How often have you walked past a gorgeous electric fireplace and wondered, “Can you plug an electric fireplace into a power strip?” Yes, it is the answer. But before doing so, there are a few things you should be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll talk about those.
It might seem obvious to ask whether or not an electric fireplace can be plugged into a surge protector, extension cord, or power strip.
They are only plugs and sockets, after all! This is regrettably not the case.
Although connecting an electric fireplace to each of these outlets might seem logical to safeguard them from surges and spikes, you should never do this.
This is because the amount of energy that may flow through each outlet at any given time is ultimately determined by each outlet’s voltage rating.
This implies that if there isn’t enough electricity for both appliances to operate properly, using extension cords may result in your fireplace malfunctioning.
Can you plug an electric fireplace into a power strip?
No, you shouldn’t! You might create a fire risk by doing this. Heat and overloads can destroy surge protectors, which could cause issues with your home’s electrical system.
Furthermore, it is against building codes to overload outlets or surge protectors (though these laws are rarely enforced).
Finally, grouping several cords will make them overheat, which could lead to damage and increase the risk of shock from exposed live wiring while in use!
Use a heavy-duty extension cord made for larger weights if you need to plug an electric fireplace into a location other than a wall socket, such as under your desk or in the kitchen.
Can You Plug An Electric Fireplace In A Regular Power Outlet?
Any electric fireplace with a standard power cord can be quickly plugged into any standard socket. They connect to any standard 120-volt outlet and work with no problems.
Electric fireplaces consume much power, so avoid plugging them into extension cords or power strips.
Electric fireplaces don’t truly produce a flame, and the fake flame doesn’t provide heat either. The heat comes from a heater unit, and the flames are typically created with lights and mirrors.
As a result, an electric fireplace is nearly identical to any other heating appliance in that it should never be hooked to a shared outlet or an extension cord.
An electric fireplace should be classified as such because it resembles a heating device that is “fancier.
Smaller gadgets like computers and phone chargers are designed to be handled by extension cords.
More power is needed for heating units, and damage may result if that power is used from a common outlet.
Paying attention when looking for an electric fireplace is also an excellent habit. Most models will show that they are “plug-ins,” indicating that they work with standard outlets. Some electric fireplaces require direct wiring.
Therefore that is an exception. Though uncommon, these do exist. Fortunately, you only need an adaptor to connect to a standard outlet, and the issue will be solved!
Of course, electric fireplace inserts are the same.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, most electric fireplace inserts can be plugged into a standard socket. It’s easy to overlook because it is prominently displayed on the box or user guide.
Is It ok To Plug An Electric Fireplace Into an Extension Cord, A Power Strip, Or Surge Protector?
A surge protector is a tool to guard electrical equipment against voltage spikes. In other words, it is an additional layer of insulation between the electrical appliances plugged into your home’s wiring.
This aids in avoiding potential harm to delicate devices from power surges or rapid changes in electrical flow.
Although electric fireplaces with remote control panels may need special equipment for safety reasons, you can typically connect one to a surge protector, extension cord, or power strip.
The only exception to this rule is if there needs to be more room around the socket where you wish to plug in your fireplace due to problems with furniture arrangement. If so, switch to a multi-plug adaptor!
How Much Power Is Needed By An Electric Fireplace?
Electric fireplaces use standard 120 Volt outlets and consume 1500 Watts at 12.5 amps. Hardwired fireplaces operate on 240 Volts and consume roughly 2500 Watts.
These figures are calculated using averages. Most electric fireplaces may be powered by 120 volts and hooked into a wall outlet.
This consumes roughly 1500 Watts at 12,5 amps, which is a considerable amount of electricity but not excessive. It is consistent with the usual room-heating equipment.
Additionally, remember that an electric fireplace is a room-heating system, so you don’t need to turn on your other room heater when you turn on your electric fireplace.
As a result, it somewhat equalizes itself. Around 5000 BTUs of heat are produced by electric fireplaces that run on 120 volts, warming up 400–500 square feet.
