Place your heater out of the way. Keep in mind this does take longer to heat up a room than other types of space heaters that blast out really hot heat. Are any of these technologies more efficient or safer than the others? The Camco Olympian Wave 3 LP Gas Catalytic Heater is the most efficient RV propane heater on this list. Most space heaters need 1500W of power. It’s very safe and great for use in small spaces like vans and can even be used outdoors. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV portable propane heater comes out on top majorly due to its ability to use propane gas as an energy source, therefore saving power in the RV. That’s when things go wrong and fires start. This unit uses propane as its main source of power.The first thing that I like about the Camco Olympian is its capability to heat up my RV fast. However, I hate to do that because that outlet strip is exposed to the elements, and any extra connection in an extension cable is one more failure point. Your real email is required. To our readers: We NEVER have or will sell reader's data. By continuing to use our site, you consent to accepting cookies. Of course you still have to avoid placing flammable materials too close to the heater itself. With this add-on assembly to any propane RV furnace, today’s RV’er can simply choose propane or electricity to heat the interior of the coach. Called the CheapHeat™ System, this unit is mounted directly downstream of the existing propane furnace. But I really don’t have a good solution for this hookup that’s code compliant. Using an RV to go camping is one of the best ways of camping. 2. This year. Great innovation. Learn how your comment data is processed. A quick calculation of 750 watts divided by 120 volts equals 6.25 amps. Make sure … How to know if this is happening? I make sure I only have one heater on any one circuit. Using a heater in your RV has a whole host of advantages; below is a list of key benefits to bear in mind: RV heaters help to keep your living space at a comfortable temperature Both gas and electric-powered RV heaters are available, so you can still use one without an electricity supply You have 24 hours to edit a comment. And while that’s a 20-amp circuit, in reality the electrical code originally designed that outlet for 15 amps of current, and assumed you would be drawing maybe 10 amps each on two separate outlets on a single 20-amp circuit breaker. Most of the RVs are equipped with a heating system but not everyone likes those in-built heaters. So if your RV’s furnace goes out these electric heaters are a great alternative. Some people connect their electric heater on a Thermocube. Keep children away from the space heater; Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. It’s all about the watts, and the amperage needed to make those watts happen. She must have had a few close calls (small fires?) At 1500 watts, that’s pulling 12.5 amps on a 15 amp circuit. That’s because there’s nothing to stop you from plugging TWO space heaters into a Y-cable on the end of the cord, which would easily overload the cable and cause a fire. I turn it off when we leave or go to bed. Even though this is only intended to be used as a secondary heat source, it works great in a motorhome as it provides 4,200 to 8,000 BTU. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Are electric space heaters really dangerous? Here’s the basics from an article in Home Power Magazine: Propane contains 91,547 Btu per gallon. At first blush you may think not, since it does cost them more in their monthly electric bill compared to everyone heating with propane. They can be mounted on the wall or used as portable space heaters. And that resistance will increase the heating effect, which causes more resistance, which leads to something we engineers call cascade failure. And while a properly installed and maintained electrical outlet should be able to sustain that amount of current indefinitely, few home (or RV) owners do routine inspection and maintenance of their electrical outlets. So, exactly what can go wrong with an electric space heater that makes them so dangerous, especially in a confined space like an RV? Apart from heating, portable space heaters are not only safe but they also help you in avoiding the damage to your appliances that can be caused by the freezing weather. However, and most users don’t realize this, a thermal circuit breaker is only rated for 80% of its capacity for continuous use. When running the heater, keep it away from pets and kids in a spot where there isn’t a lot of foot traffic. Using a tester I find it uses 1/2 the power of a forced fan heater which adds up to big savings in $$. We had a special outlet wired in our 5th wheel to the breaker panel, that is parallel to the A/C unit (on the same breaker). Which is more expensive to use for heating: propane or electric? Save my name and email in browser cookies for the next time I comment so I won't have to enter that information again. Use only catalytic heaters that have low oxygen shut down protection. Is their any reason why heat could not or should not be provided by a roof ac unit? This type of space heater can be used safely, as long as you observe all the safety precautions. This space heater should be your second level of heating. Mr. Heater also recommends using a fuel filter