Space Heaters – what to use and what to avoid

As we are now in the Winter season, you may get chilly at your desks, and will want to warm up a little.  This usually means plugging in space heaters around the ChkIn/ChkOut or other areas in the office.  Please note that we do NOT recommend doing this.

Most space heaters are high wattage devices that pull a lot of power from an outlet/fuse/breaker.  With lots of other computers, monitors, printers, and other peripheral devices, plugging in a space heater can push the limit of outlets and fuses/breakers, causing them to flip or blow.  We have already seen this at a few customers in the last week or so.

Also, plugging in a space heater to the same outlet, surge protector, or battery backup that has those other work devices in it can cause power issues (surges, spikes) that may end up damaging that more expensive IT equipment.

What do we recommend instead?  There are several types and styles of heated chair pillows or blankets that can be found easily and cheaply at Amazon.  These only use a fraction of the power of a space heater, but can still heat you up on a chilly day. (Please note we do not receive any benefit from this recommendation).

Of course we want you to warm and comfy, but we would hate to have to replace equipment that has been damaged due to a space heater.  As always, please let us know if anyone has any questions or concerns about any of the above.