If you're asking whether a power strip for space heater use is safe, the answer is no: plug a portable heater directly into a wall outlet. Then set it on a stable, level surface, keep combustible items well away, check its cord and safety information, and switch it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Why a power strip for space heater use is unsafe
Space heaters draw a high electrical load. Fire-safety guidance from the National Institutes of Health warns against using extension cords or power strips for high-power appliances such as space heaters. A power strip can be overloaded, while resistance along a cord can contribute to overheating. Connecting several strips or cords together adds further risk.
Use the heater's own plug in a wall outlet, without an extension lead, extension cord or power strip. A safety mark on a strip does not make it suitable for this use. If the heater cannot reach an outlet, move it or choose another location rather than stretching a cord across the room.
Where to place a space heater
Choose a firm, level surface where the heater cannot wobble or be knocked over. Keep it clear of curtains, bedding, clothing, paper, furniture and other items that can catch fire. Use the clearance distances in the heater's manual; if you cannot find them, check with the manufacturer before using it. Do not place the heater where its airflow is blocked or where people may trip over its cord.
Keep the cord visible and out of foot traffic so it is less likely to be damaged or pulled. Avoid running it beneath rugs or through doorways. Never put a heater where it could be covered by clothing or bedding, or where children or pets might bump it.
Check the cord, plug and safety information
Before use, look along the full length of the cord and around the plug for cuts, cracks, exposed wire, loose connections or other damage. Do not use a heater with damaged wiring. Stop using it if the plug or cord looks damaged, and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair service; do not try to fix electrical wiring yourself.
Check the heater's label, packaging and manual for a safety certification or conformity mark accepted in the country where you live. If you are unsure what a mark means, check it with the organization that issued it or your national product-safety authority. In the United States, NIH workplace guidance calls for UL-approved extension cords and power strips—but that does not make those products appropriate for a heater, or make UL a universal requirement worldwide.
Product standards, accepted marks and fire-safety advice differ by region. A mark used in one market may not establish that a product meets another market's requirements. Follow the instructions supplied with your specific model and local guidance, rather than assuming that advice or a label from another country applies. Workplace rules may also be stricter than home guidance, so check your employer or building manager's policy before using a heater at work.
Switch it off when you leave or sleep
Turn the heater off whenever you leave the room, even for a short time, and before going to sleep. A thermostat or timer does not change this basic habit. Switching it off means the heater is not left operating while you are away or asleep, when you may be less able to notice a problem.
Before turning it on, make a quick check: the heater is level, its surrounding space is clear, the cord is undamaged and the plug goes straight into a wall outlet. If any part of that setup is not possible, do not use the heater there. For questions about a particular product's certification or local requirements, check with the manufacturer or your local fire or product-safety authority.
