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From: Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: electrical deaths
Date: Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:33:00 -0700
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On 11/28/2024 6:46 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:
>> All of these are often cheap, "tinny" products -- not built very robust
>> (save for "better quality" microwaves and toaster ovens) -- because they
>> CAN be built "cheaply" (cost&quality) and consumers tend not to want to
>> spend much on them.
> 
> I forgot about room heaters. Here most of them are 2KW each, maybe switchable 
> to 1KW.

They tend only to be used in "disadvantaged" areas -- or, as "spot"
supplemental heat.  They tend to be fire hazards.

Note that most branch circuits in a home are 15A (lighting and receptacles).
Kitchen counters and (sometimes) bathrooms tend to be 20A as the kitchen
is the big power hog in most homes.

So, branch circuits feeding "living areas" are typically derated to 1440W.
Once you plug in a space heater, you've used up most of that budget;
nothing left for your TV, lighting fed from outlets, running a vacuum
cleaner, computer, clothes iron, etc.

And, for older homes, outlet spacing may not lend itself to siting
such a device where you "want the heat".  So, this leads to extension
cords being used (frowned upon).

It's easy to see how things can go "poorly"...