Can I use a standard extension cord with my Refrigerator?
Yes, you can use one if the capacity is adequate. But most refrigerator manufacturers recommend against using an extension cord for a variety of reasons. One concern is that you're going to use a cord that's not capable of carrying the load without heating up too much. This can turn into a fire hazard.
What is the best extension cord for a refrigerator?
Top 5 Refrigerator Extension Cords
- Stanley 31536 Grounded Heavy Duty Extension Cord. This is a heavy duty extension cord which can bear the voltage of about 125V. ...
- GoGreen Power GG-25606 Extension Cord. ...
- Qualihome Heavy Duty Extension Cord. ...
- POWTECH Heavy Duty Extension Cord. ...
- Iron Forge Cable 16/3 SJTW Green Extension Cable. ...
Can I run my Mini freezer on an extension cord?
The good answer is NO! A mini-fridge on a short 3’ cord of equal or greater wire size than the fridge. is probably fine. A 30 cubic foot fridge/freezer on a 100’ extension cord of smaller wire size would be a BIG NO. Just put the refrigerator near an outlet.
Can you plug two freezer into the same circuit?
Yes, and under certain circumstances it might even be desirable. Our electrician who is in high demand, and is highly respected by the code officials recommended we put our refrigerator AND upright freezer, both of which are in the kitchen, on the same circuit. Why?” I asked.
What amp extension cord do I need for a refrigerator?
15 amperesHowever, if an extension cord is used, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL® listed 3-wire grounding appliance extension cord and that the current carry rating of the cord be a minimum of 15 amperes.
Do I need a special extension cord for a refrigerator?
Yes, you need a heavy-duty extension cord for the refrigerator because a light-duty extension cord lacks grounding and has a lower gauge. A heavy-duty extension cord is grounded with a 3-prong plug and has a higher capacity to deliver enough power, free from overheating or shock.
Is it OK to plug a refrigerator into a power strip?
Rule two: never plug high power capacity appliances, like space heaters, refrigerators, or microwave and toaster ovens into power strips or extension cords. These appliances have higher power capacity and need to be plugged into a wall outlet directly.
Why do some appliances say not to use an extension cord?
Certain high wattage appliances should not use an extension cord when possible (check the owner's manual). Using an extension cord on these appliances could cause excessive heat and voltage drop, this could damage the appliance or motor.
Can you use a 16 gauge extension cord for a refrigerator?
The best size extension cord for a refrigerator is 14 gauge awg. This will carry up to 15 amps of current over a distance of 30 feet without any issues. It is not recommended to use a smaller size than that as it could cause a voltage drop in the cord, causing the cord to heat up and harm the refrigerator.
Can you run a fridge freezer off an extension lead?
Nearly every fridge and freezer manufacturer says do not use an extension lead. The reason is volt drop can cause the overloads to fail on the compressor motor.
Are appliance extension cords safe?
Extension cords are a common and convenient way to bring power to electrical devices. But used without proper caution, they can become fire hazards and pose risks to your personal safety.
Why can't I use an extension cord with my freezer?
The power cord on a freezer or refrigerator has a ground pin, so you need a UL® listed 3-wire grounding appliance extension cord, and you must plug the cord into a grounded three-pin receptacle. It isn't safe or acceptable to remove the ground pin from your extension cord so you can plug it into a two-pin receptacle.
Avoid Plugging a Refrigerator into an Extension Cord
Refrigerators are one of the most power-hungry appliances in your home. They are constantly running and drawing power. So, you need a connection that is stable and sturdy.
The Dangers of Extension Cord
The extension cord is a handy piece of equipment. They are used for many household connections and are a quick fix for many of your problems. They are generally used for small appliances and as short time solutions.
Heavy Duty Extension Cord for Refrigerator
The dangers of an extension cord can be overlooked if you get the right one for your refrigerator. In the market, there are exclusively heavy-duty extension cords for refrigerators. These are made solely for your fridge and will keep you safe from any disaster.
Conclusion
Extension cords can be a solution to most of your connection problems. However, the quality needs to be quite good if it is a heavy appliance like a refrigerator.
Plugging a refrigerator into an extension cord
Generally speaking, you can safely plug any appliance into an electrical extension cord when powering. However, it is not always the case for refrigerators.
Things to consider before buying an extension cord for a refrigerator
Sometimes it is necessary to use an electrical extension cord despite it causing a potential fire hazard. So, if you have no other choice, but to use one, buy the right kind of cord that will support your fridge.
Safety measures for plugging an extension cord to a refrigerator
Generally, the most pressing problem with using an electrical extension is using the wrong kind of cord to power your refrigerator.
