one plug was being used by a power strip that had 3 items being plugged into it. A lamp, a television, and a heater. I don't think that an overload was the culprit, but I can't figure out what did cause it. Any ideas?
2007-02-19 06:08:15 · 3 answers · asked by Cato 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
one?? I'm using three disbursed throughout the house because the central heat doesn't work worth a darn. I've actually tripped the breaker doing it, but the house is cold otherwise. Electric bill last month was $279
2007-02-19 06:48:24 · update #1
The outlet in question probably had a poor connection. By overloading the outlet with a poor connection you caused the outlet to overheat and "blow up" Fortunately it did not start a fire. A typical space heater will draw near the full amperage that a circuit is rated for. My suggestion is to call a LICENSED ELECTRICIAN to check it out. Call and HVAC tech to check out the central heat and you will probably save a few buck over time. Portable space heaters are inefficient and cost a lot to achieve the same amount of heat that you need from a furnace.
2007-02-19 10:41:51 · answer #1 · answered by scot g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the previous answer.
There is another issue as well. If your electrical outlet really did "explode" rather than tripping the breaker, then the breaker may not be the correct size for your house wiring. This would be very bad. I would have an electrician check the wire size and breaker size. For example, you need 14 gage wire for a 20 amp breaker...
Hope this helps!
2007-02-19 15:14:13 · answer #2 · answered by cfpops 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it was a power surge caused by the heater. NEVER plug a heater in with anything else. It draws too much electricity. Go check your electricity meter, first with out theheater working, then with the heater working, and just see how much power those suckers use. Your electric bill will at least double by using one.
2007-02-19 14:17:54 · answer #3 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