Brrr! Winter’s chill has arrived, and your trusty space heater is beckoning. But before you crank up the heat, let’s address a common question: is a surge protector a must-have companion for your space heater? The answer depends on several factors, and this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision, prioritizing both safety and optimal heater performance.
Why Surge Protectors Matter: Shielding Your Space Heater from Electrical Woes
Space heaters are workhorses, drawing significant amounts of electricity to keep you warm. This high power demand can strain your home’s electrical system, potentially leading to:
- Overloaded Circuits: Too many appliances on one circuit can trip breakers or worse, cause fires.
- Overheating Outlets: Worn or damaged outlets can struggle with the current, creating fire hazards.
- Power Surges: Lightning strikes or electrical grid fluctuations can send damaging voltage spikes through your wiring.
Think of a surge protector as a safety net for your space heater. It absorbs these unexpected power surges, safeguarding your heater and potentially preventing electrical fires.
Powering Up Safely – Decoding Surge Protectors, Safety Practices, and More
Surge Protector vs. Power Strip: Don’t Be Fooled
Power strips might seem similar to surge protectors, but they serve different purposes. Here’s the lowdown:
- Power Strips: Simply provide more outlets, lacking protective features.
- Surge Protectors: Act like mini circuit breakers, tripping in case of a power surge.
- Joules Rating: Measures a surge protector’s capacity to absorb excess voltage; higher is better.
- Safety Certification: Look for UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or similar standards for peace of mind.
When a Surge Protector Isn’t Just a ‘Nice-to-Have’
There are instances where a surge protector becomes an absolute necessity for your space heater’s safety:
- Old Wiring: Older houses often lack the capacity to handle today’s electrical demands.
- Surge-Prone Area: If your home experiences frequent power fluctuations, protection is crucial.
- High Wattage Heaters: Powerful models that guzzle electricity need extra safeguards.
Beyond Surge Protectors: Essential Space Heater Safety
Even with a surge protector, it’s vital to prioritize safe practices:
- Dedicated Outlet: Avoid overloading circuits by sharing with other high-power appliances.
- Say No to Extension Cords: Direct outlet connection is the only safe way to plug in a space heater.
- Keep Your Distance: Ample clearance from curtains, furniture, and anything flammable.
- Supervision is Key: Never leave a space heater running unattended, even with built-in safety features.
Smart Surge Protector Shopping
Here’s a quick checklist to ensure you choose the right surge protector for your space heater:
- Wattage Match: Check that the surge protector can handle your heater’s wattage.
- Joule Rating: Higher joules mean better protection against powerful surges.
- Outlets Needed: Consider what else you might want to plug in nearby.
- Trusted Brands: Prioritize those with safety certifications and a strong reputation.
Here are the best surge protectors you can use for your inconvenience.
SaleBestseller No. 1
Surge Protector Power Strip (2100J), Anker 12...
- All the Power You Need: Features 12 AC outlets, 1 USB-C port, and 2 USB-A ports to give you everything you need to power up all of your appliances and mobile devices.
- Fast Charge Your iPhone: Use the 20W USB-C port to give your iPhone 13 a high-speed charge from 0-53% in just 30 minutes.
- 8-Point Safety System: Combines surge protection, fire resistance, overload protection, temperature control, and more to protect you and your devices.
- Optimized Layout: Designed with extra space between outlets to accommodate even the largest plugs.
- What You Get: Anker 351 Power Strip, 2 mounting screws, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, lifetime* $200,000 connected equipment warranty, and friendly customer service.
Bestseller No. 2
Surge Protector Power Strip - 8 Outlets with 4 USB...
- 【12 IN 1 Power Strip & 2.2 IN Wide Space】- 3-side design power strip surge protector with 8AC widely outlets and 4 USB (2 USB C) charging ports can power up to 12 devices simultaneously. That...
- 【2 x USB C Power Strip】- Added extra 2 USB C ports for your devices, the USB C port can charge up to 5V/3A. USB-A ports can charge up to 5V/2.4A Max, all USB Ports Output is 5V/3.1A, 15.5W max...
- 【Overload Surge Protection】- The surge protector power strip with overload protection protects your electrical appliances from lighting, surges or spikes. The minimum energy-absorbing capacity of...
