Space heaters come in handy during winter; they are portable and effective at warming a room on chilly days. Despite their utility, they can cause blown electrical fuses or tripped circuit breakers in your home. When these happen frequently, it’s best to call an electrician for assistance, but it also pays to understand the reason behind it.      

Why Do Space Heaters Blow Fuses?

Your home’s electrical system consists of multiple circuits controlled and protected by circuit breakers or fuses. When a circuit draws a higher electrical load than it can carry, it will either burn the fuse’s filament or “trip” the breaker to cut off the electrical current, preventing your home from catching fire.

One common reason for a tripped circuit breaker is an overloaded circuit, which occurs when too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit. For instance, a 20-amp circuit will likely trip its breaker if you use the designated outlet for powering a 12.5-amp space heater and a 15-amp refrigerator. 

Besides overloading, the circuit may have been running a little hotter than usual. It happens when your space heater draws more power than it should, probably due to faulty wiring. 

How Can You Prevent It From Tripping the Breaker?

It’s essential to prevent any troubles with the space heater, especially if it’s your primary source of heat in certain rooms. If you think there are any issues, first check your space heater’s wires for signs of damage, such as loose or exposed wiring, fraying, and discoloration. 

If you notice a burning smell coming from the appliance, stop using it and have it repaired or replaced first. It’s best to unplug the device when it’s not in use to lower the load on the circuit since electrical current still passes through the appliance even if it’s not switched on.

Avoid using extension cables to connect your space heater since the cords can't handle the high electrical loads and will quickly run hot, overloading the circuit or starting a fire. If you’re running out of electrical outlets, have an electrician add more to your home or up the amperage.

Avoid similar issues in the future by having your wiring checked by a licensed electrician from Gutridge Electric Inc in Newark, OH. In business for almost 40 years, they have offered a full range of electrical services to homes and businesses throughout Licking County and the nearby areas. Call (740) 349-7624 for prompt electrical repairs or visit the website today.