Winter is coming. Or maybe it’s just that one room in your house that feels like an icebox year-round. You reach for your trusty space heater, but with it comes that nagging worry: “Did I remember to turn it off?” What if you could warm up a room before you even get home, or set a perfect schedule, all while ensuring safety and saving money? That’s where a Smart Plug For Space Heater control comes in, and it’s a total game-changer.
But hold on. Before you grab any old smart plug off the shelf, there’s a crucial conversation we need to have about safety and power. Using the wrong plug with a high-draw appliance like a space heater isn’t just a bad idea—it’s a serious risk. Let’s dive deep and figure out how to do this the right, safe, and smart way.
Is It Safe to Use a Smart Plug with a Space Heater?
This is the million-dollar question, and the short answer is: yes, it is safe, but only if you use the right kind of smart plug. Your standard, garden-variety smart plug designed for a lamp or a coffee maker is not built to handle the massive amount of electricity a space heater needs.
A space heater is what’s known as a “high-power” or “high-draw” appliance. It pulls a lot of electrical current (measured in amperes, or amps) to generate heat. Plugging it into an under-equipped smart plug can cause the plug to overheat, melt, or even start a fire. It’s a scenario no one wants.
So, what makes a smart plug for a space heater different? It all comes down to its power rating.
“When dealing with resistive loads like heaters, you can’t afford to guess. The smart plug’s specifications aren’t just suggestions; they are absolute safety limits. Always match the plug’s rating to the appliance’s demand, with a little headroom for safety.” – Dr. Alistair Finch, Home Automation Safety Consultant
Key Safety Features to Look For:
- High Amperage Rating: Standard U.S. wall outlets are typically rated for 15 amps. Your smart plug must be rated for at least 15 amps (15A) to safely handle a typical 1500-watt space heater. Never use a 10A or 12A plug.
- UL or ETL Certification: These certifications mean the product has been independently tested by a third-party lab (like Underwriters Laboratories or Intertek) and meets strict safety standards. If a plug doesn’t have one of these marks, stay away.
- Overload Protection: This is a fantastic safety feature. If the appliance connected to the plug starts drawing too much power for too long, the plug will automatically shut itself off, preventing overheating.
How to Choose the Right Smart Plug for a Space Heater
Now that we’ve covered the critical safety ground, let’s get into the fun part—choosing the perfect plug. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist before launching your home into a new orbit of comfort and convenience.
Step 1: Check Your Space Heater’s Power Needs
First things first, look at your space heater. There should be a label or sticker on the back or bottom that lists its power consumption in watts (W). Most portable space heaters in the U.S. top out at 1500W because that’s the maximum a standard 120V/15A household circuit can safely handle.
The formula is simple: Watts / Volts = Amps.
So, for a 1500W heater on a 120V circuit: 1500 / 120 = 12.5 Amps.
This confirms why a 10A or 12A smart plug is a no-go. You need a plug rated for 15A or higher to handle that 12.5A load safely.
Step 2: Verify Safety Certifications
We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. Flip the product box over or check the online listing. Look for the “UL Listed,” “ETL Listed,” or a similar recognized certification mark. This is your non-negotiable proof of safety.
Step 3: Look for Heavy-Duty Build Quality
A heavy-duty smart plug for a space heater will often be physically larger and feel more robust than a standard one. It’s built with thicker internal wiring and more heat-resistant materials to cope with the sustained power draw.
Step 4: Consider a Mechanical Power Switch on Your Heater
This is a crucial compatibility check. For a smart plug to work, your space heater must have a physical, mechanical “on/off” switch (like a rocker or toggle switch). You need to be able to leave the heater in the “on” position, so that when the smart plug turns on, the heater immediately starts running.
If your heater has a digital control panel with a soft-touch power button, a smart plug won’t work. When the plug cuts power and then turns it back on, the heater will revert to its “off” or “standby” state, waiting for you to press the button again.
