Have a new fridge you need to plug in but to far from the outlet? Wondering what gauge extension cord for refrigerator? We can help with that.
On average the best size extension cord for a refrigerator is 14 gauge awg. This will carry up to 15 amps of current over a distance of 30 feet without any issues. It is not recommended to use a smaller size than that as it could cause a voltage drop in the cord, causing the cord to heat up and harm the refrigerator.
Keep in mind that when purchasing an extension cord the ground is not included in the designation of the cord. In order to get the proper cord make sure you count the ground. In other words ask for a 14/3 extension cord. Below is a table to help you understand.
| Cord Size (with ground) | Length | amps capacity |
| 16/3 AWG | 30 feet | 10 |
| 14/3 AWG | 30 feet | 15 |
| 12/3 AWG | 30 feet | 20 |
What gauge extension cord for refrigerator
The best size extension cord for a refrigerator is 14 gauge awg. This will carry up to 15 amps of current over a distance of 30 feet without any issues. It is not recommended to use a smaller size than that as it could cause a voltage drop in the cord, causing the cord to heat up and harm the refrigerator.
Keep in mind that when purchasing an extension cord the ground is not included in the designation of the cord. In order to get the proper cord make sure you count the ground. In other words ask for a 14/3 extension cord. If you use a longer cord make sure to use a size larger like 12 gauge in the chart.
Can you use a 14-gauge extension cord for a refrigerator?
A 14-gauge extension cord is usually used for lights or other appliances that use less than 15 amps of current.
You cannot plug anything more than 15 amps with a 14-gauge extension cord. That would cause the cord to overheat, which could be very harmful to your refrigerator.
If you want to use an extension cord to power your refrigerator, then you need an appliance rated for more than 15 amps of current. Although when possible plug the fridge directly into the socket.
What amp extension cord do I need for a refrigerator?
The best extension cord for a refrigerator is 14 gauge awg with at least 30 feet of length or shorter. As mentioned it is actually preferred that you do not use extension cords on appliances.
Do I need a special extension cord for a refrigerator?
One of the most common questions when looking for an extension cord is whether or not you need a certain type for a refrigerator.
The short answer is that you do not need a special extension cord for a refrigerator and you in fact should not use one. The best size to use in this case is 14 gauge awg and it should be at least 30 feet long.
It’s important to note that when you purchase an extension cord, the ground isn’t included in the designation of the cord. In order to get the proper cord, make sure you count up from just below the plug on your appliance and account for the ground. In other words, ask for a 14/3 extension cord.
In our above example, if we had a 3-pronged appliance then we would want a 12/3 extension cord. Keep in mind these cords can be heavy duty and large in size.
Can I use a 16 gauge extension cord for a refrigerator?
No, the cord will not be able to carry enough electrical current with an appliance like a refrigerator or stove. These size extension cords are really only good for small hand tools and lights. They will not even run a table saw. You will notice that the cord would start to get warm when doing this.
How many amps is a refrigerator?
A refrigerator is a household appliance that typically runs on an electric compressor and uses 120-volt AC power. They are used to keep food cold and preserve it for long periods.
Typically, a residential refrigerator is powered by a 115-volt current and will draw 10 amps. It’s safe to assume that most refrigerators operate at this level of capacity.
This means that the best size extension cord for a refrigerator should be 14 gauge awg and it should be 30 feet in length so there is no voltage drop.
Is it OK to plug a refrigerator into a power strip?
It is not recommended to plug a refrigerator into a power strip. This is because the appliance can’t handle the voltage fluctuations that come with other appliances on the strip. It also means it can not handle the amp consumption required to run the fridge.
Whenever possible plug the fridge into a dedicated outlet directly. Although we know this is not always possible especially in a place like a garage etc.
Is it OK to plug a freezer into an extension cord?
To answer this question it is necessary to understand the wattage of the freezer. The typical freezer draws about 700 watts. This is enough power to power a variety of appliances that are plugged into an extension cord, but will not produce enough power to run two or more devices.
If you are using an extension cord, make sure it has the proper size and amperage for what you are plugging in. It does not have sufficient amperages, you can use a transformer.