- 【Wall Mountable Extension Cord with Flat Plug】- The low-profile flat plug fits easily in tight spaces; and the right angle flat plug design prevents bottom plug blocking; the 5ft(included the...
- 【Multi Safety Protection】- RoHS, ETL Certificates. It will automatically cut power to protect connected devices when voltage surge is overwhelming. Environmental protection and fire-resistance PC...
SaleBestseller No. 3
6Ft Power Strip Surge Protector - Yintar Extension...
- Power Strip with 6 Outlets & 3USB Ports: 6 AC Surge protector outlets(1680 Joules) including 1 Widely Spaced Outlet, 2 USB A Ports & 1 USB C Port (5V/3.0A, 15W) , 6 feet power cord (1250W/10A), Surge...
- Smart Charging USB Ports: Build in smart charging technology, Each USB A port features 2.4A Max output. USB C charging port features 3A MAX., 3 USB ports ( Total 5V/3.0A/15W) can charge almost any USB...
- Surge Protector outlet: The 6 AC outlets provide surge protector against electrical spikes. Three complementary Surge Protection Circuits, TVS (transient voltage clamp) MOV(metal oxide varistor)...
- 6 Feet Flat Plug Power cord with Cable Ties: - 6 Ft Extension Cord makes it more flexible ，Reusable Fastening Cable Ties Can tie up the unused cord and make it better organized. the Mounting hole at...
- Our After Sale Service: Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return and 12-month replacement.
SaleBestseller No. 4
6 Ft Surge Protector Power Strip - 8 Widely...
- 【4+4 Outlets Power Strip with 4 USB Ports】- The 3-side power strip with 8AC widely outlets and 4 USB charging ports total 4.2A, each USB A port features 5V/2.4A Max output. USB C charging port...
- 【Surge Protector Power Strip with 3 Side Design & Wide Space】- 3-side design that makes it easier to make the plugs not covering any outlet, and the 8 AC outlets with 1.8 inches long space in...
- 【Multi Safety Protection】- RoHS, FCC and ETL Certificates. This power strip has overload protection, short-circuit protection, over current protection, over-voltage protection and overheating...
- 【6 Ft extension cord with Flat Plug】- The 45° flat plug design prevents the bottom plug from clogging and allows for easy installation in tight spaces; the 6-foot power cord allows for...
- 【 Our After Sale Service 】- RoHS, FCC and ETL Certificates. Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return...
Bestseller No. 5
Lvetek 5 Outlet Extender Multi Plug Wall Outlets...
- Multi-functional Outlet Splitter: This Multi Plug Outlet Extender can turn 2 into 5, plus 4 USB Ports; 1680 joules surge protector protect electronics by improving your power quality. Wall plug...
- Smart USB Wall Charger: 5V 4.2A shared rating; USB A port up to 2.4A, USB C port up to 3A MAX. This USB wall charger can detect charged devices and deliver charging speed, compatible with cell phone,...
- Wall Mountable Design: Just plug the surge protector into a standard grounded duplex wall receptacle and if you want secure it on duplex outlet just need a screw driver to use the screw included then...
- Safety Guaranteed: With a built-in 1680J surge protector, our electrical multi-outlets with 3 complementary Surge Protection Circuits, TVS(transient voltage suppressor) MOV(metal oxide varistor)...
- After Sale Service: ETL Certified，Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return and 12-month replacement.
SaleBestseller No. 6
Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip w/ 12...
- MULTI-OUTLET SURGE PROTECTOR LETS YOU CHARGE & POWER MULTIPLE DEVICES AT ONCE: Power everything on your desk with a single compact surge-protected extension cord. 12 AC outlets with surge protection...
- SAFEGUARD YOUR DEVICES & APPLIANCES WITH 3,940 JOULES OF PROTECTION: Extensive testing ensures your expensive computers, monitors, hard drives, home theaters, and other appliances are protected by...
- SAFETY LIGHT INDICATOR CONFIRMS YOUR DEVICES ARE PROTECTED: Wall-mountable surge protector power strip features a safety indicator light to ease your mind while charging, letting you know your devices...
- COMPACT & HEAVY-DUTY FOR LASTING USE ANYWHERE: Widely spaced outlets give ample area to fit big plugs and chargerS. Its slender design is ideal for home office, workstations, and more. The 2.4M cord...
