In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “can you plug a fridge into an extension cord” with an in-depth analysis of the things that may happen after plugging the
fridge into an extension cord.
Moreover, we are going to discuss things you have to consider when buying an extension cord for a refrigerator.
Can you plug a fridge into an extension cord?
Yes, you can use an extension cord for your fridge, but make sure it has enough capacity. Almost all extension cords are unable to carry enough load and become overheated, potentially posing a fire hazard.
Apart from the refrigerator, many high-power equipment, such as space heaters, microwave ovens, and toasters, should not be permanently wired with an extension cord due to the risk of fire or explosion.
As a result, you should exercise caution when using electrical equipment and plug them directly into a wall outlet.
Things to consider when buying an extension cord for a refrigerator
When purchasing a refrigerator extension cord, there are a few things to keep in mind.
It is always preferable to utilize a permanent socket for your refrigerator, but we understand that things rarely go as planned.
Some of us may be forced to use an extension cord to power our refrigerator.
When purchasing a refrigerator extension cord, keep the following guidelines in mind. While it is not recommended, it will keep your home safer than utilizing any old cord you find lying around.
Gauge
The gauge relates to the wire’s thickness. The AWG is the standard unit of measurement (American Wire Gauge). The smaller the AWG number, the higher the gauge, which is counterintuitive.
| Category | Gauge | Amps |
| Light duty | #16 | 7A |
| Medium duty | #14 | 12A |
| Heavy duty | #12 | 16A |
| Extra heavy-duty | #10 | 20A |
Length
As previously stated, the cord’s current carrying capability decreases as it grows longer. Choose a cord that is both short enough to avoid voltage drop and long enough to offer you some wiggle room when cleaning and maintaining the fridge.
Wattage Capacity
Check the extension cord’s specifications for the rated wattage. Never exceed this limit since overloading it will cause a fire.
You should also check the rated wattage of your refrigerator, which can be found on the rating sticker on the back of the fridge, just above the compressor. You might also look for it on the manufacturer’s website.
Plug
Because the refrigerator has a three-prong grounded outlet, you’ll need to purchase a grounded extension cord.
The grounding pin is the third pin on the connector. This should not be removed for your own safety; if the electronics fail, the grounding pin discharges the excess voltage to the earth, rendering it harmless.
If the grounding pin is removed, the extra energy will go to the next greatest conductor, the fridge’s large metal body, electrocuting anyone who comes into contact with it.
Is it possible to plug a microwave into an extension cord?
Due to the potential for safety issues under certain conditions, we strongly advise against using an extension cord with a microwave.
To avoid light flickering, blown fuses, or circuit breaker tripping, the microwave should be plugged into its own properly grounded, dedicated electrical socket.
What extension cord gauge do I require?
14-Gauge Cords: Any 14-gauge cord with a length of 0 to 50 feet will carry loads of 10 to 15 amps. 12-Gauge Cords: If your tool load is between 10 and 15 amps and the cord length is between 50 and 100 feet, you’ll need a 12-gauge cord.
This extension cord is ideal for a variety of uses.
Is it possible to plug a refrigerator and a freezer into the same outlet?
You can consider purchasing a second refrigerator or freezer if you require additional storage space for your cold and frozen foods.
Make sure you’re not breaking any building code rules or causing a hazard by plugging the two appliances into the same outlet. A single refrigerator is frequently insufficient.
When a refrigerator starts up, how many amps does it use?
Starting Current in a Refrigerator
It has a maximum inrush current of around 13 amps that lasts less than a half-second. In addition, the running current is far lower than the nameplate amount.
Is it possible to plug a window air conditioner into a power strip?
To such a broad question, the conventional answer is no. The power strip, on the other hand, will work safely if the AC draws less than the power strip’s rating.
An AC rated at or below 15 amps can be plugged into a normal outlet in the United States. There are 15 amp power strips available.
Why is daisy-chaining such a horrible idea?
The word “daisy-chaining” refers to the practice of plugging one power strip into another. This is problematic because too much power is being pulled from a single wall socket, putting the power strip or wall receptacle at risk of overloading.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “can you plug a fridge into an extension cord” with an in-depth analysis of the things that may happen after plugging the
fridge into an extension cord.
Moreover, we discussed things you have to consider when buying an extension cord for a refrigerator.