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Our Picks for the Best Smart Plug in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Govee Smart Plug, WiFi Plugs Work with Alexa & Google Assistant, Smart Outlet with Timer & Group Controller, WiFi Outlet for Home, No Hub Required, ETL & FCC Certified, 2.4G WiFi Only, 4 Pack |
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| 2 | Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control,15 Amp,UL Certified, (Pack of 2) White |
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| 3 | Govee Smart Plug, WiFi Plugs Work with Alexa & Google Assistant, Smart Outlet with Timer & Group Controller, WiFi Outlet for Home, No Hub Required, ETL & FCC Certified, 2.4G WiFi Only, 2 Pack |
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| 4 | Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control, 15 Amp, UL Certified, 4-Pack, White |
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| 5 | Amazon Basics Smart Plug, Works with Alexa Only, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, No Hub Required, 4-Pack, White |
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| 6 | Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini 15A, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, UL Certified, 2.4G WiFi Only, 2 Count (Pack of 1)(EP10P2) , White |
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| 7 | Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, UL Certified, 2.4G WiFi Only, 4-Pack(EP10P4) , White |
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| 8 | TP-Link Tapo Matter Supported Smart Plug Mini, Compact Design, 15A/1800W Max, Super Easy Setup, Works with Apple Home, Alexa & Google Home, UL Certified, 2.4G Wi-Fi Only, White, Tapo P125M(3-Pack) |
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| 9 | Amazon Basics Smart Plug, Works with Alexa Only, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, No Hub Required, 2 Pack, White |
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| 10 | Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A, Apple HomeKit Supported, Smart Outlet Works with Siri, Alexa & Google Home, UL Certified, App Control, Scheduling, Timer, 2.4G WiFi Only, 4 Count (Pack of 1) (EP25P4), White |
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The Amazing Benefits: More Than Just Turning It On and Off
Okay, you’ve found the perfect, safe, heavy-duty smart plug for a space heater. What awesome new powers have you just unlocked?
- Pre-heating Perfection: Imagine waking up and stepping into an already-warm bathroom. Or coming home from work to a cozy living room. With scheduling, you can have your heater turn on 30 minutes before you need it and turn off right when you leave.
- Ultimate Peace of Mind: Left the house in a hurry? Just open the app on your phone and check. If you accidentally left the heater on, you can turn it off from anywhere in the world. No more day-long anxiety.
- Voice Control Convenience: “Hey Google, turn on the bedroom heater.” It feels like living in the future. Connecting your smart plug to a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri is effortless and incredibly convenient on a cold morning.
- Energy and Cost Savings: This is a big one. By using a smart plug for a space heater, you ensure it’s only running when absolutely necessary. You can set it to turn off overnight or when you’re not in the room. Many heavy-duty smart plugs also come with energy monitoring, showing you exactly how much electricity your heater is using. Knowledge is power—and in this case, it’s the power to lower your bills.
Setting Up Your Smart Plug: A Simple 5-Step Guide
Getting started is easier than you think. Here’s a typical setup process:
- Download the App: Find the manufacturer’s app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and install it on your smartphone. Create an account.
- Plug It In: Plug the smart plug into a wall outlet near your Wi-Fi router for the initial setup. A light on the plug should start blinking, indicating it’s in pairing mode.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Follow the in-app instructions. You’ll typically need to select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Most smart plugs work on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, so make sure your phone is connected to that network during setup.
- Name Your Device: Give your plug a clear name like “Living Room Heater” or “Office Heater.” This makes it easy to identify in the app and is essential for voice commands.
- Connect and Automate: Move the plug to the desired outlet, plug your space heater into it (making sure the heater’s switch is in the “on” position), and start creating schedules or routines in the app. You can also link the app to your Google Home or Amazon Alexa account for voice control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I plug a power strip into a smart plug for my heater?
No, absolutely not. You should never plug a high-power appliance like a space heater into a power strip, and you should not plug that power strip into a smart plug. This is called “daisy-chaining” and it creates a serious fire risk. Always plug the heavy-duty smart plug directly into the wall outlet, and the space heater directly into the smart plug.
What’s the maximum wattage for a smart plug?
This depends on the plug’s rating. For a 15A plug on a 120V system, the theoretical maximum is 1800 watts (15A x 120V). Most manufacturers will explicitly state “1800W” on the packaging for their heavy-duty models. Always check this number.
Does a smart plug use a lot of electricity by itself?
No. When a smart plug is in standby mode, it uses a tiny amount of power to stay connected to Wi-Fi—typically less than 1 watt. The energy savings from controlling your heater will vastly outweigh the plug’s own consumption.
Can I use this type of smart plug for other appliances?
Yes! A heavy-duty smart plug for a space heater is also perfect for other high-draw appliances with mechanical switches, such as window air conditioners, portable dehumidifiers, or large fans.
Will the smart plug work if my Wi-Fi goes down?
If your internet connection is lost, you won’t be able to control the plug remotely from your phone or with voice commands. However, any schedules or timers that are saved directly onto the plug itself will usually continue to run as programmed. Most plugs also have a physical button you can press to turn them on or off manually.
Your First Step to a Smarter, Cozier Home
Choosing to use a smart plug for a space heater is more than just a cool tech upgrade; it’s a smart decision for your comfort, safety, and wallet. By understanding the critical importance of power ratings and safety certifications, you can confidently turn that chilly room into a warm, automated oasis. You get the convenience of remote control, the efficiency of scheduling, and the priceless peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re in complete control. Welcome to the smarter, warmer side of life.