Winters have an aura of their own, but nobody wants to wake up in a cold, chilly room in the morning. When the real cold hits, many turn to space heaters for extra warmth in their homes and offices. These portable heaters are easy to use and effective, but there are certain safety risks as well.
For example, people often use a space heater timer to manage how long the heater should run. But there is a real question turning up: can a space heater timer handle the power needed for a space heater without overheating or malfunctioning? Is it really safe? Let’s find out.
Risks of Using Space Heaters
The biggest threat lies in its potential to cause home fires. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about 1,700 fires each year are linked to space heaters, which leads to more than 80 deaths nationally.
Another risk is carbon monoxide poisoning, especially with fuel-burning heaters. These heaters can release dangerous gases like carbon monoxide into the air. Space heaters can also overload electrical circuits, which leads to power failures or even fires.
Using a timer with a space heater can be risky as well. This usually happens when you use a non-compatible or low-quality timer. Non-compatible timers can lead to overheating or electrical issues, but why?
If the timer cannot handle the heater’s power, it might overheat and cause a fire. Thus, it is important to carefully check both the heater and timer’s specifications to make sure they work safely together and avoid any potential dangers.
Is It Safe to Plug a Space Heater into a Timer?
It is difficult to answer this question in one word, but following the safety measures can certainly reduce the risks. Here are some safety measures to consider.
- Never leave a space heater unattended, even if it is on a timer.
- Space heaters are for temporary use and should not run for long periods.
- Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from flammable materials such as furniture, curtains, and bedding.
- Maintain a 3-foot safety zone around the heater to keep children and pets away.
- Do not use extension cords, and always plug the heater directly into the wall outlet.
- Make sure the heater has safety features like tip-over and overheat protection.
- Regularly inspect and clean the heater, and do not use it if there are any signs of damage.
- Avoid using space heaters in damp areas like bathrooms or basements.
- Choose timers that are specifically made for high-power devices, usually rated for at least 1500 watts. Digital timers with automatic shut-off are also a great option.
How to Choose the Right Space Heater Timer?
Here comes the most important question, how to choose the right space heater timer. Here are a few things to understand.
1. Wattage Rating
The first thing to consider when choosing a space heater time is wattage rating. Make sure the timer can handle the heater's power requirements to avoid overheating and malfunctions. Check the heater's power rating and choose a timer with a matching or higher capacity.
2. Compare Different Types of Space Heater Timers
Space heater timers are of different types, with different perks and drawbacks.
- Mechanical timersare simple and affordable but lack precision and safety features like automatic shut-off.
- Digital timersare more accurate and offer features like countdown timers and automatic shut-off to prevent overheating.
- Smart timersprovide the highest convenience as they allow remote control through smartphone apps. They may also include energy-saving features but are costlier and need a stable internet connection.
3. Look for Safety Certifications and User-Friendly Features
Always choose timers with safety certifications like UL or ETL, which ensure safety and reliability. Consider user-friendly features, such as
- Easy programming,
- Remote control options and
- App compatibility
BN-LINK Smart Timer Switch—Safety and Convenience
Not sure whether to use a space heater timer or not? Our 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer 2-pack will settle your safety concerns.
You can set up to 8 on/off schedules for each timer and control two outlets at once. This timer helps save energy and minimize safety concerns through precise control and real-time data updates for monitoring.
It also has useful features like Vacation Mode, which allows for the randomization of most home devices. The backup battery keeps your settings even during power outages. Last but not least, it is UL listed.
If you need these certain types of safeguards for your home devices, BN-LINK is here.
Reference
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/small-space-heaters