Final thoughts
So, can you plug a refrigerator into an extension cord? Yes. Even though plugging your refrigerator directly to the wall outlet is the safest option, sometimes you have no choice but to use an extension cord. So, be careful when choosing the extension cord as some of them can be harmful.
Jakob Staudal
Hi, I'm Jakob. I've spent most of my life in the woods and have been on more camping trips than most people. I'm sharing everything I've learned about life outdoors on this blog.
How do you fix a refrigerator after power surge?
Extension cords are used to connect different devices together. For instance if you have two electrical outlets, you can plug in lamps into each outlet. An extension cord is not used to power devices off of another extension cord. It is important to know how long an extension cord lasts because it is very easy to get caught up in using an extension cord. An extension cord is usually rated according to the length of the cord. A longer cord is better because it allows you to reach farther away from the wall socket. This is especially useful if you have several items plugged into the same wall socket. A power surge can damage many types of equipment. Most modern electronics are built to withstand surges but older technology such as televisions, radios, and computers are not. Power surges can blow fuses, burn out capacitors, and even destroy circuits.
What damage can a power surge do to a refrigerator?
Refrigerators are connected to the electric grid and when there is a power outage, the refrigerators stop working properly. To fix a refrigerator, you first need to check the fuse box. Fuse boxes are located near the back of the freezer section. Once you locate the fuse box, turn off the breaker switch. Then remove the fuses that are blown. Replace the fuses and turn the breaker switch back on.
Can you use an extension cord with another extension cord?
For instance, if you have two electric outlets, you can plug lamps into each outlet. However extension cords are not used to power devices from another extension cord. How long does an extension cord last?
Can I plug my fridge into a surge protector?
If you notice a power surge in your house, immediately turn off the breaker that supplies power to the affected area. Then, call your electrician to repair the problem.
How do you reset a refrigerator?
Extension cords are used to connect devices together. In other words, if you have two electrical outlets, you can plug a lamp into each outlet. However, you cannot use an extension cord to power a device from another extension cord. This is because the voltage of the second extension cord is not strong enough to power the device.
Can you plug a fridge into an extension cord?
Yes, but only if the extension cord is rated for 120 volts AC the same voltage as household current. It’s not safe to plug any appliance directly into an extension cord because the cord itself could become overloaded and burn up. An extension cord is meant to provide extra length for appliances that aren’t near outlets.
1. Fire Hazard
Extension cords are not suitable for carrying the wattage a fridge needs. When an extension cord overheats, it doesn’t just stop working. It overheats and could catch fire.
2. Damage to the fridge
Electrical power flows differently from an extension cord than from a wall socket. The thinner wiring and addition of copper wiring add resistance and drops the voltage, which means that the fridge has to work harder to cool your food.
3. Damage to the wiring
Finally, the problem with plugging your fridge into an extension cord instead of directly into the wall is that your electricity supply is not as stable.
Conclusion
So, can you plug your fridge into an extension cord? While you technically can plug your fridge into an extra heavy-duty extension cord, it’s much safer if you plug it directly into the wall.
Is it safe to plug a fridge into an extension cord
It’s generally safe to plug a fridge into an extension cord. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the extension cord is rated for the wattage of the fridge. Second, make sure the extension cord is in good condition and not frayed or damaged in any way. Third, make sure the extension cord is not overloaded.
Can I use an extension cord with a fridge
Yes, you can use an extension cord with a fridge. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the extension cord is rated for the same voltage as the fridge. Second, make sure that the extension cord is rated for at least 15 amps. Third, make sure that the cord is in good condition and not damaged in any way.
Can I plug my fridge into an extension cord
If you have a fridge that you need to plug into an extension cord, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the extension cord is rated for the wattage that your fridge uses.
What happens if I plug a fridge into an extension cord
If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you need to plug a fridge into an extension cord, you may be wondering what the consequences could be. After all, you don’t want to damage your fridge or your extension cord. Here’s what you need to know about using an extension cord with a fridge: 1.
Can I damage my fridge by plugging it into an extension cord
If you have a fridge that is not working properly, you may be tempted to plug it into an extension cord in order to get it to work. However, this is not a good idea and can actually damage your fridge.
Can you plug a mini fridge into an extension cord
Yes, you can plug a mini fridge into an extension cord. However, you need to make sure that the extension cord is rated for the correct amperage and voltage. Additionally, you should not use an extension cord for more than a temporary solution as they can overheat and cause a fire.
What is the best extension cord for a refrigerator
If you’re looking for the best extension cord for a refrigerator, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about choosing the right extension cord for your fridge.
