How long can an appliance cord be? If the plug and power outlet are of different types, the term "adapter cord" may be used. Most extension cords range from around two to thirty feet in length although they are made up to 300 feet in length.
Full Answer
How long can a power cord be on an appliance?
My recollection is that there is a NEC, or another code, requirement that all appliances can only be manufactured with a maximum length power cord of 6 feet. Also, that adding a power cord of greater length would void an appliance's UL listing, if the appliance has a UL Listing.
Do I need an extension cord for my appliances?
If you're plugging in a television, game system, lamp, microwave, or other appliance that you intend to use long term, an extension cord isn't the answer. You may need to use an outlet strip with surge protection or have an electrician add an outlet to your home. Don't plan on an extension cord as a long-term solution.
What is the length of the cord on a vacuum cleaner?
422.16 (B) (2) (2) The length of the cord shall be 0.9 m to 1.2 m (3 ft to 4 ft) measured from the face of the attachment plug to the plane of the rear of the appliance. Ah yes -- vacuum cleaners have a good 10 or 12 foot cord on them.
How do I choose the right power cord for my appliances?
When choosing a new cord, make sure the specs match the ratings and length of your current power cord. To find out exactly what type of dryer, air conditioner or dishwasher power cord you need, check the product information that came with the appliance. Also, consider the type of receptacle you have.
What is the maximum length appliance cord?
The only limitations of the length of appliance cords that I know of is in section 422.16(B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(4). This section limits the length of appliance cords for kitchen waste disposers to not less than 18" and not greater than 36".
What is the maximum length a dishwasher appliance cord may be?
422.16(B)(2) Built-in Dishwashers and Trash Compactors.A:The cord length cannot exceed 4 feet.B:The receptacle shall be located in the space occupied by the appliance.C:The receptacle shall be readily accessible.D:The cord is permitted to be between 3 feet and 6.5 feet.
Can you put a longer cord on a refrigerator?
Refrigerators are huge and need a lot of energy to run and thus a regular extension cord may not be able to take on the job and be a fire hazard to boot. That is why I generally do not recommend plugging your refrigerator into an extension cord for safety reasons.
How long can an extension cord be before it loses power?
If you plug two identical cords into each other, that reduces their current capacity in half and can possibly result in voltage drop and overheating. In general, extension cords should not exceed 100 feet in length. However, by plugging one extension cord into another, the maximum cord length can be easily exceeded.
What is code for wiring a dishwasher?
Dishwasher Circuit When installing a dishwasher, the circuit should be a dedicated 120/125-volt, 15-amp circuit. This 15-amp circuit is fed with a 14/2 NM wire with a ground. You may also elect to feed the dishwasher with a 20-amp circuit using 12/2 NM wire with a ground.
Can an outlet be behind a dishwasher?
The receptacle cannot be directly behind the dishwasher; instead, it must be in an adjacent cabinet so you can access the plug without moving the dishwasher. This requires drilling a 1-inch hole through the cabinet through which you can pass the plug.
Are appliance extension cords safe?
Don't let your extension cords become potential fire hazards. 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.
Is a 14 gauge extension cord OK for a refrigerator?
An ideal extension cord for your refrigerator should have a higher amp or wattage than the appliance. Heavy-duty cords have a lower gauge number, usually 10 to 14 gauges. As a result, it has a higher capacity to deliver enough power.
Why are appliance cords so short?
" The reason that the cord is short is to prevent the use of extension cords. It's a fire hazard." True, it is a hazard. If they wanted to prevent use of extension cords, it seems that the appliance cord would be longer, but what do I know?
What happens if an extension cord is too long?
An improperly sized extension cord can cause a tool or appliance motor to burn out if allowed to run for too long. It can also cause a dangerous situation if it overheats.
How far can you run 16 gauge extension cord?
25-footMedium-duty extension cords The safety guidelines for a 25-foot medium-duty extension cable recommend a 16 AWG wire. At 50-foot go for 14 AWG, and at 100-foot 12 gauge extension cord is the safest.
How far can you run 12 gauge extension cord?
For instance, for a length of 25 - 50 feet, a 14 gauge cord will be great for 14-15 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will work for 16-20 Amps. For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for 14-15 amps.
How many amps can a 100 foot extension cord run?
With that in mind, you typically don’t see 100-foot cords exceeding 15- amp (15A) capacity.
How many amps does a tool need?
For larger tools that require them, it’s not enough to simply tap into the temp power pole or a nearby outlet. You have to ensure that if your tool requires 15 amps, it gets 15 amps. Use an extension cord that doesn’t carry the correct thickness (gauge) wire and you “starve” your tool. But, you also do something worse.
Can an undersized extension cable melt?
An undersized extension cable will heat up over time. Use it in that state for too long, and the wire insulation could melt. This particularly holds true if you keep the wire in a coil, which creates resistance and a magnetic field that heats up.
When is flexible cord needed?
Repair or replacement of the flexible cord is required when the outer jacket is penetrated or the conductors or their insulation, inside are damaged. Flexible cord not less than No. 12 American Wire Gauge (AWG) may be repaired by splicing the conductors with a suitable vulcanized or molded splice.
Can flexible cords be inspected?
Please note that flexible cord and cable should be visually inspected for external defects, such as insulation damage, and for indications of possible internal damage. Also, use of electrical tape to protect nicks or abrasions impedes visual inspection of the flexible cord.
Can you use a cord and plug in a junction box?
Reply #2: Yes, cord-and-plug-operated appliances which meet paragraph 1910.305 (g) requirements may be-used. However, an appliance which is wired with a flexible cable directly into a junction box may not be used in workplaces.
Why do we need an extension cord?
Sometimes we only need a short extension cord to give us the ability to plug our tools in and complete the project.
Why do extension cords tripping?
As the power tools heat up, so does the extension cords that they are connected to. That, in turn, leads to circuit breakers tripping, often due to a heating up of the breaker and/or overloading of the circuit breaker. To be safe, try not to exceed the extension cord chart below. Be safe, not sorry.
Why do power tools draw amperage?
Because of wire size, the resistance of the wire, and the voltage drop due to the distance, these variables can damage both extension cords and the power tools ...
Is copper wire a good conductor?
Long runs of wire encounter a variable that you may not have considered, resistance. Even though the copper wire is a very good conductor, it does have some resistance that causes heat .
How long is a temporary extension cord good for?
According to OSHA, temporary is defined as a 90-day period.
What labs are required to use extension cords?
According to the OSHA Fact Sheet, "Working Safely with Electricity," it is required to use only cords that meet OSHA standards and are approved by a laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory, or UL. Approved extension cords have tags stating the testing organization.
Is overloading cords dangerous?
Inappropriate Uses. According to the Office of Compliance, overloading the power capabilities of the cord is considered dangerous and is an OSHA violation. Cords with proper electrical ratings should only be be used for the task at hand.
