Heating plates, extension cord safety?

[medusine]

I'm realizing that I will probably need to use an extension cord to plug in my brooder heat plate(s), because the circuits are absolute crap in the mud room where I want to stage things. The breaker for that room flips if you plug in a fan and sometimes for no reason. Other option is living room or dining room, not quite ideal (but has anyone done that, and how much did it suck?).

I'm really nervous about fire safety, but as far as I can tell, these plates say only 20 - 22 watts, so it seems like even a regular extension cord would be fine, not necessarily heavy duty? Any electricians want to weigh in?

I have this heating plate:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YLQWBTK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
& may get another:
https://www.amazon.com/RentACoop-Ch...3623791&sprefix=heating+plate,aps,341&sr=8-11

 

[WallyG74]

If you have any doubts just go for the heavy gauge extension cord. You can get 12 gauge wire extension cords at Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot, etc. Just remember that 12 is heavy duty and 16 is light duty. 12 gauge wire is what the code calls for on new residential construction for wiring electrical outlets.

 

[3KillerBs]

IMO you should get your electric fixed. Bad wiring is a safety hazard for your entire family that shouldn't be ignored.

 

[medusine]

Yeah, I don't love it... We got a lot of it fixed when we moved in and I think at that time we had them install... uhh... the what-do-you-call-it, where if anything isn't right the circuit flips off? So it's still not great, but I think it's at least safe.

 

[Folly's place]

We had 'safe' years ago too, and then codes change, and they change for a reason! Last year the interior got newer upgrades, especially in the kitchen, and this year the garage and exterior all changed, for the better. And one of our GFI outlets actually was faulty, and didn't work! Get a licensed electrician in there to check on things; house fires are NOT better!
Mary

 

[medusine]

Ugh it makes me so nervous... But I think we'd have to re-wire the whole darn house to be sure

 

[Folly's place]

Maybe not, but get it all checked out. House fires!
Mary