GE strongly recommends that an extension cord not be used with a freezer due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions.

Do you need a heavy duty extension cord for freezer?

Most appliance manufactures include a short cord to reduce voltage drop. Nevertheless, you can always use an extension cord with your freezer. Get a heavy-duty extension cord rated for your freezer voltage and amps.

Is it safe to use an extension cord for a refrigerator?

Safety Considerations

The biggest concern with using an extension cord to power a refrigerator is using the wrong cord, which can lead to overheating of the cord, damage to the appliance and increased risk of fire or electric shock. Never try to plug a three-pronged appliance into an un-grounded extension cord.

Can you plug a deep freezer into a power strip?

Refrigerator and freezer.

These appliances pull too much current for a power strip because they are continuously cycling on and off. That will quickly overload a power strip. These items need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet dedicated solely to that appliance.

Do freezers require special outlet?

An upright or chest freezer should always be plugged into its own individual electrical outlet which has a voltage rating that matches the rating plate. A 115 Volt AC, 60 Hz, 15- or 20- amp, fused, grounded electrical supply is required.

Is it safe to use an extension cord on a chest freezer?

What should not be plugged into an extension cord?

Here are some examples of high-capacity appliances that you should not plug into a power strip:

• Refrigerators.
• Washing machines and dryers.
• Sump pumps.
• Space heaters.
• Portable air conditioners.
• Microwave ovens.
• Toasters.
• Coffee makers.

Why do some appliances say not to use an extension cord?

Certain high wattage appliances should not use an extension cord when possible (check the owner's manual). Using an extension cord on these appliances could cause excessive heat and voltage drop, this could damage the appliance or motor.

Are appliance extension cords safe?

Don't let your extension cords become potential fire hazards. Extension cords are a common and convenient way to bring power to electrical devices. But used without proper caution, they can become fire hazards and pose risks to your personal safety.

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

*For a cord with a length of 50 feet or less. For safety, opt for the #10 extra heavy duty gauge for your refrigerator. WARNING: If you have a no frost refrigerator, DON'T plug it into an extension cord as it may not be able to support the built-in heater used to melt the frost.

Can I plug a mini fridge into an extension cord?

You can technically plug a mini fridge into an extension cord. However, it's essential to choose a heavy-duty cable that can support the fridge's power needs, which is best used as a temporary solution. An underpowered extension cord can overheat, melt the insulation, and start a fire.

How do extension cords start fires?

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.

Why these appliances should directly be connected to an electrical socket and not to an extension wire?

Electrical fire cause 3: Extension cords.

Misuse of extension cords is another electrical fire cause. Appliances should be plugged directly into outlet and not plugged into an extension cord for any length of time. Only use extension cords as a temporary measure.

How much wattage can an extension cord handle?

As the cord gets longer, the current carrying capacity of the cord gets lower. For example, a 16 gauge extension cord less than 50 feet in length can power a 1625 watt (W) appliance. A 16 gauge cord that is longer than 50 feet in length can only power an appliance up to 1250W.

Can you plug a refrigerator into a surge protector?

We do not recommend connecting a refrigerator or freezer to a surge protector. The reason we do not recommend this is explained below: The compressor is sensitive to temperature and current overloads and will shut itself down with a power surge.

What appliances need surge protectors?

But bigger or more important items, as well as appliances that require constant power, such as computers, printers, televisions, and refrigerators, should all use surge protectors. Any device that you don't want to lose in the event of a power surge, or that would be expensive to replace, should be protected.

What is the difference between a power cord and an extension cord?

However, the main difference between the two lies in the purpose: If you want to multiply the number of electrical outlets from a single source, use a power strip. If you want to stretch out a power source towards a distant appliance, use an extension cord.

Does using an extension cord use more electricity?

The longer the extension cord, the more power it takes to run to the appliance. An appliance plugged in using an extension cord will use more electricity than if it was just plugged into the wall. For small items, this increase is negligible, but it will add up over time for more significant things.

Does an extension cord reduce voltage?

Long extension cords can cause significant drops in voltage to appliances. Anything that resists the flow of electricity causes voltage to drop.

What is a heavy-duty extension cord?

Heavy-duty extension cords are suitable for drawing 10 to 15 amps of power. These are always grounded extension cords that include a third wire and plug prong for grounding and have plugs with three slots for accepting grounded appliance cords.

What appliance causes the most house fires?

The following appliances caused the greatest number of home fires according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety organization.

• Gas and electric stoves. Total fires: 44,708. ...
• Clothes dryers. Total fires: 13,723. ...
• Microwave ovens. Total fires: 2,308. ...
• Refrigerators. ...
• Toasters and toaster ovens. ...
• Dishwashers. ...
• Washing machines.

Are outlet extenders safe?

According to the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), products that generate heat, such as hair dryers, space heaters, toasters or crock pots, should always be plugged directly into the electrical outlet. They pull too much power to safely use with a power strip or extension cord.

Should you turn off plugs when not in use?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends unplugging electrical devices when not in use, predicated on the obvious but nevertheless correct observation that something unplugged can't start fires or shock someone.

How do I know if my extension cord is overloaded?

Extension Cord Safety

1. If any part of the extension cord is hot while in use, it is a warning sign that it may be overloaded. Check if the extension cord is properly rated for the products that are plugged into it. ...
2. Do not overload your extension cord by using it to power appliances beyond its capacity.

How likely is an extension cord to catch fire?

Roughly 3,300 home fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring 270 more. Extension cords can overheat and cause fires when used improperly, so keep these important tips in mind to protect your home and workplace.

How often do extension cords cause fires?

— According to the U.S. consumer product safety commission, every year electric extension cords cause about 4,000 trips to hospital emergency rooms. The misuse of electric extension cords and power strips also cause more than three thousand house fires every year, killing about 50 people and injuring over 250.