11 Space Heaters That Won’t Trip Breaker Boxes

During winter, it is important to make sure your home is comfortable. 

Cold temperatures can cause illnesses and physical problems, not to mention how hard it can be to go about your daily life when it is freezing in your house.

While your home may have a central heating system, you probably don’t need to heat every room. For situations like this, a space heater is an excellent solution.

Unfortunately, some space heaters tend to trip circuit breakers, which is inconvenient and frustrating. Not all of them will do this; some can run long without drawing too much power. 

Knowing your options for space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes can help you find the perfect solution for your home’s heating needs.

Why Do Space Heaters Trip Breakers?

There are several reasons why space heaters will trip circuit breakers in your home. One of the most common reasons is that the heater plugged into the specific circuit is overloaded. 

Your home most likely has several circuits, all of which power different areas of the house. Space heaters draw a lot of current from household circuits, which can overload them, which triggers the breaker to trip instead of heating up and starting a fire. 

This usually happens when the heater is plugged into a circuit with other high-current items, like refrigerators and dishwashers. Plug any space heater directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip. 

Space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes generally have a lower wattage. A 1,500 watt heater draws about 12.5 amps (watts divided by 120 volts), most of what a common 15 amp circuit can carry, while a 500 watt heater draws about 4 amps. 

Because of this lower wattage, they don’t draw as much power from the circuit, keeping them from tripping the breaker. 

With a low-wattage space heater you have much more room on the circuit, but it can still trip the breaker if the same circuit also runs a refrigerator, dishwasher or other high-draw appliance. You can also run it without going down to the basement to flip the breaker switch. 

What to Consider Before Buying Space Heaters That Won’t Trip Breaker Boxes 

Before you start shopping for space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes, it is important to know what to look for. 

Understanding your needs and the specs of different space heaters will help you make the best decision. 

Room Size 

The room size you are trying to heat is one of the most essential factors when picking space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes. 

The higher the wattage is, the more hot air the space heater will put out. It will also draw more current from the circuit and increase the likelihood that the breaker will trip. 

Most standard space heaters are 1,500 watts. However, you can find heaters that are as little as 400 watts. 

Space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes are usually between 400 and 800 watts. 

Finding a happy medium between a powerful heater for the size of the room you want to heat but with a low enough wattage to not trip the breaker will be your best bet. 

Price of Operation 

The price to run your space heater is also an important consideration. 

Depending on where you live, power may be more expensive than in other areas. Fortunately, a space heater that won’t trip breaker boxes will also be cheaper to run. 

Home electricity is sold at a certain price per kilowatt-hour. One kilowatt-hour is the energy a 1,000 watt appliance uses in one hour. 

Since most space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes draw less than one kilowatt, they will be cheaper to run than the heaters that are over 1,000 watts. At the U.S. average residential price of 18.31 cents per kWh (July 2026), a 500 watt heater costs about 9 cents an hour on its highest setting and a 1,500 watt heater about 27 cents. 

Average Temperature

Before deciding on a space heater, consider how cold it gets in your area. 

If it regularly gets into the twenties or below, getting a higher-wattage heater may be worth it. If, however, your winters only average the low-to-mid 40s, you can most likely stick with a small, low-wattage unit. 

Knowing your needs and how cold it gets where you live will help you make the best decision when shopping for space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes. 

4 Best Space Heaters That Won’t Trip Breaker Boxes 

You have many different options when it comes to space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes. The list below includes some of my favorites, all with useful features. 

LifePlus Electric Oil Filled Heater

This is an excellent option if you are looking for space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes but still deliver even, consistent heat. 

This heater has the familiar space heater design but with about half the power of a traditional oil heater. This means it will be much more suitable for smaller homes that regularly get tripped breakers. 

By the common rule of 10 watts per square foot, a 700 watt heater covers about 70 square feet, so it suits a small bedroom or office. 

This is a great option whether you need to heat a bedroom or office. 

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Relatively powerful	No fan
Automatic shut-off mechanism	Higher wattage than other options

GiveBest Small Electric Space Heater

The GiveBest small electric space heater is one of the most convenient space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes. 

It has a 400-watt output, which makes it a good option for putting it at your desk or by your bed. However, it may not be sufficient if you are trying to heat an entire room. 

It could be a good choice if you are looking for something you can take back and forth from home to work. The small size makes it perfect for small applications or slightly warmer temperatures. 

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Super low wattage	Only suitable for personal use
Tip-over protection	Bright orange color might not fit in with home decor

VERSAINSECT Heater for Indoor Use

The VERSAINSECT Heater is unique among all the different space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes. 

Instead of being a standalone unit, this heater plugs directly into the wall socket. This makes for an incredibly low-profile design that can fit almost anywhere. 

While this heater may not be sufficient for larger rooms, its convenient operation makes it a great choice for offices and bedrooms. For a bigger space, see the best space heater for a large room. 

It also includes a digital thermostat, which allows you to adjust the heat it puts out. Plus, you can set a timer so it turns itself off, which helps if you forget it. 

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Super low-profile design	Has to plug directly into the socket
Digital thermostat	It may not be big enough to heat outside the immediate area

Teioe Mini Electric Space Heater

Space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes are not usually known for being attractive. 

However, the Teioe space heater is an exception to the rule. Its vintage aesthetic is unique enough to stand out in any decor and can be an excellent accent piece for any room. 

This heater is small enough to bring it with you wherever you go. It even has a carry strap to make moving it as easy as possible. 

Unfortunately, it does not include an adjustable thermostat. However, you can choose between a 400-watt or 800-watt output. 

This option to change the wattage means you can switch between the two modes to find the right setting if you aren’t sure what space heaters won’t trip breakers in your home. 

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Vintage look	Thin plastic housing
Adjustable wattage	No adjustable timer

More Space Heaters That Won’t Trip Breaker Boxes

On top of the above options, many other space heaters won’t trip breaker boxes. These include: 

• Amazon Basics 500-Watt Ceramic Small Space Personal Mini Heater
• Vornado VH202 Personal Space Heater
• NewAir Portable Heater
• Dr. Prepare Small Space Heater for Indoor Use
• GAIATOP Space Heater
• Small Electric Space Heater, 900W Low Wattage Personal Heater
• Kismile Small Electric Space Heater

Final Thoughts

Finding space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes can be difficult, especially if your electrical system is sensitive to overloading. 

However, there are plenty of low-wattage options available to you. By knowing what the best space heaters that won’t trip breaker boxes are and what they have to offer, you can keep yourself comfortable and keep your home safe.