Can You Plug Refrigerator Into An Extension Cord?
Yes, one can use a specially designed, heavy-duty extension cord to power the refrigerator, if there is no suitable wall socket available. However, while powering the fridge, one mustn’t power any other electrical appliance via the extension cord at the same time.
What Happens If You Plug Refrigerator Into An Extension Cord?
The greatest danger about using an extension cord to power a refrigerator lies in the fact that if the fridge extension cord is a wrong one, there are high chances of the cord overheating, leading to fire hazards and electric shocks and appliance damage, apart from harming any individual in close vicinity.
Is It Safe To Plug A Fridge Into An Extension Cord?
Yes, using an extension cord to power a refrigerator is safe only when it’s grounded, and the amperage rating of the refrigerator is equivalent to that of the extension cord.
Safety Tips: Things To Know Before Plugging A Refrigerator Into An Extension Cord
The best practice is not using an extension cord to plug your refrigerator. However, if you have found the right extension cord for your refrigerator, you must keep in mind some safety measures to keep yourself and your appliance safe.
The Bottom Line
If you go through the refrigerator’s owners manual, you are sure to find a warning saying not to plug the refrigerator into an extension cord and experts advise homeowners to abide by it.
Mini Fridge Power Requirements
You may utilize extension cords because the wall outlet is out of your reach. Or it already has appliances hooked into it.
Is It Okay To Use An Extension Cord?
Mini fridges require less energy than regular refrigerators. Because its demand seldom exceeds 12 amps. The ordinary mini-fridge is compliant with 15-amp circuits.
Factors To Consider while Plugging Mini Fridge into Extension Cord
There are many good extension cords with a good price range. It would help if you always matched your mini-fridge with the appropriate extension cords.
What Problems Take Place When You Plug Mini-Fridge into Extension Cord?
The sole disadvantage of plugging a mini-fridge into an extension cord is a tripped breaker. They are, however, incorrect.
Bottom Line
With this, we’ll be parting ways. Hope your dilemma about whether you can plug a mini fridge into an extension cord is cleared.
Can you plug a fridge into an extension cord?
Yes, you can use an extension cord for your fridge but make sure that the extension cord has the capacity so that almost all of the cords cannot carry enough load and become heated up too much that they can even pose a fire hazard.
Why is it not advisable to use an extension cord with a refrigerator?
The biggest concern with using an extension cord to power a refrigerator is using the wrong cord, which can lead to overheating of the cord, damage to the appliance, and an increased risk of fire or electric shock.
Guidelines for buying a heavy-duty extension cord
When choosing the right extension cord for your refrigerator, you must consider plug type, amperage rating, wire gauge, and cord size. The plug type matters because plugs with three prongs are grounded, which means they are designed to minimize the risk of electric shock or fire.
How to connect your fridge to a generator
When running your generator during a power blackout, plug the pronged end of the extension cord into the generator’s power outlet. You can reach the refrigerator with the extension cord from the generator. Also, allow the generator to come to an operating speed by starting it before plugging the refrigerator.
How to choose an extension cord for a refrigerator?
When choosing the right extension cord for your refrigerator, you need to consider things like plug type, amperage rating, wire gauge and cord size. The plug type matters because plugs with three prongs are grounded, which means they are designed to minimize the risk of electric shock or fire. The amperage rating refers to how many amps of current an extension cord is designed to handle. The wire gauge of an extension cord refers to the thickness of the copper wires that deliver power. The cord size influences the distance across which the power has to run.
What is a 10 gauge extension cord?
Extension cords with a lower gauge number—like 10 or 12 gauges—are considered heavy-duty cords because they have a higher capacity to deliver power. Since the 10-gauge cord is an extra heavy-duty extension, it makes the best choice for big power loads like a refrigerator. Advertisement.
Why do plugs have three prongs?
The plug type matters because plugs with three prongs are grounded, which means they are designed to minimize the risk of electric shock or fire. The amperage rating refers to how many amps of current an extension cord is designed to handle.
Is an extension cord longer or shorter?
Advertisement. The length of an extension cord is another important consideration, and shorter is usually best for appliances that require a lot of energy. Some manufacturers offer extension cords that are specially designed for their appliances.
Can you use an extension cord to power a refrigerator?
The biggest concern with using an extension cord to power a refrigerator is using the wrong cord, which can lead to overheating of the cord, damage to the appliance and increased risk of fire or electric shock. Never try to plug a three-pronged appliance into an un-grounded extension cord. If you plan to use one cord to power two appliances, don't forget to add up the electrical needs of both appliances to make sure that the cord can handle the combined load of power.