- UL SAFETY CERTIFICATION VERIFIES THIS SURGE PROTECTOR MEETS SAFETY STANDARDS: This product has been independently lab tested and certified to meet or exceed UL safety standards.
SaleBestseller No. 7
Wall Charger, Surge Protector, QINLIANF 5 Outlet...
- 【 Multi Function USB Outlet】- Securing onto the wall design. Fit duplex outlet perfectly, just plug in to use. You get 5 AC outlet splitter (3 sides) with wide space in between; 4 USB charger...
- 【The Groove Design on The Back and Wide space 】- 5 AC outlets with 2.1 inches long space in between, larger than standard 1.5-inch socket. Larger spacing makes it easier to use for all kinds of...
- 【 Smart Charge with USB A & USB C 】- 4 USB ports total 4.8 A, each USB A port features 5V/2.4A Max output. USB C charging port features 5V/3A MAX. Built in smart technology, detecting charging...
- 【 Reliable Surge Protector Circuit 】- 3 level complementary Surge Protector Circuit which composed of TVS, MOV (metal oxide varistor), GDT (gas discharge tube), with minimum 1680J energy absorbing...
- 【 Our After Sale Service 】- ETL Certified，Our friendly and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours. You can purchase with confidence, with our 30-day return and 12-month...
SaleBestseller No. 8
Surge Protector Outlet Extender - with Rotating...
- 【9 IN 1 USB Wall Outlet Extender】- 6 AC outlet adapter (3 side, 15A/125V/1875W) with built-in 1800 Joules surge protector and 3 USB charging ports (1 USB C, total output DC 5V/3.1A), 180 degree...
- 【Wide Space & Rotating AC plug】 - Unique 3-Side space-saving design surge protector, 6 AC outlets with wide space in between, are separated enough to fit big plugs without blocking each other. The...
- 【USB-C Smart Charging Ports】- With built-in smart IC technology, high-speed USB ports automatically detect charging devices and deliver optimal charging speed, USB A up to 2.4A/5V per port, USB C...
- 【1800J Outlet Surge Protector】- The multiple plug outlet provide surge protector electrical spikes. 3 complementary Surge Protection Circuits, TVS(transient voltage suppressor) MOV(metal oxide...
- 【Multi Safety Protection】 - Certified by ETL. USB outlet splitter prevent your electric devices from over-current/over-charge/ short circuit/over-heated. Fire-resistant ABS shell (1382℉), and...
Bestseller No. 9
Surge Protector Power Strip - Nuetsa Flat Plug...
- 【Power Strip with 8AC outlets & 4 USB】- power bars with surge protector with 8AC outlets & 4 USB charging ports (1 USB C Outlet), 6 Feet Heavy Duty extension cord(1625W/13A), surge protector (2700...
- 【USB- C Fast & Smart Charge】- 4 USB ports total 3.4 A, each USB A port features 2.4A Max output. USB C charging port features 3A MAX. Built- with smart technology, detecting charging devices and...
- 【8AC Surge Protector Outlets】- The 3 level complementary Surge Protector Circuit which composed of TVS (transient voltage suppressor), MOV (metal oxide varistor), GDT (gas discharge tube), with...
- 【Safety and Certificate】- ETL safety certified, with extension cord and other major components certified by UL. The over current protection switch limits the power strip's working current to...
- 【What You Get】- Nuetsa Power strip, Maunal, 30-day return, our worry-free 24-month, and reliable customer service will respond to you within 24 hours.
SaleBestseller No. 10
GE 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 10 Ft Extension Cord,...
- Expand Your Power – 6 grounded and protected 3-prong outlets provide power from a distance – perfect for creating a centralized hub for your electronics at your home, office, workshop or garage
- Versatile Cord – Extra-long 10ft. power cord comprised of 14-gauge SJT cable housed in a durable PVC insulation and jacket with a space-saving flat plug to allow unit to fit closely to the wall
- Protection – 800 Joules protection rating safeguards your electronics from harmful voltage spikes
- Functionality – Twist-to-close safety outlets ensure that dust and foreign objects are kept out of unused outlets – integrated keyhole slots provide easy mounting to a desk, table or counter
- Trusted Brand – GE is the #1 Brand in surge protection and extension cords
