Can you plug a 20 amp heater into a 30 amp plug?

Answer 1

Yes, you plug a 20 amp device into a 30 amp circuit.

The circuit always needs to be equal or greater than the device. If you plug to large of an appliance into a circuit, the circuit breaker (or fuse) should open the circuit so that no damage occurs.

Answer 2

Yes. If it has a motor, there may be an additional surge when the motor starts up, as long as the result doesn't exceed 20 amps, your circuit breaker should not complain.

This leaves you with enough 'headroom' to supply another 5 amps before blowing your circuit breaker.

Electricity is an expensive way to heat a space, unless you're getting very good rates so be prepared for an alarming bill at the end of the month if you use the space heater very often.

Answer 3

Yes and only if the device connected to the 30 amp plug draws no more than 30 amps.

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No, the configuration of a 30 amp plug will not fit into a 40 amp outlet. This for a safety reason that they make different configurations of plugs rated at specific amperages. A 40 amp outlet is protected by a 40 amp breaker so the wire will be be able to carry 40 amps before the breaker will trip. The maximum amount of current allowed on a 30 amp plug is 30 amps and if it allowed to be plugged into a 40 amp plug it is 10 amps or 33% beyond the plugs safety rating.

Answer 4

It is not recommended to plug a 20 amp heater into a 30 amp plug, as this can pose a safety hazard. The heater should be plugged into a compatible outlet that matches the amperage rating of the appliance to avoid overloading the circuit.

Answer 5

Sure, that way is not a problem. The other way around OTOH would be trouble.

Answer 6

Yes, provided the heater has its own 30A overload protection. Otherwise, the appliance would fry well before the 50A breaker blew.