Question about flickering light

geegerbee · ‎03-09-2010

My son bought me a fireplace-looking space heater for Christmas. It is plugged directly into the wall, and not in an extension cord. Problem, and I don't really know if it is a problem, but when the heater comes on the light on the end table flickers. It flickers again when the heater shuts off. I know nothing about electricity, but hope someone can tell me if this is natural and ok, or what I should do, if anything, about it.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@geegerbee. There are some strange things that happen if you have aluminum wiring in your house especially when using high wattage appliances such as heaters. Do you have a user's manual with a phone number you could p d call with a question

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BirkiLady · ‎02-22-2015

That sounds dangerous. Try another outlet. If it continues to flicker, stop using it until you know what the problem is. It might be your circuit breakers are not strong enough to handle the extra power required for a space heater or a wiring problem. In any case, have an electrician check it out ASAP.

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jannabelle1 · ‎09-12-2010

I would first check the Users Manual for the heater. They may have some do's and don'ts regarding safety. I'm sure not an electrician but I wouldn't use the heater until you find something from the User Manual, or move the heater to it's own dedicated outlet, or call an electrician.

Foxxee · ‎10-03-2014

@geegerbee

Is the heater plugged into the same outlet as the lamp?

If so, the heater and lamp together may be drawing too much electricity from that outlet that might cause circuit breaker problems or even worse, damage to the heater.

If the two are plugged into the same outlet, pull the plug on the lamp. I found these heaters need their own outlet.

However, make sure the outlet you plug the lamp into isn't using the same circuit breaker.

You might need to move the heater or the lamp to another area of the room.

I would do that right now.

geegerbee · ‎03-09-2010

Good idea to find a phone number in the manual to call and ask about it. Never thought to do that.

As of now, I will turn the heater off. Thank you for the suggestions.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

If you have flickering, unplug the heater at once. You are overloading.

Most homes have a couple of circuits labeled plugs, for lamps and such. All the heavy hitters are kept separate.

If you are familiar you could try another circuit. Or get help.

red&curly · ‎12-30-2019

@geegerbee I have the Duraflame heater they sell on QVC .My lamp did same thing. We live in a 50's ranch & the actual plug needed to be changed out as it was worn & old.

If you could put on another wall not on same circuit as lamp as others stated. Still get that plug checked out.

No since playing with electricity.

We gonna need our Duraflame tonight.We have a cold house & heat pump so it can use the help.

Jaspersmom · ‎06-08-2011

Be very careful. Check the wire. Does it feel hot? And check the outlet and wall switch. If either are hot, then you have a real problem. Flickering is NOT a good sign. I would also check online to read reviews and find out if there have been any recalls. Personally, I would not use it and would return it for a refund.