I think it’s unlikely that your fridge draws more than 2 amps under any conditions ( if you have a tag on the unit which lists watts, just divide watts by 120 (voltage) to get amps), so any extension cord you have will be fine.
Is it safe to use extension cord for refrigerator?
Why you shouldn’t plug a refrigerator into an extension cord Extension cords have a thinner wiring compared to regular house sockets. This makes them susceptible to failing and causing a fire especially if the appliances plugged into it are have a wattage that is higher than what the extension cord is rated for.
What gauge wire do I need for a refrigerator?
Refrigerator (posted 2010) – 110 – 120 volt, 60 hertz, properly grounded circuit protected by a 15 amp circuit breaker or fuse. #14 gauge house wire minimum, #12 is preferred. A separate (dedicated ) circuit serving this appliance is recommended.
What is better 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord?
Round down = 10 Gauge. Most devices will do fine with 12 gauge extension cords. Power hungry devices such as lawnmowers, heavy machines, require a lower gauge such as 10AWG. Keep in mind, the lower the gauge means the thicker the cord.
Can you use a heavy-duty extension cord on a freezer?
The extra current overheats smaller 16- and 18-gauge extension cords, which are intended for lamps and small appliances, and you should never use one for a refrigerator or freezer.
How many amps is a refrigerator?
Refrigerator amps are the amount of electrical current it’s compressor uses to cool it’s compartment. Amperage for most household refrigerators, is anywhere from 3 to 5 if the voltage is 120. A 15 to 20 amp dedicated circuit is required because the in-rush amperage is much higher.
Can you use a 12 gauge extension cord for a refrigerator?
Using a grounded extension cord with a three-prong plug is always the best choice for major appliances including refrigerators. 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.
How do I know what gauge my extension cord is?
Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside. Extension cord lengths determine the cord’s power capacity.
What is the best Extension Cord for a refrigerator?
Best Extension Cord for a Refrigerator 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.
Which is better 12 or 16-gauge Extension Cord?
Within 50 feet of your outlet, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a “W” on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.
What is the best extension cord for a refrigerator?
Why can’t you plug a freezer into an extension cord?
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.
How can you determine the gauge of an extension cord?
Check the Box. If you just bought the extension cord,there’s a very good chance that the gauge will be printed on the box.
How can you tell what gauge an extension cord is?
On every extension cord, the size of the wire used in the extension cord (measured in the wire’s gauge and commonly referenced as “AWG”) is stamped on or moulded into the body of the extension cord itself. However, these gauge numbers can be difficult to find.
What gauge wire do you use for a refrigerator?
In most kitchens, we would suggest a 14-gauge extension cord. As long as your fridge requires less than 15 amps and the distance is less than 9 feet, the math points to a 14-gauge cord. In situations with a higher required amperage and further distance, you will have to go for heavier gauge wire like a 12-gauge or 10-gauge option.
What guage do extension cords need to be?
1) Leaf blower. For blowers will 12 amps or less, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord within 50 feet of your outlet. 2) Table lamp. Use an 18-gauge, two-prong, light-duty extension cord. 3) Laptop computer. 4) Treadmill. 5) Toaster. 6) Hair Dryer. 7) Circular saw.
