The plug in the wall socket from my heater gets very warm when it's on - is this dangerous ?
Answers:
yes and no. it is if you leave it there like 24-7. plugs from heaters normally get warm. just unplug or turn off the heater at most several hours later.
Other answers:
is it the outlet itself getting hot? if so i would stop using it for a heater cos heaters use alot of amperage, but if its just the cord to the heater thats getting hot then i wouldnt worry to much, but never ever leave it plugged in while unattended
is it the outlet itself getting hot? if so i would stop using it for a heater cos heaters use alot of amperage, but if its just the cord to the heater thats getting hot then i wouldnt worry to much, but never ever leave it plugged in while unattended
It is not necessarily bad but I would have an electrician check to see if your circuits have adequate wiring for the type of heater you are using.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said this on their website:
"Be sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet. Since a loose plug can overheat, have a qualified repairman replace the worn-out plug or outlet. Since heaters draw lots of power, the cord and plug may feel warm. If the plug feels hot, unplug the heater and have a qualified repairman check for problems. If the heater and its plug are found to be working properly, have the outlet replaced. Using a heater with a hot cord or plug could start a fire."
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/463.html
Since the above is only an excerpt from the complete document published on the website, please read the other relevant information there which warns of the possibility of extreme fire hazards.
In my own experience, some inexpensive electric space heaters don't have adequate AC cords and plugs on them. You may not like a heavy duty AC cord and plug because it's bulky and less convenient to use. So I decided to purchase a UL approved oil filled radiator type heater that had a heavy duty 3 prong plug and cord on it. The 3rd round ground prong is a safety ground wire that is connected to the metal radiator surface. The heavy duty 3 prong plug fits more tightly in the wall outlet as described on the CPSC website. If the new 3 prong plug fits tightly in an outlet that is seldom used and does not get hot to the touch, but fits too loosely in the outlet you want to use and gets hot to the touch, then you know the outlet has to be replaced in my opinion, but I have no qualifications to speak on this subject. Of course you will only want to depend on qualified experts when it comes to fire safety and your life hangs in the balance.
http://www.ul.com/fallsafety/home_heating.html
PS, I have the Honeywell low profile model HZ-519 that has the heavy duty 3 pronged cord and plug
http://www.honeywellconsumerproducts.com/HCP_Store/