Electric fireplaces that run on 240 volts produce more heat (9000 BTUs), enough to heat around 800 square feet.
What Kind of Increase in Your Electric Bill Will An Electric Fireplace Cause?
Based on the current $0.12 per kilowatt in the US, the average electricity cost for an electric fireplace is $0.15 per hour. If your electric fireplace runs continuously, it would cost $3,60 daily, or a maximum of $1.314 annually.
Although they use a lot of power, electric fireplaces are not unusual in this regard. Every room-heating system needs a significant amount of energy, as was already noted, and an electric fireplace can typically be considerably more effective.
The average price per kilowatt in the US is around $0.12. The average cost of electricity used by fireplaces is $0.15 per hour, or slightly higher than one kilowatt.
Your fireplace is 25% less expensive per hour than the typical price of an electric room heater, which is $0.20 per hour.
Electric Fireplace Outlet Requirements:
The precise model of the fireplace and its electrical rating will determine the requirements for the electric fireplace outlet. Here are some broad principles to take into account, though:
- Voltage: A 120-volt outlet is normally needed for electric fireplaces. Verify that the outlet is securely grounded.
- Electric fireplaces require different amounts of electricity, but commonly between 12 and 15 amps. Check the fireplace’s specifications and ensure the outlet can accommodate the appropriate amperage.
- Circuit Breaker: Placing the electric fireplace outlet on a separate circuit breaker is smart. This is crucial to avoid overloading the circuit and lowering the possibility of electrical risks.
- Type of Outlet: An electric fireplace should have a conventional 3-prong grounded outlet or one that corresponds to the power cable for your heating system.
- Location: The outlet should be placed in a secure, easily accessible area, far enough from the fireplace to be safe and free of any things that could catch fire.
- Check out the product manual: Always refer to the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s instructions for specific electrical needs and rules for your electric fireplace model.
Crucial factors to take into account before installing an electric fireplace
Before installing an electric fireplace, keep the following things in mind:
- Select a suitable site for the fireplace far from combustible things, close to an electrical outlet.
- To be sure that your home’s electrical system can support the load, check the electric fireplace’s power requirements. Ensure that the fireplace is installed on a separate circuit that can support the necessary amperage.
- Take into account the desired electric fireplace’s size and design. Make sure it fits the area and blends in with the decor.
- For installation, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Consider contacting a qualified electrician to complete the installation if you need more confidence handling electrical work.
- Electric fireplaces don’t need much care, but keeping the appliance clean and in excellent shape is vital to ensure that it operates safely and effectively.
- When using the electric fireplace, abide by all safety recommendations and measures. This entails keeping combustible things away from the fireplace, never leaving the fire going while it’s on, and not tampering with the appliance or its electrical parts.
Safety Tips You Should Know
- Nothing should be plugged into an extension cord. Get a longer power cable if you need to utilize an outlet farther away.
- Never overload a circuit when utilizing any electrical device by plugging in too many lights or appliances. At the Electricity Usage Calculator, you may find out how much electricity your specific home consumes.
- You may determine if it is safe to install more devices than the size of the circuit allows for without blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker in your home’s main panel box by finding out exactly how many watts each appliance and light consume from this information.
- To save energy, if you have devices in your home office or computer room, plug them into a power strip and turn off the switch when not in use.
- It would help if you didn’t plug a space heater into an extension cord.
- Use only energy-efficient goods that have undergone testing and satisfy safety requirements.
- Avoid jamming too many appliances or lights into electrical outlets or extension cords, especially if you use them in wet areas, such as next to a sink or shower.
- Avoid connecting an electric fireplace to aluminium wiring in your home because they produce heat and sparks that might start fires.
Summary
Hope you understand the point on if you can plug electric fireplace in a power strip. Using a surge protector is smart because it will shield your electrical equipment from power surges or spikes.
If an electric fireplace or other equipment does not have an associated surge protector, electricity from the wall socket has been known to cause issues.
Even while everything appears to be in order at first glance, if enough energy flows through the cord, you won’t be able to turn on your gadget.