If you would like additional information on how to use an extension cord, please see our blog post.
How many amps can a 12 gauge extension cord handle?
An extension cord’s gauge determines the maximum amount of power it can carry, and an amp (A) is a measure of power. So in order to answer this question we need to know what gauge wire and its length.
A 12-gauge extension cord can only handle up to 20 amps of current over a distance of 30 feet without any issues, which means that it cannot handle any more than that amount of power. A 14-gauge extension cord is recommended for appliances that draw more than 15 amps, such as propane dryers and propane stoves.
How do I know what gauge my extension cord is?
Most extension cords are labeled with their gauge. It is usually stamped right into the wire coating that runs down the side of the cord. Sometimes this is hard to see because it is just imprinted in the same color.
In addition some cords will have a tag from new wrapped around the cord with the cord details and specifications. This is usually located right next to the cord’s end.
Why do some appliances say not to use an extension cord?
Extension cords are used to extend the length of an electrical outlet. This is not recommended for appliances such as refrigerators and freezers because the appliance is too heavy and draws too much power.
It is important to note that most extension cords do not have a ground wire so you will need to purchase a grounded extension cord if you want one with a ground wire.
It also may void your warranty. Although short heavy duty cords are absolutely fine. Someone always takes things to the extreme and will try to run a fridge off a 100 foot cord. So these companies usually say not to use them as a blanket statement to cover their liability issues.
Can you plug a freezer and refrigerator into the same outlet?
This is a common misconception that many people have. The answer to this question is no, you can’t plug a freezer and refrigerator into the same outlet.
Refrigerators need a lot of current and draw a lot of power, which they generally get from an alternating current. This is different from freezers which use alternating current because they don’t use as much power or require as high of a voltage. This means that if you were to try to plug both appliances into the same outlet, one appliance would impede on the other’s voltage supply and cause an issue with your fridge. In order to prevent any issues with refrigerators please do not plug both appliances into the same outlet.
Can you plug appliances into extension cords?
It is not recommended to plug items like a refrigerator or an air conditioner into an extension cord. Appliances with motors and compressors can use a lot of power and the extension cord might not be able to handle it.
If you need to plug in your refrigerator, we recommend using a heavy duty appliance extension cord. These cords are made for items that require more power than an ordinary extension cord can provide. A heavy duty appliance extension cord is very similar to a household extension cord but has more insulation on the wires inside and can carry 12 amps of current instead of just 10 amps.
Another option is to plug your refrigerator into the same circuit as your home’s breaker box if possible. Doing this will prevent any unnecessary strain on your home’s main power supply which could lead to outages or worse.
Does a freezer need a special outlet?
The answer is yes, a freezer will need to be plugged into an outlet that is specifically designated for the freezer. The reason for this is because the temperatures of a freezer can get up to -10 degrees Fahrenheit or colder and if it were to get too warm, the contents of the freezer would start to spoil.
So it’s important that when you’re plugging in your appliance that you take into consideration what kind of plug-in device will be used and plug it into the correct one.
Some homes may not have a specific outlet designated for a refrigerator or freezers and in this case there are other outlets that can work such as a kitchen counter outlet. Just make sure to check with an electrician if you believe there may be any other issues preventing your appliance from being plugged in properly.
Does a small chest freezer need a dedicated circuit?
The answer to this is not the same for all homes. Most of the time a small chest freezer will not need a dedicated circuit if it is plugged into an outlet with other appliances on the same circuit.
There are two factors that are looked at when determining if you need a dedicated circuit. The first is the wattage of the appliance, which determines how much energy it uses. Second factor is what other appliances are plugged into the same circuit as the freezer.
The thing to remember is that your freezer should never exceed 160 watts and that anything over this level requires a breaker to be installed by an electrician.
Does leaving an extension cord plugged in use electricity?
Yes, extension cords will use electricity if they are plugged in. If you’re not using your refrigerator and it’s plugged into an extension cord, the cord will be using electricity.
It is a good idea to unplug the extension cord when you’re not using it to avoid wasting power. You should also avoid running cords under carpets or other furniture as these areas can cause the plugs to overheat.