Plug in wall heaters

[kwired]

The problem with instructions is that we assume that people are going to read them. The reality of it is that if an appliance comes equipped with a 15 amp plug and that plug fits into the nearest convenient receptacle - it's getting plugged in with no consideration for anything else. If it's a 2-slot receptacle they're getting an adaptor and will not bother to clip the ground to the mounting screw. Even luminaires now come with labels indicating the maximun wattage for that fixture. How many times have we found them to be over-lamped and with the insulation on the wiring flaking off due to excessive heat ?

Granted, one of the biggest problems is educating (or re-educating) the public. But, it becomes extremely difficult when you're up against mass marketing schemes where sales are king and safety is secondary. As long as the mfr. puts a warning label on his product he's off the hook. And as long as the consumer is able to walk up and down the aisles and put whatever they want into their cart they assume the responsibility of that product functioning properly on their (probably already overloaded) 15 amp circuit.

Can you imagine how many heaters a store would sell if they came equipped with a 20 amp plug or if the packaging had a big sign on it indicating THIS MUST BE PLUGGED INTO A DEDICATED 20 AMP CIRCUIT?

with their marketing techniques the heater sales would remain mostly the same. There would be increased sales in either 20 amp receptacles or 15 amp cord caps or both.

I cant tell you how many air compressors, power washers, or other items I have seen that come with a 30 amp cord cap where the owner cut it off and replaced with a 50 amp cap so it would plug into his welder outlet.

 

[One-eyed Jack]

with their marketing techniques the heater sales would remain mostly the same. There would be increased sales in either 20 amp receptacles or 15 amp cord caps or both.

I cant tell you how many air compressors, power washers, or other items I have seen that come with a 30 amp cord cap where the owner cut it off and replaced with a 50 amp cap so it would plug into his welder outlet.

At least he did not overload this outlet. Let'er go until it blows!!

 

[suemarkp]

Me being the OP yes the plug is an issue but also the fact that typicaly these units are pluged into a general use recpt outlet that is only 15 amps.

I don't see how a device that may be on for hours at a time and consumes at least 80% of a given circuit can have a 15 amp plug.

I think a 20A circuit with 15A duplex receptacles would work. The receptacle is rated for continuous use as is the wire. It is the breaker that causes the 80% limit. But 80% of 20A is 16A -- should be able to run a 15A heater on that all day.

The only other listing "out" would be to deem this a non-continuous appliance. Space heaters usually do have thermostats and cycle. But if people are using them as the only source of heat and heating up a cold room, it could very well be typically used for 3 hours with no interruption. But the continuous use listing requires that to be "normal" use and not just sometimes.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

How is it manufactures can get UL and OK to have these new Semi portable wall heater/fireplaces that draws over 1450 watts with standard Plug . Then know darn well they will be used as heater and not as abience.

I get these customers who put them in thinking they will save money and wonder why the breaker blows or the outlet and related wiring melts.
I wonder how many fires result and with fatalities?

If room size and conditions are right then there is no problem as it will cycle on and off. Reality is they often are undersized or used in mobile homes that have poor insulation. Result is they never turn off. The UL listing is granted because of instructions. Just looked at one of mine 1500 watts at 125 volts. Being voltage is normally 120 this unit falls into close to the 80 % range on 15 amp ciruit. Is no real danger if cord and receptacle are in good shape and kept away from items that easily burn. They suggest 3 feet.
A female friend (not blonde) had a small fire last week over one of these heaters. Reason was she had it in a power strip and to top it off a mobile home. Luckily her son was home and caught it fast. Min. damage but could easily been disaster. People simply do not read warnings.