Unplug heater when not in use?

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vince99

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I mentioned to a co-worker that I thought it was a good idea to unplug a small portable electrical heater (small 500/1000/1500 watt type with a fan) when it is not being used, or at least overnight when no-one is around. When he asked why, I could not really come up with a reason other than I have always done it that way. I guess my concern is the current levels involved and worry that the power switch could fail.

Am I being over-cautious or is there a safety issue here? It is not in a place where it can get kicked over or be tripping hazard.

Thanks
 
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If it is off, then it is off, and unplugging it will change nothing. The only safety consideration I can think of, and it is relatively minor at that, is that unplugging it leaves no room for doubt as to whether or not you actually did remember to turn it off.
 
ron said:
Why waste the electricity and keep heat on when your not there?
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I don't think that is the issue here.

Really no reason to unplug other than as Charlie mentioned you won't accidently leave it on.

One could argue that you actually do more harm by repeatedly plugging in and unplugging thereby loosening up the prongs in the receptacle.
 
vince99 said:
I mentioned to a co-worker that I thought it was a good idea to unplug a small portable electrical heater (small 500/1000/1500 watt type with a fan) when it is not being used, or at least overnight when no-one is around. When he asked why, I could not really come up with a reason other than I have always done it that way. I guess my concern is the current levels involved and worry that the power switch could fail.

Am I being over-cautious or is there a safety issue here? It is not in a place where it can get kicked over or be tripping hazard.

Thanks
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Do you like your refrigerator to be cold when you open the door? It has a thermostat to turn it on and off. Do you like the water to be hot when you turn it on? Same thing . It has a thermostat to turn it on and off as needed.
 
Cavie said:
Do you like your refrigerator to be cold when you open the door? It has a thermostat to turn it on and off. Do you like the water to be hot when you turn it on? Same thing . It has a thermostat to turn it on and off as needed.
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But Fido or Snowball generally don't knock your fridge or water heater over.
 
We just had to replace our washing machine. The instructions for the new one say to turn off the water source after each load, and turn it on again before starting the next load. As if . . . .
 
charlie b said:
We just had to replace our washing machine. The instructions for the new one say to turn off the water source after each load, and turn it on again before starting the next load. As if . . . .
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I'd say that's because of hose failure & subsequent water damage, not a risk of fire.
 
charlie b said:
We just had to replace our washing machine. The instructions for the new one say to turn off the water source after each load, and turn it on again before starting the next load. As if . . . .
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You will start after you get your first flood.... :)

They make these for the forgetful people...
watts-a2c-m.jpg
 
charlie b said:
If it is off, then it is off, and unplugging it will change nothing. The only safety consideration I can think of, and it is relatively minor at that, is that unplugging it leaves no room for doubt as to whether or not you actually did remember to turn it off.
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While I would generally agree, keep in mind that in most cases, a $25 portable heater will have a 15 cent on-off switch. I have a number of power tools and small appliances where the on-off switch has failed. I can usually replace them, but I would have been a lot more concerned if any of them had been heaters. My church has a 7' baseboard heater right now that has a defective on-off switch and it failed closed, so the heater is on all the time. (I offered to fix it, but they are electing to use the breaker for now because they will be switching to gas heat after this winter anyway).
 
The same could be said about almost every electrical appliance, device, and equipment in the house.

I don't routinely unplug anything. I have too much stuff plugged in to unplug it all; life's too short. :wink:

stickboy1375 said:
Your appliances talk? :D
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Yours don't? :cool:
 
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Jraef said:
My church has a 7' baseboard heater right now that has a defective on-off switch and it failed closed, so the heater is on all the time. (I offered to fix it, but they are electing to use the breaker for now because they will be switching to gas heat after this winter anyway).
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is that a SWD breaker? :smile:
 
Another advantage to unplugging appliances verses just turning them off is lightning protection.

Roger
 
I feel as though I have always been overly causcious when it comes to unplugging things.
I have concerns for modern devices that tap in for power ahead of the on/off switch and the posibility of a frayed cord shorting ( AFCI's will not fit in my old 12" wide load center)

When growing up my friends bed caught on fire due to a frayed cord and that has always stayed in my mind.

I think because I am around electricity all the time I am more causcious. I do admit I am probably overly causcious though when it comes to unplugging appliances.
 
OK thanks to all who posted. It seems like the majority are saying no need to unplug when not in use.
Now, my wife just came in, and she's wondering if it's ok leave the electric iron plugged in when it is turned off.

Thanks
 
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