Using extension cord with 1,500 watt heater
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Using extension cord with 1,500 watt heater
Is it safe to use either an oil based heater or floor AC unit with a 12 foot "appliance" extension cord? My heater is rated at 1,500 watts when on high. In the summer time my portable AC unit would peak at 1,040 watts.
I have a refrigerator but the manual says not to use it with an extension cord. That seems odd because it only peaks at 400 - 500 watts at start up. So wouldn't a 1,500 watt heater put even more stress on an extension cord?
I was thinking about buying this extension cord. Is there a better one out there? Maybe a construction grade extension cord?
Maximum amperage: 15
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Power-By...5615/205667903
I have a refrigerator but the manual says not to use it with an extension cord. That seems odd because it only peaks at 400 - 500 watts at start up. So wouldn't a 1,500 watt heater put even more stress on an extension cord?
I was thinking about buying this extension cord. Is there a better one out there? Maybe a construction grade extension cord?
Maximum amperage: 15
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Power-By...5615/205667903
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Expensive to hire an electrician. Maybe I could do some of it myself. Would I cut into the drywall where the studs are and then cut just enough of the stud for conduit to fit? I'm pretty good at dry wall repair.
#4
Moving the heater an option?
Running a new circuit difficulty is going to depend on the construction of y your home.
Running a new circuit difficulty is going to depend on the construction of y your home.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
This is for an Airbnb guest suite. I need the heater to be near the foot of the bed -- not near the headboard. So long story short, I can't move the heater to this outlet. Also there's too much load on the other outlet that's near the foot of the bed. Different circuits in this room.
I see that people are using this Romex wire (instead of that aluminum conduit) these days so that would be less damage to the studs.
I see that people are using this Romex wire (instead of that aluminum conduit) these days so that would be less damage to the studs.
#7
Group Moderator
If you are renting this property you definetely need to go by the book. A rental is not the place to be cutting corners and permanently using an extension cord for a high load. If there is a fire or injury because of improper wiring your insurance company may deny your claim and you will be crucified by the courts.
#8
Member
I tried this once a long time ago and could have died.
The cord melted into the carpet and never tripped the breaker.
When I was on the fire dept. every winter we would have a couple of fires caused by electric space heaters, somewhere even plugged into hard wired outlets.
All the hard wired outlets had been backstabbed causing a loose connection and had overheated.
The cord melted into the carpet and never tripped the breaker.
When I was on the fire dept. every winter we would have a couple of fires caused by electric space heaters, somewhere even plugged into hard wired outlets.
All the hard wired outlets had been backstabbed causing a loose connection and had overheated.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
No basement below. I'm trying to find a good book about doing this kind of work. Any recommendations?
#11
Wiring Simplified is the best primer on home electrical wiring, however in the short term hiring this one out is probably the right call.
A space heater on an extension cord is a seriously bad idea.
A space heater on an extension cord is a seriously bad idea.
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Wiring Simplified is the best primer on home electrical wiring, however in the short term hiring this one out is probably the right call.
A space heater on an extension cord is a seriously bad idea.
A space heater on an extension cord is a seriously bad idea.
I'm already working on doing this myself if I tap into an existing line. Help adding 2 power outlets
#13
Group Moderator
Extension cords by definition are temporary devices. They are not permitted for permenant use. Also, fire code in many areas prevents their use altogether.