Space Heater Safety: Avoid Electrical Fires This Winter

Staying Warm Safely

When Missouri winters hit hard, space heaters become essential for many St. Charles County homeowners. But these convenient devices are responsible for over 25,000 residential fires each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

First Choice Electric wants you to stay warm—and safe.

The Electrical Dangers of Space Heaters

Power Demands

Space heaters are power-hungry appliances:

A standard 15-amp circuit can barely handle one 1,500W heater—with nothing else plugged in.

Common Mistakes That Cause Fires

Never do these:

• Plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord
• Run a heater on a circuit with other high-draw appliances
• Use a heater with a damaged cord
• Leave a heater running unattended or overnight
• Place a heater near curtains, bedding, or furniture

Safe Space Heater Practices

Electrical Best Practices

1. Plug directly into wall outlets - Never use extension cords
2. One heater per circuit - Avoid overloading
3. Check your outlets - Warm outlets indicate problems
4. Use GFCI outlets - Especially in bathrooms and basements
5. Inspect cords regularly - Replace if damaged

Placement Rules

Maintain a 3-foot clearance zone around all heaters:

• Keep away from curtains and drapes
• Never place on carpets or rugs
• Avoid high-traffic areas where cords could be tripped over
• Never use in bathrooms unless specifically rated

Choosing a Safe Heater

Look for these safety features:

• Automatic tip-over shutoff
• Overheat protection
• Cool-touch housing
• UL or ETL certification
• Thermostat control

Signs Your Electrical System Needs Attention

If you're using space heaters regularly, watch for:

• Frequently tripping breakers - Your circuits may be overloaded
• Warm or discolored outlets - Dangerous wiring issues
• Flickering lights - Voltage problems
• Burning smells - Immediate fire risk

These signs mean you need a professional electrician—not more space heaters.

Better Long-Term Solutions

Space heaters are meant for supplemental heating, not primary warmth. Consider these alternatives:

• Electric baseboard heaters - Permanently installed, safer
• Heat pump installation - Efficient year-round climate control
• Electrical panel upgrade - Support more heating circuits safely
• Dedicated circuits - For safe space heater use

First Choice Electric can assess your St. Charles County home and recommend the safest, most efficient heating solutions.

Schedule a Winter Safety Check

Don't wait for a fire or electrical failure. Call First Choice Electric at (636) 240-2966 for a free estimate on upgrading your home's electrical capacity for winter heating needs.