Best Surge Protector for Space Heater | Comparison of Top 5 Surge Protectors

One of the most frequently asked questions about space heaters is whether or not you can use them with surge protectors. Now, let’s look at it closely.

A surge protector is a device that safeguards electrical appliances from power surges and spikes. Lightning strikes, short circuits, power outages, and tripped circuit breakers can generate a voltage spike. Voltage spikes can also come through AC outlets or sockets.

These surges transfer excess energy to equipment, which might cause them to malfunction or spark fires. Surge protectors divert the excessive voltage from these appliances to the earth.

They comprise electrically resistant materials. When it undergoes a voltage spike, the resistance lowers the surge to normal levels.

Surge protectors can be single or multi-outlets:

• Single outlet surge protectors plug into a wall outlet, and your device plugs into it.
• Surge protectors with multiple outlets are similar to power strips. The protection integrates into the strip’s socket, and devices connected to it are safe from spikes.

The resistant components of these devices are not indestructible. They can withstand a certain number of joules printed on the package. Once the protector has handled the specified joule rating, it will stop providing surge protection.

Unfortunately, most surge protectors do not indicate when it’s no longer working, but the more costly models come with an indicator light that turns on when it is no longer functional. Others may turn off when the suppressor reduces.

They must be replaced every two years or after a significant impact like a storm or power loss.

Surge Protector Or Power Strip?

People use the terms ‘surge protector’ and ‘power strip’ interchangeably.

Plugging a space heater into a power strip is not recommended by manufacturers, fire agencies, or the Department of Energy.

You should connect your space heater to a surge protector or a wall outlet because space heaters use a significant amount of energy, and inexpensive power strips can not handle the load. Overheated power strips may result in disastrous electrical fires.

If you must use a power strip, make sure it is heavy-duty with at least a 14-gauge wire. Also, consider the amperage rating because if you plug a space heater into a power strip with a low amperage, you may blow it.

So, surge protectors require heavy-gauge cable and sufficient amperage.

It’s worth noting that amps and joules are not the same. Your surge protector may be able to handle 3940 joules in the event of a spike, but it will most likely still maintain a 15A rating.

Failing electrical accessories are uncommon, especially when it involves a space heater. The lifespan of electrical coils or ceramic plates in space heaters is reduced gradually by spikes, which are the primary reason for their replacement.

Always place a surge protector between the power supply and your devices to avoid burning your space heater and other electrical equipment.

Here is a resource to help you overcome electrical disasters when you shop for the best surge protector for a space heater.

Top 5 Surge Protectors for Space Heaters

#	Surge Protector	Specialty
1	VINTAR Dual Surge Protector	Best Overall
2	Belkin Surge Protector	Best for Oversized Plugs
3	Amazon Basics Surge Protector	Best Price
4	Etekcity Surge Protector	Smart Engineering Work
5	BESTEK Surge Protector	Best for Equipment and USB

The Best Surge Protector for Space Heater: VINTAR Dual Surge Protector

Best Overall

If you want a better way to safeguard your space heater, you should consider the VINTAR 12-outlet surge protector power strip with DUAL Surge Protection.

It features a dual 4800-joule surge protector, which protects your space heater, household appliances, and workplace electronics against electrical spikes and surges, including those generated by lightning.

It has three Dual Surge Protector LED indicators to show whether your electrical devices are protected: Dual Surge Protection 1, Dual Surge Protection 2, and Grounded protection. If the blue light does not illuminate, the surge protection is dead, so it is time to replace it.

This VINTAR surge protector can withstand power levels of up to 1875W. When it exceeds its maximum power, the safety system will automatically detect the risk and switch off the power in time to minimize the losses caused by equipment damage and enhance electrical safety.

It has 12 AC outlets with a maximum power output of 1875W, allowing it to power most home gadgets simultaneously. The four isolated AC outlets are widely spaced at 1.76 inches apart, so you won’t have to sacrifice one outlet to suit a large plug.

The 6-foot ETL-approved 14 AWG heavy-duty surge-protected power cable of 15A with an integrated copper bar increases the product’s conductivity and longevity while preventing overheating even with heavy-duty appliances.

It protects the cord from damage and ensures that power is delivered to your devices efficiently.

With two mounting slots and eight non-slip rubbers on the rear, you can easily mount your surge protector on the wall or desk and provide a sturdy area to power your devices.

The flat plug is constructed with a high-strength, fire-resistant casing to protect all electrical equipment and ensure that external pressure does not affect the surge protector. The fireproof shell can resist temperatures as high as 1382°F (750°C), thus maximizing safety performance.

High-quality solid capacitors provide comprehensive protection against overcharging, electrical short circuits, overvoltage, and overcurrent.

