Plugging a space heater into a smart plug can be a convenient way to automate your home’s heating, but it’s crucial to ensure the setup is safe and compatible. This comprehensive guide will explore the feasibility, safety considerations, and technical specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Feasibility and Safety Considerations
Space heaters can generally be plugged into smart plugs, but the key is ensuring the smart plug can handle the power load. Most standard space heaters draw around 1500 watts of power, so you’ll need a smart plug with a minimum 15A (Amps) rating to safely accommodate the load.
It’s important to note that smart plugs may not work well with space heaters that have digital controls, as the heater may not power back on automatically after being turned off by the smart plug. This can be a safety concern, as you wouldn’t want the heater to remain off unexpectedly.
Another safety consideration is the risk of fire if someone moves the heater while it’s off, causing it to turn on unexpectedly. To mitigate this, it’s essential to regularly check that the heater plug, smart plug, and outlet are not getting more than slightly warm, which could indicate issues with corrosion or overheating.
For optimal safety, it’s recommended to use smart plugs with space heaters that have an internal thermostat to shut off if they get too hot. Wall-mounted space heaters with their own internal thermostats and overheating safety features are generally safer for home automation.
Technical Specifications
When selecting a smart plug for your space heater, make sure it has a rating of at least 15A to handle the 1500W power draw. Additionally, the smart plug should be capable of handling the inrush current, which is the initial surge of electricity when the heater is turned on.
It’s worth considering smart plugs that are specifically tested for heat and inrush, as these will be more compatible and reliable with space heaters. Some popular options include the Kasa Smart Plug HS110 (15A rating) and the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug (15A rating).
DIY Setup
If you decide to set up a space heater with a smart plug, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines carefully. Regularly check the smart plug and space heater for any signs of overheating or damage, and consider using a smart plug with energy monitoring features to track power usage and receive notifications when the heater is on.
When setting up the smart plug, make sure to:
- Ensure the smart plug is rated for at least 15A to handle the space heater’s power draw.
- Avoid using smart plugs with space heaters that have digital controls, as they may not power back on automatically.
- Use smart plugs with space heaters that have internal thermostats and overheating safety features for added safety.
- Regularly check the smart plug and heater for any signs of overheating or damage.
- Consider a smart plug with energy monitoring capabilities to track power usage and receive notifications.
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can safely and effectively integrate your space heater with a smart plug for enhanced home automation and energy efficiency.
References
- Reddit Discussion: How would a smart plug turn on a space heater?
- Hubitat Community: Appropriate smart light switches for a 1500W space heater
- How-To Geek: Can You Plug Space Heaters into Smart Outlets?
- YouTube Video: Can You Plug a Space Heater into a Smart Plug?
- SmartThings Community: Space heater and SmartThings smart plug