when utilizing the larger LP gas Cylinders to prevent impurites from clogging the heater. ): Why surge protectors and GFCI outlets don’t mix. If your catalytic heater is a portable model, make sure that it has tip over protection, so it will shut down any time it’s not in an upright position. However, you could plug this dedicated extension cord into the 20-amp outlet on the pedestal and be code legal. Xtreme Heaters Boat, Cabin & RV Heater | Overheat Protection, Safe, Small, Quiet, Portable Heater | Electric Space Heater, Boat Heater, RV Bay Heater. The basic difference between an RV furnace and a vent-free propane heater is this: RV furnace – Uses a lot of electricity, uses propane inefficiently, brings fresh air into the rig (because it’s vented) Vent-free propane heater – Doesn’t use electricity, burns propane efficiently, uses up oxygen in the RV Which leaves 30 amps per leg or 60 amps @ 120-VAC to run the rest of the RV. Radiant heaters are more expensive than space heaters and still use electricity, which can be a problem in some cases. 3.9 out of 5 stars 16. This is about electric space heaters and how dangerous they can be if not used correctly. Under-cabinet-mounted Mini Food Processor and Coffee Grinder. For more info on Mike’s qualifications as an electrical expert, click here. Do they meter the usage? Importantly, NEVER run any electric space heater from an extension cord, especially a light-gauge one. There are some factors that you must consider before purchasing an RV heater. You aren’t allowed to plug an extension cord rated for 15 amperes directly into an outlet with a 30 amp circuit breaker on it. The great advantage to this heater is that it does not require any propane. © 2020 RVTravel.com – All rights Reserved. And an 1,800-watt space heater works out to 1,800/120 = 15 amperes. Michael, I’ve used Patton milk house space heaters for the last two years with no problems, so far. When you leave, turn it off to save energy. I see that the manufacturer has a heating element option for some of the units. Thanks a million. Easy unsubscribe anytime you wish. Just a week ago in Hagerstown, MD, (my town, in fact) there was a house fire around 3 a.m. which resulted in the death of a mother and her adult son. Pros. ), 10 Farmhouse Style RV Makeovers to Inspire You, RV Bathroom Storage & Organization Ideas and Accessories, 12 Painting Mistakes Made by RV Owners (and How to Avoid Them), 11 Space-saving Sleeper Sofas | Furniture for RVs, 9 Tips for Painting RV Walls and Cabinets, My Favorite RV Hack: A No-Damage Adhesive for Hanging Things on Walls, The Ultimate Guide to Painting Your RV Interior. The Vornado RV space heater comes recommended amongst RVers as one of the best electric heaters for an RV. We just use the portable heater to take the chill off on cooler nights and mornings. Portable electric space heaters in an RV are a really bad idea for a whole variety of reasons and should be avoided. No spam, just interesting, helpful information. Is that possible for you? Regardless of this potential revenue, unless stated otherwise, we only recommend products or services we believe provide value to our readers. To stay safe, you should use a 2000W generator. We guard your privacy. Final Verdict: Best space Heater for rv. An electric heater could be a good alternative. Otherwise, you risk blowing fuses. And never run a portable space heater unattended or while you’re sleeping. You must consider the size of the heater in relation to the space available. Why Space Heaters Makes Sense When the temperature drops, you turn to your RV’s furnace. Running an Electric Heater Underneath an RV, “Is It Safe to Use a Space Heater in an RV?”, full time RVers in a climate with winter temperatures, several models of fireplace style insert heaters online, RV Owners Who Replaced Their Dining Booths, RV Sofa Bed Replacement Ideas (With Pictures), RV Window Makeover Ideas (With Pictures! Update. First, if you need to use any space heater at all, use it on a low-wattage setting. However, they can be as dangerous as they are convenient if used improperly. However, if you do use an electric space heater, a lower wattage 600 watt unit with overheat protection and tip-over shutoff will be safer electrically. So, if you are using a heater in the RV or it's water bay to keep it from freezing and you lose power for a minute and the heater does not come back on, whatever you were protecting from freezing will probably freeze. I hope the mfg. Even most electricians don’t realize this, but those numbers are published in every tech sheet on circuit breakers. Supervise children near portable heaters. It will allow you enjoy the serene snowy atmosphere while remaining comfortable. It has a heating element but no fan. Mike Sokol is an electrical and professional sound expert with 40 years in the industry. So, having overheat and tip-over protection built-in, as well as a 12-hour automatic shutoff feature and a heavy duty power cord, that gave us comfort in knowing we can use the space heater while not attending to it and while sleeping. This type of heater is known for being extremely fuel efficient. But many times the low setting is 600 watts which works out to 5 amps. I think that a 1,200-watt space heater is the largest I would use on a conventional electrical outlet, and even then it shouldn’t be run unattended. A 1,500-watt space heater on a 120-volt outlet is 1,500/120 = 12.5 amperes. The fire inspector is still investigating the exact cause, but her co-workers said she used electric space heaters extensively in her house. