Can I plug a freezer into an extension cord?

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

Is it safe to plug freezer into 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.

Is it OK to use an 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. When it comes to amperage, check the owner's manual for your refrigerator to determine the amperage rating and then choose an extension cord with an equivalent rating.

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.

What should not be plugged into an extension cord?

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

Does a freezer need a dedicated circuit?

Upright and chest freezers require a 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. The freezer should be on a dedicated circuit.

Is a 14 gauge extension cord OK for a refrigerator?

Experts advise that the extension cord must be of the right length, voltage, and rating for the appliance to work properly. With no problem, you can connect your refrigerator to a power strip cord with conductors of 14 gauge or thicker-12 gauge. Most houses use 14 gauge wiring or better.

How many amps does a freezer use?

A typical modern upright freezer uses 2.3 amps when running.

Initial power surges during start-up for a typical upright freezer is expected to be approx. 7 amps. A 15 amp fuse / breaker is commonly recommended for upright freezers. However, many more power hungry upright freezers have a 20 amp recommendation.

Can I use a 16 gauge extension cord for a refrigerator?

No don't use that 50 or 100 foot orange 16/3 cord from the garage. There should be a tag on the back of the fridge or possibly on its cord. This tag should specify its electrical requirements: some combination of amps, volts, and watts.

Can you use extension cords on appliances?

Using extension cords

Never use extension cords to power appliances. Plug appliances directly into wall outlets. . Never use indoor extension cords outdoors. Don't plug multiple cords together.

How much power does a freezer draw?

A freezer uses 300 to 700 watts, depending on the size and model year. For example, a 13 cubic foot frost-free freezer consumes around 300 watts, while a 20 cubic foot chest freezer utilizes 350 watts. An older model of a freezer will consume more than a newer freezer model.

Does a freezer in the garage use more electricity?

Keeping your freezer in your garage can use up to 50% more electricity than normal. This depends greatly on where you live and how hot it gets. You can lower this if you have an insulated or air conditioned garage. Newer freezers are more energy efficient, which will also help.

Why does my freezer keep tripping the breaker?

If the insulation is frayed or the wiring is damaged, it can cause short circuits or surges. This will trip your breaker. The same thing goes if the prongs on the plug are rusty, wobbly, or broken. If you find an issue with the cord, we recommend just replacing it.

How do I stop my freezer from tripping the GFCI?

This is usually caused by multiple appliances being plugged into the same circuit. To avoid this happening, make sure that your refrigerator has a dedicated circuit, which you can do by plugging your refrigerator into an alternative power outlet and seeing if it still trips.

What are three warning signs of an overloaded electrical circuit?

Is it OK to plug a refrigerator into a GFCI outlet?

Residential Kitchen. In a dwelling unit (residential), GFCI protection is only required for kitchen receptacles that serve the countertop surfaces. There's no requirement to GFCI protect receptacles that serve a refrigerator. Unless the fridge is plugged into a countertop receptacle.

Can a freezer be kept outside in the winter?

In areas where there is extreme heat, ensure the freezer will have adequate protection from the sun. Moderate climates are ideal for outdoor placement, although you will likely pay more in energy costs during the summer months and less in the winter.

How do I keep my garage freezer working in the winter?

If your garage temperature dips below freezing, the thermostat inside the garage refrigerator's freezer may think it's cold enough and shut off. To work around this issue, you need to heat the air around the thermostat. One way is to install a heating coil around the thermostat.

Is it a good idea to put a freezer in the garage?

Most standard freezers are not designed to be used in extreme weather conditions like an unheated garage. In extremely hot conditions, freezers have to work extra hard to keep items frozen. In cold temperatures below freezing, freezers can shut off.

What kind of plug does a freezer use?

The upright or chest freezer must be properly grounded. The power cord of this appliance is equipped with a three-prong (grounding) plug which mates with a standard three-prong (grounding) wall receptacle to minimize the possibility of electric shock hazard from this appliance.

Does a freezer use more power than a fridge?

In general, refrigerators with top-mounted freezers use less energy than refrigerators with either side-mounted or bottom-mounted freezers. An ENERGY STAR certified top-freezer refrigerator uses about 360 kWh or $45 a year to run, on average.

How much electricity does a small chest freezer use?

Compact and small freezers that are 5 cubic feet can use around 1 amp or 100 watts while running. During start-up, however, they use approximately 6 amps or 700 watts. Although it varies per state and region, the national average power consumption will only cost between $26 and $63 annually or $2.16 monthly.

Can a fridge be plugged 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.

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.

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.