Have oil heater, extension lead plug smells of burning - advice?

Predaleko1984

For about two years, we've had an oil heater which has been used quite a lot the last two weeks due to the cold spell.

Today, I noticed the one plug extension cord was quite warm. I took everything out and the plug had like a "burning" sort of smell - say burnt plastic.

What would you advise? I've a spare heater in my room as back-up, so would it be wise to retire the current one or change plugs?

Thank you.

lovesgshp

What rating is the 1 plug extension cord, and what is the heater rating?

Predaleko1984

I have no idea what the rating is on the one plug extenion cord, but the heater is 1500KW, 230-240 Voltz. I've smelt the heater plug and no burning smell with that.

lovesgshp

Predaleko1984 wrote: »

I have no idea what the rating is on the one plug extenion cord, but the heater is 1500KW, 230-240 Voltz. I've smelt the heater plug and no burning smell with that.

Is it a thin cable to the heater on the extension, or a heavy duty one?

Predaleko1984

It's a fairly thickish one in black. The heater is fine, it's just the extension cord that's the concern. It's been smelling funny for a while, so I always thought it was the heater and it has been on a high setting.

Predaleko1984

The extension cord is a standard white one.

lovesgshp

You need to check the fuse rating on the extension, plus make sure it is not coiled around, as that would generate excess heat in the coils.

Predaleko1984

5 amp in the plug. Not coiled. I have just noticed (I've been there nearly four years), that there is a cardboard plug description on it - could that be part of it.

Predaleko1984

Adding to that, the plug does smell still but it's faint as opposed to it with the cardboard description

lovesgshp

You need to have at least a 10 amp fuse and a rated cable, for what you need. 5 amps is not enough.

Predaleko1984

Thank you. That's fair enough from what I can gather. I mean would it be all right to use the heater on it's own in the socket?