breaker and cut power throughout your home.
Overloading your electrical panel can also have other risks:
- Risk of fire
- Wiring damage
- Appliance damage
These risks may be more likely if you have an older, low-capacity panel or if your panel isn’t sized correctly for your home. If you notice buzzing sounds or burning smells from an outlet, stop using it, turn off the circuit at the breaker if you can do so safely, and call an electrician. Don’t touch a hot or damaged outlet. If you see smoke or flames, leave the home and call 911.
What to Do If a Space Heater Is Overloading the Electrical Panel
If your space heater overloads the electrical panel in your home, avoid using it until you can get a professional inspection. If an inspection shows that your home’s electrical capacity is insufficient, your electrician may recommend an electrical panel upgrade.
During the upgrade process, the electrician will install a higher-capacity breaker box. A 200-amp panel is common in modern homes, though bigger homes may need up to 400 amps or more. Depending on the state of your electrical system, you may also need wiring upgrades or additional circuits and outlets. The electrician can ensure that everything complies with the local electrical code.
An electrical upgrade can help you use a space heater safely, but that’s just one benefit. In some cases, it also increases the value of your home.
Get Help Troubleshooting Space Heater Electrical Issues
Space heaters are convenient, but they can also create serious safety issues if they overload your electrical system. Keep them at least three feet from anything that can burn, and never leave them running unattended or while you’re asleep. As you work through your fall maintenance checklist, consider booking an appointment with an electrician. They can inspect your outlets, wiring and electrical panel and recommend changes that can help you use a space heater safely.
If you live in Mentor, Cleveland or the surrounding areas, Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is here to help. Contact us today to book an appointment.