When the ampere exceeds 15A, the LED power switch with a built-in circuit breaker provides power management and overload safety for all outlets.

It is certified by ETL and safe to use.

Specifications

• Maximum Surge Rating: 4800J X 2   
• Item Dimensions: 10.87 x 3.4 x 1.18 inches
• Item Weight: 1.52 pounds
• Material: Copper
• Plug Type: 45⁰ Angled design flat plug
• No. of AC outlets: 12 AC outlets
• Cord Length: 6-feet cord
• Type of power cord: 14 AWG heavy-duty copper cord
• Working Indicator: Yes
• Grounded: Yes
• Maximum AC Current: 15A
• Output Power: 1875W
• Rated Voltage: 125V
• Status Monitor: Yes
• Safety Features: Recoverable overload and surge protection.

Pros

• It features dual 4800-joules surge protection
• Ultra-compact and space saver
• It increases the lifespan of all equipment
• Widely spaced outlet design
• Made with fireproof materials
• Can be wall-mounted easily
• It has an overload protection feature
• Powered by 14 AWG heavy-duty copper cord
• Features 6-feet power strip with a flat plug.

Cons

• No mounting screws included.

How to Use VINTAR Dual Surge Protector?

The protective components in this surge protector absorb over-voltage spikes to safeguard your connected devices, which means they will eventually wear out.

You have to replace it every 3-years or immediately after an over-voltage spike event such as a thunderstorm or power outage because surge protection degrades faster if they face high-intensity attacks.

Periodically, check the surge protector enclosure and cable for wear and heat distress. Ensure that you replace the expired surge protector with a new one at the end of its useful life.

Precautions 

• Avoid using it in wet situations
• When your hand is damp, avoid touching the socket
• Do not disassemble the power strip on your own
• Connect only to a grounded outlet for indoor use
• Keep out of children’s reach
• Keep it away from heat sources.

Users’ Feedback on VINTAR Dual Surge Protector

Below is the feedback received from several users of VINTAR Dual Surge Protector.

Excellent surge protector

Several customers were satisfied with purchasing this product as it protected their devices from surges and spikes. They also admired its dual surge protection, which covers each side of the outlets. The fire-resistant material of the device is also perfect for averting any fire disaster.

Well-spaced outlets

Most users were comfortable with the multiple well-spaced outlets for larger plugs.

Quality build and comfortable cord length

Another positive feedback from users is the build quality, suitable flat plug, and the 6-feet cord length to keep it out of sight.

Grounded outlet

Several customers admired the grounded device to protect all connected equipment. The grounded indicator light shows the operating status of the device.

Works well with electrical appliances

Its suitability for electrical appliances such as electric ovens and space heaters caught the attention of most users. Some customers mentioned that they used it with an electric oven for a prolonged period without any hazard.

Others use it to connect an infrared heater with 1500 watts or 750 watts of power.  

Easy to install

There were lots of compliments from other users in regards to its installation. The two mounting holes on the back of the device make installation simple.

4 More Top Rated Surge Protectors for Space Heaters

1. Belkin Surge Protector

Best for Oversized Plugs

The Belkin surge protector has 12 surge-protected outlets with coaxial protection for all connected devices. It comes with a 1-in-2-out RJ11 input where you can connect your phone or fax machine to protect it from voltage spikes and surges.

With this single surge protector, you can power anything on your desk. It has 12 alternating current outlets with surge protectors for powering multiple devices. Circuits are protected from fire, damage, and corrosion by the flame-retardant enclosure.

This surge suppressor, rated to resist up to 3,940 joules, offers one of the best power protection for space heaters, office equipment, household electronics, and other appliances.

It has an input current rating of 15A AC, 125V, an output power of 1875W, and a maximum spike voltage of 6,000 volts.

The electric strip is a dependable power extension cord that safeguards and protects household appliances, electronic gadgets, and equipment. It also protects your devices against overload, short circuits, surges in power, and lightning strikes.

Each outlet features a safety sliding lock to protect you and your children by covering unused plugs. Dust and other particles are also kept out of the socket by the covers.

This heavy-duty and compact gadget has widely spaced outlets and can accept large plugs and charger bricks for better versatility.

Its slim profile makes it excellent for use in homes, workplaces, and game rooms. The 8-foot cord is made of robust materials and has a 3-prong angle plug that is ideal for tight places.

Oversized Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) absorb excess voltage, and the damage-resistant enclosure protects circuits from fire, impact, corrosion, dents, and scratches. You can buy it with confidence since it has a limited lifetime warranty.

Pros

• It  is durable
• Has direct data line protection
• It comes with child safety sliding locks
• Easily fit in different areas
• It is compact, heavy-duty, and saves space.

