If you find that your space heater keeps shutting off unexpectedly or tripping your circuit breaker, it can be frustrating trying to diagnose the problem. A tripped breaker typically means you’re overloading the circuit or there is a short or faulty connection somewhere.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Space heaters are high wattage appliances that can overload circuits or trip faulty breakers. Check your heater’s wattage rating against the circuit capacity, try different outlets, and test the breaker for faults to resolve tripping issues.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline the most common reasons a space heater keeps tripping your breaker and how to troubleshoot the issue step-by-step.
Check the Space Heater’s Wattage Rating
One of the main reasons why your space heater keeps tripping the breaker is because the wattage of the heater exceeds the capacity of the circuit it is plugged into. Each circuit in your home has a maximum load capacity, usually measured in amps.
When a space heater draws more power than the circuit can handle, it can cause the breaker to trip as a safety measure to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
Match heater wattage to circuit capacity
To avoid tripping the breaker, it is important to match the wattage rating of your space heater to the capacity of the circuit it is connected to. Most space heaters have a wattage rating specified on their packaging or in their user manual.
You can also check the heater’s label or the plug itself for this information. Once you know the wattage rating, you can compare it to the amp capacity of the circuit.
If the circuit is a standard 15-amp circuit, you should use a space heater with a wattage rating of 1500 watts or less. This is because most 15-amp circuits can handle a maximum load of 1800 watts (15 amps x 120 volts).
If you have a 20-amp circuit, you can use a space heater with a higher wattage rating, up to 2400 watts (20 amps x 120 volts).
Use a lower wattage heater if overloaded
If your space heater’s wattage rating exceeds the capacity of the circuit, you may need to consider using a lower wattage heater. While it may be tempting to use a more powerful heater to warm up your space quickly, it is important to prioritize safety and avoid overloading the circuit.
Using a lower wattage heater not only prevents the breaker from tripping, but it also reduces the risk of electrical overheating and potential fire hazards. There are many energy-efficient space heaters available on the market that provide ample warmth without putting excessive strain on your electrical system.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority when using space heaters. If you are unsure about the wattage capacity of your circuits or need guidance on the appropriate space heater to use, it is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician.
Try Different Outlets Around Your Home
If your space heater keeps tripping the breaker, it may be due to the outlet you are using. It is important to remember that not all outlets are created equal, and some may not be able to handle the power requirements of a space heater.
Here are a few tips for trying different outlets around your home:
Avoid outlets with other appliances
When using a space heater, it is best to avoid outlets that are already being used by other high-powered appliances. These appliances, such as refrigerators or air conditioners, can draw a significant amount of power and may overload the circuit, causing the breaker to trip.
Try plugging your space heater into an outlet that is not being used by any other appliances to see if that resolves the issue.
Use a dedicated circuit if possible
If you find that your space heater is still tripping the breaker even when plugged into a separate outlet, it may be time to consider using a dedicated circuit. A dedicated circuit is a circuit that is solely dedicated to powering a specific appliance, such as a space heater.
This can help prevent overloading the circuit and tripping the breaker. Consult an electrician to determine if installing a dedicated circuit for your space heater is a viable solution.
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when using space heaters. If you are experiencing frequent breaker trips or other electrical issues, it is best to consult a professional electrician for assistance.
Inspect the Electrical Breaker for Issues
If your space heater keeps tripping the breaker, it’s important to inspect the electrical breaker for any potential issues. The breaker is designed to protect your electrical system from overload and short circuits. Here are a few steps you can take to identify and resolve any problems:
Test the breaker for faults
The first step is to test the breaker for any faults. Start by turning off all the appliances and devices that are connected to the circuit. Then, switch off the breaker and switch it back on. If it trips immediately or after turning on a specific device, it could indicate a problem with the breaker itself.
Pro Tip: You can use a multimeter to test the breaker’s voltage and continuity. This will help you determine if the breaker is functioning properly or if it needs to be replaced.
Replace a faulty or old breaker
If you discover that the breaker is faulty or old, it’s important to replace it. A faulty breaker can cause frequent tripping and pose a safety hazard. Make sure to turn off the main power supply before attempting to replace the breaker.
