No: a portable electric space heater should be plugged directly into an appropriate wall outlet, not into a power strip or extension cord. These appliances draw substantial power for long periods, and an intermediate connection can overheat, loosen, or create a fire hazard.
Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises against using power strips or extension cords with portable space heaters. Use a firm wall receptacle compatible with the heater plug.
Do not share an overloaded connection
Avoid multi-outlet adapters and do not add another high-power appliance to the same duplex receptacle if that can overload the circuit. Follow the heater’s wattage and manual requirements.
Make sure the plug and outlet stay cool
A very hot plug, burning odor, crackling, or discoloration indicates a bad connection. Turn the heater off, unplug it from a safe point, and do not use that receptacle until it is checked.
Keep clearance and turn it off when sleeping or leaving
Beyond the electrical connection, keep the heater at least about 3 feet (90 cm) from combustible materials and do not leave it running unattended in a confined space.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Space Heater Safety — Portable space heaters should plug directly into a wall outlet, stay clear of combustibles, and be turned off when unattended.