What is the best extension cord for a refrigerator?

Author: Cristian Green  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

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.

What extension to use for refrigerator?

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.

Is it okay to plug a refrigerator into an extension cord?

We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with any Refrigeration appliances (Refrigerator, Freezer, Compact Refrigerator, Ice Machine, Beverage Center, etcetera) due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions.

Do you need a special extension cord for appliances?

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.

Is there a special plug for refrigerators?

Yes, your refrigerator does not need a special outlet. If you are talking about a regular domestic refrigerator, you can plug it into the regular 110 to 120 volts outlet.

Top 5 Best Extension Cord for Refrigerator Review in 2023

What kind of extension cord can I use for a refrigerator?

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.

What is the best outlet for a refrigerator?

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.

Why do appliances say not to use an extension cord?

Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly. 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.

Which is better, a 14 or 16 gauge extension cord?

Depending on the actual amp and wattage rating of the cord: A 50-foot, 16-gauge cord can work with space heaters or jigsaws that draw up to 12 amps. A 50-foot, 14-gauge cord can work with drills or sanders that draw 12 to 15 amps.

Can you use a power strip with a refrigerator?

So, power strips are great for computers, TVs, lamps, phone chargers and other low-wattage devices. However, they are not designed for large appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes dryers and clothes washers.

Can a refrigerator be plugged into a regular outlet?

The answer depends on the specific requirements of your refrigerator and the electrical circuit it's connected to. Most standard refrigerators can indeed be plugged into regular outlets, provided that the outlet is grounded and can handle the electrical load.

How many amps is a refrigerator?

Introduction. On average, refrigerators consume between 300 and 800 watts of electricity, depending on the age of the model. Most refrigerators use between 3 and 6 amps and operate at around 120 volts.

How to extend refrigerator wire?

It is possible to put a longer cord on a refrigerator but if you only need to go 5 or 6 feet or so you can safely use a heavy extension cord if it has #12 wire. An air-conditioner cord would normally be sutible.

Is it safe to run a refrigerator on an extension cord?

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.

Does a fridge need 20a or 15a?

However, they can experience sudden spikes, which can cause them to run at around 15 amps. As a result, a refrigerator must run on a circuit that is capable of handling these occasional spikes. The best course of action is to run the refrigerator on a dedicated 20 amp, 120-volt circuit.

How many watts does a refrigerator use?

The average home refrigerator uses 350-780 watts. Refrigerator power usage depends on different factors, such as what kind of fridge you own, its size and age, the kitchen's ambient temperature, the type of refrigerator, and where you place it.

What is the best extension cord for outdoor appliances?

14-gauge is a good option for outdoor use on small outdoor appliances like leafblowers, while a 12 or 10-gauge is used for heavy-duty/high-powered appliances or consistent use outside. The safest gauge options for any outdoor use of extension cords are 14, 12, and 10.

How to choose the correct extension cord?

How to Pick the Best Extension Cord at the Hardware Store
  1. Buy longer than you think you'll need. ...
  2. Thicker cords can carry more power. ...
  3. Look for cords that can handle 15 amps. ...
  4. Cords designed for cold weather are generally more flexible. ...
  5. Skip indoor/outdoor cords with multi-outlet ends. ...
  6. Different guidelines for indoor-only cords.

Can you run a refrigerator on an extension cord with a generator?

You can use extension cords to power your refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, chargers for electronic devices, and much more.

Can I run a fridge freezer off an extension lead?

Higher-powered appliances draw more amps, so you can plug less of them in before you reach that 13A max limit. For example, a standard lightbulb might draw 0.5A, whereas a microwave will be around 6.5A. A fridge or freezer might be 10A and should never be plugged into an extension lead.

What should never be plugged into an extension cord?

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.

Should you put a surge protector on a refrigerator?

We do not recommend connecting a Refrigerator to a surge protector.

What is the best supply line for a refrigerator?

Choosing the Right Water Line

The most common types of water lines for refrigerators are made of braided stainless steel, plastic or copper 1/4-inch tubing. Flexible and easy to install, all these materials work well in tight spaces. Plastic water lines are budget friendly but copper tubing lasts longer.

What wattage should a refrigerator outlet be?

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.

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