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, it’s best to call a licensed electrician to handle the task. They have the knowledge and expertise to ensure the replacement is done safely and correctly.
Important: When replacing a breaker, make sure to use one that has the same amperage rating as the previous one. Using a breaker with a higher or lower rating can lead to electrical hazards.
Call an electrician for repeated tripping
If your space heater continues to trip the breaker even after testing and replacing it, it’s time to call in a professional electrician. Repeated tripping could indicate a more significant electrical issue, such as overloaded circuits or faulty wiring.
An electrician will be able to assess the situation, identify the root cause, and provide a solution to ensure the safe operation of your space heater.
Remember: Safety should always be your top priority when dealing with electrical issues. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any of the steps mentioned, it’s best to seek professional help.
Check for Damage to the Space Heater
If your space heater keeps tripping the breaker, it could be due to damage or wear and tear on the heater itself. Here are a couple of things you can do to check for any issues:
Look for signs of electrical arcing
Electrical arcing occurs when there is a faulty connection or a damaged component within the space heater. It can cause sparks or a popping sound, and it is a serious safety concern. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to stop using the heater immediately and have it inspected by a qualified professional.
Electrical arcing can lead to electrical fires, so it is crucial to address this issue promptly.
Replace damaged or frayed power cords
One common cause of space heaters tripping breakers is damaged or frayed power cords. Over time, the cords can become worn out or damaged, which can lead to electrical shorts or increased resistance. Inspect the power cord of your space heater for any signs of damage, including cuts, fraying, or exposed wires.
If you notice any issues, it is important to replace the cord with a new one. Using a damaged power cord can not only cause the breaker to trip but also pose a significant safety risk.
It is always recommended to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional if you are unsure about inspecting or replacing any components of your space heater.
Use a Voltage Monitor to Test Outlets
If you’re experiencing frequent breaker trips when using your space heater, one possible reason could be low voltage. Voltage refers to the amount of electrical potential energy that flows through your home’s electrical system.
When the voltage drops below the recommended level, it can cause appliances like space heaters to draw more current, leading to circuit overload and subsequent breaker trips.
Low voltage can trip the heater
Low voltage can be caused by various factors such as outdated wiring, loose connections, or a high demand for power in your area. To determine if low voltage is the culprit behind your space heater tripping the breaker, you can use a voltage monitor.
A voltage monitor is a simple device that plugs into the outlet and measures the voltage level. It will give you a clear indication of whether the voltage is within the acceptable range or if it’s too low.
If the voltage monitor shows that the voltage is consistently below the recommended level, it’s important to address the issue. Low voltage not only affects the performance of your space heater but can also lead to damage to other electrical appliances in your home.
Therefore, it’s crucial to take steps to rectify the low voltage problem.
Upgrade wiring if voltage is inadequate
If the voltage monitor indicates that your outlets have inadequate voltage, one possible solution is to upgrade your home’s wiring. Outdated or inadequate wiring can lead to voltage drops and can be a common cause of low voltage problems.
Upgrading your wiring to meet modern electrical standards can help ensure that your space heater and other appliances receive the necessary voltage to operate efficiently and safely.
It’s important to hire a licensed electrician for any wiring upgrades or modifications to ensure the work is done correctly and in compliance with electrical codes. A professional electrician will assess your electrical system, identify any issues, and recommend the appropriate upgrades to address low voltage problems.
Remember, working with electricity can be dangerous, so it’s always best to seek professional help when dealing with electrical issues. By using a voltage monitor and upgrading your wiring if necessary, you can ensure that your space heater and other electrical appliances operate smoothly without tripping the breaker due to low voltage.
Conclusion
Space heaters can certainly keep tripping your breakers if not used properly or if underlying electrical issues exist. By taking the time to understand your heater’s power demands, inspecting outlets and circuits, and testing components, you can get to the bottom of the tripping issue.
With some diligent troubleshooting and electrical safety best practices, you can resolve recurrent breaker tripping and keep enjoying safe, uninterrupted heat from your portable heater.