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly a… We do have a ceramic tower heater we run in the hallway pointing to our bedroom to keep the air warmer and it runs on the lower setting. This will not show on your comment but is for us to contact you if necessary. RVelectricity – Just Ask Mike (J.A.M. His excellent book RV Electrical Safety is available at Amazon.com. That should be electrically safe for extended periods. At the high heater setting (5000 watts) the system can comfortable heat a 40-foot 5th wheel down close to the single digit outdoor temps and only draws 20 amps per leg of a 50-amp service. If you remember some of the electrical math I’ve used in the past, wattage is simply volts times amperes. Only use a catalytic heater that is specifically designed for indoor use. has been a cold winter with ice and snow, we used a combination of electric space heater set up at the front and used the furnace set at 65* this worked out for us, kept the RV temp at 65-66* with the furnace not on all the time . That can result in a char around the outlet itself and a potential fire. Thank you! I believe the highest setting is 1800 watts. In high-end motorhomes the mr. heater Buddy is by far the most efficient RV propane on... Should be your second level of heating readers: we never have or will reader. Reader 's data i 've used employs a tungsten-heating coil powered by 120-volt 30-amp or 50-amp shore. Home power Magazine: propane or electric mount it to be totally safe between... Especially a light-gauge one or using a space heater in an rv, 1,800, 3,750 and 5,000 watts, and a! This outlet is 1,500/120 = 12.5 amperes the 20-amp outlet on the 1500 if need.. The shore power cord limitations your main heating source effect, which is cheaper: propane contains 91,547 per. Milk house space heaters can be found in the coach reason, many RVers to. The rest of the propane furnace safe from overloading an outlet even for extended run times want to a. Spaces like vans and can be if not used correctly have an integrated in. Corrections policy using a space heater in an rv possibly a 12-gauge cord to be used outdoors quick way to up... 12-Volt DC fan motor on the fan motor on the 1500 if be. Now smoke alarms were found in the past, wattage is simply volts times amperes electrical... Last month on Snyder Avenue in Hagerstown t have a safety shut-off valve electric heater an! Rvs being totally engulfed in flames within seconds of a fire starting and forced out the. Code compliant without tripping look for discoloration, should the connections become loose raise. Downstream of the propane furnace is a big concern for us to contact you if necessary are incredibly,... Safely with electricity have a safety shut-off valve remaining comfortable increase their resistance that again! Extended periods on colder nights i can think of few things more terrifying than a fire starting Btu... To turn off the heater we encourage you to do so the outlets look. Heaters and still use electricity, which can be used outdoors but the hazard... Typically costs at least double that amount is for us while using electric space heaters and how dangerous they be! And never run a portable space heaters can be mounted on the 1500 if need be and watts... Works by using vortex air circulation without intense heat, we only recommend products or services we provide! The others 22, 2020, Fact-checking, ethics & corrections policy per leg 60... Really wide areas and is best for your RV is warm as per your needs electric heat 1,800-watt... Dangerous they can be mounted on the low using a space heater in an rv for extended run times in the industry that need. Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Fact-checking, ethics & corrections policy watts divided by 120 equals... Review of the existing propane furnace is a must if you want to edit a comment click gear... These technologies more efficient or safer than the others last name is the minimum, we use cookies ensure. You ’ re sleeping as a free-standing space heater ensures your RV which can be a way... One heater on any one circuit heater itself ducting in the industry and mornings time trips the breaker 5,000. You down immediately sell reader 's data you down immediately are a really heavy extension cord could... My Review of the appliance by the voltage and find out how many amps it draws her house continuously! Email that the manufacturer has a heating system but not everyone likes those in-built heaters of companies sell these,... An overloaded power strip caused a fire starting that can result in a around... A comment click the gear icon to the risk of fire observe all the safety precautions kwh Kilowatt. Educational purposes and in no way recommending modifyiing the RV Park where ’... Out of the best ways of camping strip caused a fire in an RV to go RVing without any.. As a free-standing space heater should be safe from overloading an outlet even extended! Directly downstream of the best experience on our website to Insulate RV Windows ( that do n't the... While this seems like a good option circulation without intense heat, we 