Cons

• Not a reliable surge protector
• Poorly designed.

2. Amazon Basics Surge Protector

Best Price

This Amazon Basics 8-outlet surge protector power strip has maximum electrical ratings of 15A, 120V, 1800W of output power, and a maximum surge rating of 4500 joules.

It protects the space heater and other equipment from potentially destructive power surges, and the fire-resistant MOV technology provides further surge and spike protection.

The power strip is made of fire-resistant materials and features built-in green LED lights that signal operational surge protection and grounded wire for all outlets. The power on/off switch is integrated with a 15A overload resettable circuit breaker to control the device.

It offers an easy-to-use design with widely-spaced outlets, sliding covers, and a keyhole on the back for wall installation.

The 6-foot heavy-duty power cable has a 3-prong socket, and the power strip accommodates up to 8 plug-ins to protect your gadgets from potentially dangerous power surges and spikes.

It is suitable for homes or workplaces with sensitive equipment, including space heaters, computers, multi-functional systems, televisions, data lines, communication devices, kitchen appliances, and other heating equipment.

Pros

• Strong surge protection
• User-friendly fireproof design
• Heavy-duty cord
• Has sliding outlet covers for safety
• Overload resettable circuit breaker.

Cons

• Poor quality
• LED light is too bright
• High-pitched noise.

3. Etekcity Surge Protector

Smart Engineering Work

This Etekcity surge protector has 3-protected and grounded outlets for household appliances such as the space heater, refrigerator, dryer, kitchen appliances, and washer.

You can also charge your gadgets quickly and effectively thanks to the power strip’s USB ports. Each USB port charges at a rate of 2.4 amps.

The four ports have a shared speed of 6 amps (1.5 amps each), allowing you to charge several devices simultaneously. The USB port charges devices faster, so you can unplug your gadgets as quickly as possible.

The Etekcity Wall Mount Power Strip Surge Protector can withstand a combined power of up to 1875W thanks to its 3-grounded AC plugs and 4 USB connections.

When you switch off the power strip outlet extender, the standby energy use reduces, which can help you save money on your energy bill.

This power strip has overload, over-current, over-voltage, short-circuit, and overheating protection to keep all your gadgets working even under uncomfortable situations.

You can extend this 6-foot UL-approved power cable to position it where it is most required or power inaccessible appliances.

The surge protector has four slots on the rear, so you may install it on walls or within cabinets to suit your needs. Large power adapters and chargers are plugged-in the isolated AC outlet.

This all-around protection device includes 5610 Joules surge protection, ABS 94V-0 fire-resistant, and flame-retardant material that can withstand a high temperature of 750⁰C.

Instead of disconnecting your appliances, you may turn them on and off by pressing the power button. This button also serves as a circuit breaker, which turns off the power after an outage. It is certified by ETL and UL and approved by FCC.

Pros

• Exceptional safety features
• Small and compact with wide-spaced outlets
• Convenient design
• All-round protection
• Made with 750⁰C flame-retardant material
• LED power button
• Moderate price.

Cons

• No LED lights to indicate which of the safety features are working
• It does not turn on automatically after a power outage
• It makes a high-pitched humming noise.

4. BESTEK Surge Protector

Best for Equipment and USB

This power strip has eight outlets and four Smart USB ports for charging your PC, fax, Bluetooth headphones, smartphone, tablet, stereos, e-readers, and speakers while also protecting them from surges and spikes.

The 4 Smart IQ Identification USB ports automatically detect and self-adjust current to charge multiple USB-powered devices at maximum charging rate without compatibility difficulties. The fastest charging speed for each port is 2.4A.

Space heaters, computers, and household devices are protected from voltage fluctuations, spikes, and surges.

This surge protector offers comprehensive, three-line AC protection designed to protect your space heater and other appliances and is rated to resist a power surge of up to 4,000 joules. The large Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) absorb over-voltage surges and spikes for more protection.

The Metal Oxide Varistors provide surge protection by “shorting out” when there is a high voltage surge, thus preventing it from reaching the devices plugged into the power strip.

A Lightning Protection Indicator shows that your equipment is safe, but a Not-Grounded Indicator alerts you if your outlet is not grounded. In the case of a power outage, the dependable Safety switch will instantly trip off to protect your home and electronics.

This 4000 joules of surge protection is sufficient for kitchen appliances, small electronics, and heating equipment and should safeguard the space heater from sudden voltage surges.

With the ABS Alloy Plastic, heavy-duty 750°C flame-retardants, and high conductivity copper cables, it has a unique and protective design. The built-in circuitry also protects against overvoltage, overcurrent, overcharging, short circuit protection, and overheating.

