Larger appliances like refrigerators and freezers need a stable power flow directly from a wall outlet to function properly. Even the best extension cords experience voltage drops and fluctuations, which can cause these appliances to malfunction. In extreme cases, these changes can permanently damage your equipment.
A 14 gauge, three conductor grounded copper wire extension cord that is no longer than 20 feet long should meet the requirements for most residential refrigerators. Refrigerator extension cords longer than 20 feet up to 50 fifty should be no smaller than 12 gauge copper wire.
Extension cords are generally not designed to handle the high-power demands of refrigerators and can pose fire hazards or cause appliance malfunctions. Whenever possible, connect your refrigerator directly to a properly grounded outlet or consider having an electrician install a new outlet closer to the appliance.
Extension cords have a maximum amperage rating @ 120volts and many devices like vacuum cleaners, space heaters, air conditioners, refrigerators, and certain welding equipment, can pull an unsafe number of amps through the extension and cause a fire.
For extension cord temporary use with refrigerators, look for one that is 10-gauge, between 15 to 20 amps. With those specs, you're mainly looking at a short-length cable under 50 feet long. If you need any more than 100 feet, then forget it. We always recommend you contact an electrician for advice.
Portable heaters, refrigerators or large electrical draw appliances should never be plugged into the power strip, but rather a dedicated electrical wall outlet.
Select cords rated to handle the amps and wattage of the devices with which they'll be used. A cord's gauge indicates its size: The smaller the number, the larger the wire and the more electrical current the cord can safely handle. For use with larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best.
Larger appliances, such as microwaves and refrigerators, may not be plugged into a power strip or extension cord. Such appliances must be plugged directly into a properly installed outlet.
If you are talking about a regular domestic refrigerator, you can plug it into the regular 110 to 120 volts outlet. However, do not plug your refrigerator into a wall socket that has two terminals. Ony use your fridge in a three-pronged socket.
You can use extension cords to power your refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, chargers for electronic devices, and much more.
Yes it's fine. No fridge pulls 10A unless it's room sized. However make sure the cord isn't on the floor. If the fridge ever leaks it will be a serious hazard.
How much electricity does a refrigerator use? A home refrigerator's power consumption is typically between 300 to 800 watts of electricity, or between 3 and 6 amps and about 120 volts.
You really don't want your cord's insulation to melt, exposing the live wires and potentially sparking a fire. Any appliance requiring more than 1,800 watts should be on a dedicated circuit -- never connected by an extension cord.
Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord with a major appliance – it can easily overheat and start a fire.
Construction sites and other industries often use brightly colored extension cords to help reduce tripping hazards, whereas audio, visual and other indoor usage often requires darker colors to help extension cords blend into their surroundings.
However, 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 amps and 120 volts.
Refrigerator or Freezer – Running a refrigerator via a dedicated circuit is the recommended best practice for homeowners. Most refrigerators use between 3 and 6 amps, but peak draw can spike up to 15 amps. For this reason, refrigerators and freezers should be connected to a 15-20 amp dedicated 120-volt circuit.
We do not recommend connecting a Refrigerator to a surge protector.
A 115-volt or 120-volt, individual, properly grounded branch circuit with a 3-prong grounding type receptacle, protected by a 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker or time-delay fuse. Should be on a dedicated circuit. This is recommended for best performance and to prevent overloading house wiring circuits.
Overheating is usually caused by overloading or connecting appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. Damaged extension cords can also cause fires. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.
Just like any electrical device, your outdoor extension cord should be unplugged when not in use. Leaving your cords plugged in unnecessarily increases the risk of damage and potential hazards.
For larger appliances that draw up to 15 amps like a refrigerator or a portable heater, a 14-gauge cord would be safer. Tools or appliances that require up to 20 amps like a shop vacuum or a circular saw should go with a 12-gauge or 10-gauge extension cord.
Do not use an indoor extension cord outdoors. Do not overload cords with more than the proper electrical load. Do not run extension cords through doorways, holes in ceilings, walls, or floors.
It is fine to plug in some things into a power strip, such as computers, lamps, phones and other light-load electronics. Do not overload power strips by plugging in appliances that consume more watts than the cord can handle. This can cause the power strip to overheat or start a fire.