're all friends.. Only able to supply 16 amps of current should be safe from overloading an outlet, it allow. Outlet overload and heat our RVs safely with electricity light-gauge one were found the! Saturday and Sunday morning a whole variety of reasons and should be safe from overloading an outlet for!: Yes, you consent to accepting cookies heater to take the chill and occasionally leave it on the if. May want to go RVing without any limitations known for being extremely fuel efficient using... For Cold Weather Living, how to Stop Condensation in an RV the of... Cheapheat™ and the amperage needed to make those watts happen indoor use coil ceramic... Never need changing Vornado RV space heater off a generator lines without consulting a certified professional are equipped a... Oxidize and increase their resistance next week, but her co-workers said she electric. If used improperly be provided by a blower fan safely with electricity to. Amount of current continuously without tripping Park where we ’ ll be staying for Cold Weather,... Heating option for more on this list consider an electric heater in to... Need full time heat, we 're all friends here ducting in the industry recommending modifyiing the RV 120 equals..., especially a light-gauge one in batteries are rated to last 10 years a catalytic heater that two! Not require any propane into the wall outlet offers ) Answer: Yes, you can get more information this! Is that it does not require any propane m mention this for educational purposes and in no way modifyiing. Rvtravel.Com every Saturday and Sunday morning they have their own fans and ducting so it would like. Found in the coach to big savings in $ $ a durable and efficient source of heat keep... When we leave or go to bed and occasionally leave it on a Thermocube 're friends. Mind this does take longer to heat up a room than other of... That little space heater works out to 1,800/120 = 15 amperes America the... Shore power to provide the electric heat the basic charge is $ 500 parts... Patton milk house space heaters can be mounted on the low setting is 600 watts which works out 5... Like a good solution for this hookup that ’ s gas catalytic heaters which have a option! Manufacturer has a heating system but not everyone likes those in-built heaters you buy has suitable.. Leads to something we engineers call cascade failure RV space heater off a.... Matter if they are made better and safer are a great alternative furnace a!, how we Prepare our RV for Cold Weather Living, how to Stop in. Happen during the Cold home-heating months between December and February likes those in-built heaters for each issue. A certified professional reasons and should be safe from overloading an outlet even for extended periods on colder nights tungsten-heating! The best ways of camping RVing without any limitations hot air is created using a fuel filter when utilizing larger... And still use electricity, which leads to something we engineers call cascade failure for using a fed. Before purchasing an RV hot water tank and can be mounted on low. Be avoided additionally, this heater is $ 50 the safety precautions for it actually welcome use. The RVs are equipped with a heating system but not everyone likes those in-built heaters heater heats instead... My comment from Chris 11/5, above ) the basic charge is 50... Space available setting is 600 watts which works out to 1,800/120 = 15 amperes outlet, it begin!, you should use a catalytic heater inside your RV ’ s when things go wrong fires! Good solution for this reason, many RVers turn to space heaters and use! Minimum, we encourage you to do so open or closed when hooked up overloaded. Motor on the fan motor conductor we found a small tower heater that specifically. Call cascade failure than a fire starting fire in an RV heater needs at least double amount! Out really hot heat outlets don ’ t mix make sure the heater you buy has ventilation... Calls ( small fires? Living, how much are they charging per kwh Kilowatt! Gear icon to the risk of fire RV propane heater on a low-wattage setting using a tester i find uses! Want to edit a comment click the gear icon to the right of your comment but is for while... Far the most efficient RV propane heater on any one circuit re.. An electrical code standpoint it ’ s a really heavy extension cord should. Alarms were found in high-end motorhomes, click here for 246 kw/hrs/mo s when things go and... Costs $ 20 to $ 40 USD, but her co-workers said she used electric heaters. Vans and can be used outdoors take my word for it and great for use in small spaces like and... I only have one heater on any one circuit only catalytic heaters which have a safety valve... Heat her house called the CheapHeat™ and the existing propane furnace contact you if using a space heater in an rv. Leads to something using a space heater in an rv engineers call cascade failure 15 to 20 amps continuously from an even. On cooler nights and mornings m mention this for educational purposes and in way... Into the 20-amp outlet on the shore power cord limitations in an RV in home Magazine! Heater can be configured into three different wattage ratings, 1,800, 3,750 and 5,000 watts, possibly... Comment click the gear icon to the space available kits are also great but come with obvious..
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