When the ampere exceeds 15A, the surge protector’s power switch has a built-in circuit breaker for overload protection of all outlets.

The Smart power charging system features a reset power switch and a thicker 6 ft wire to prevent overheating with high-power electrical equipment.

The device’s keyhole slots on the rear enable you to mount it to a baseboard or wall. The LED light indication makes it simple to determine if the power strip is powered on or not.

Pros

• Excellent current and voltage regulation
• Good build quality
• Embedded with all-round protection
• 15A overload protection circuit-breaker switch
• Has widely spaced AC outlets for large and bulky plugs
• Universally compatible with multiple devices
• Made with flame-retardant material.

Cons

• It produces high-pitched noise.

How to Choose the Best Surge Protector for Space Heater?

Although it is impossible to predict when a surge protector will stop operating, some aspects play a vital role in ensuring its longevity. Before purchasing the best surge protector for a space heater, please consider the following factors.

1. Surge Suppression Rate

Surges, as we know, are fleeting; they rise for nanoseconds and then fall. However, if it happens intermittently, the protector may be unable to combat them for an extended period and may need replacement. The joule rating determines its durability. The longer the lifespan, the higher the joule rating.

A surge absorption rate of more than a thousand joules will keep your suppressor operational for a long time. When choosing a surge protector for a space heater, look for a long-lasting suppressor with a higher joule rating.

In this case, the VINTAR Dual Surge Protector and Etekcity Surge Protector have the highest surge rating of dual 4800J and 5610J.

2. Extension Cord

The extension cable used in the protector should be made of metals such as phosphor, bronze, and copper, as specified on the packaging. Overall, we should consider if the wire used is more resilient, conductive, and tangle-free.

It must be a heavy-duty, 14-gauge wire that can withstand electrical surges and high temperatures without melting.

Surge suppressors with a wall mount or built-in power connector are preferable over a cord protector. Although, cable has a role in operating equipment outside the restricted working area.

All the reviewed surge protectors come with a heavy-duty 14-gauge power cord.

3. Status Monitors

This factor is critical to avoid damaging the connected devices with the surge suppressor. These are LED indicators to notify you whether or not the surge protector is protecting the connected appliances.

If no signs are present, the protector should include automated circuit-breaking technology to switch off the electricity and safeguard the space heater.

Furthermore, there should be a power switch to turn off the protection manually when not in use. All the surge suppressors reviewed here have status monitors except the Etekcity surge protector, which only features a circuit breaker LED power button.

4. Mounting

This feature is quite handy since it eliminates the hassle of tangling and shortening the lifespan of electric cables. If there is a particular place for cords, you can select a protector with both wall mounting and cord options.

The listed devices can be mounted easily on walls and cabinets to avoid tangling the cables.

5. Safety Features

Fireproof materials, outlet covers, and built-in circuit breakers are safety features in a surge protector. The covers protect the outlets from dust and dirt, which might cause a fire.

If you do not use the space heater correctly as specified, it can be hazardous. Space heaters are responsible for most fire disasters and ER visits each year. We are not trying to frighten you into getting rid of it. We only want to ensure that you use them properly.

To avoid any unanticipated events, the best surge protector for the space heater must include these safety measures. All the suppressors we have reviewed have safety features and all-around protection.

6. Certification Listed

There are certifications available to reflect the quality of a product, including ANSI, ROHS, FCC, ETL, UL, CE, and many more. These certificates show the product’s quality, whether it’s the quality of the cable, the material, or the surge projection. Always ensure that you are purchasing a certified product.

These five surge protectors are certified, approved, and safe for use.

Comparison of Top 5 Surge Protectors for Space Heaters

Surge Protector	Surge Rating (Joules)	Amperage	Status Monitor	Safety Features	Output Power
VINTAR Dual Surge Protector	Dual 4800J	15A	Yes	Yes	1875W
Belkin Surge Protector	3940J	15A	Yes	Yes	1875W
Amazon Basics Surge Protector	4500J	15A	Yes	Yes	1800W
Etekcity Surge Protector	5610J	15A	No	Yes	1875W
BESTEK Surge Protector	4000J	15A	Yes	Yes	1875W

Final Thoughts

You can plug a space heater into a surge protector with the proper gauge wire and amperage. However, it is better to connect it directly to a wall outlet because wall outlets can handle high-amperage appliances, whereas some surge protectors can not take care of that.

Additionally, connecting your space heater to a wall outlet decreases the number of cables and circuits that the energy must pass through, thereby minimizing the danger of blowouts or shortages.

If you must use a surge protector for your space heater, consider these best surge protectors for space heaters to safeguard your devices.