What amp extension cord do I need for a refrigerator?

However, if an extension cord is used, it is absolutely necessary that it be a UL® listed 3-wire grounding appliance extension cord and that the current carry rating of the cord be a minimum of 15 amperes.

What size extension cord do you need 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.

Is a 15 amp extension cord good for a refrigerator?

Heavy-Duty Extension Cords

Heavy-duty appliance extension cords are suitable for drawing up to 15 amps of power. It's the best appliance extension cord for a refrigerator, which is always grounded with a 3rd wire and plug prong for grounding.

Is it OK to plug a refrigerator into an extension cord?

While most small appliances can be plugged in to an extension cord with no problem, that isn't the case with a refrigerator. Refrigerators are huge and need a lot of energy to run and thus a regular extension cord may not be able to take on the job and be a fire hazard to boot.

How many amps does a refrigerator use?

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.

Extension Cord 101 | Best Size For YOU

What gauge extension cord do I need for a freezer?

A typical refrigerator or freezer draws 15 amps of current at 120 volts, and that amount of current calls for a 14-gauge cable at a minimum. However, 12-gauge cable is safer because refrigerator and freezer compressors can draw more than the rated current every time they cycle on.

Is it OK to plug a refrigerator into a power strip?

Rule two: never plug high power capacity appliances, like space heaters, refrigerators, or microwave and toaster ovens into power strips or extension cords. These appliances have higher power capacity and need to be plugged into a wall outlet directly. Rule number three: always plug power strips directly into the wall.

How many watts can a 16 gauge 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 I plug my 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 a 16 gauge extension cord okay for a refrigerator?

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.

Can a 16 gauge extension cord handle 12 amps?

16 Gauge for 1-10 Amps. 14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.

How many watts is a refrigerator?

The average home refrigerator uses 350-780 watts.

Is there a surge protector for refrigerators?

Product Overview. The Appliance Surge Protector CSP100R offers vital surge protection for refrigerators and freezers. It prevents spikes in energy caused by storms and electrical power surges from reaching your equipment. The CSP100R provides 900 joules of protection, a surge-protected outlet and a wall tap plug.

How many amps does 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.

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.

How many watts can a 10 amp extension cord handle?

You can run up to 2300 Watts with the 10 Amp extension and 3000 Watts with the 13 Amp extension.

Can you plug a refrigerator in the garage?

Most refrigerators stop working at some point during the winter months in an unheated garage, depending on climate and how well the garage is insulated. Most manufacturers do not recommend placing a refrigerator in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can a refrigerator share an outlet?

Refrigerators are considered noncontinuous duty loads. Loads that draw current for less than three hours at a time are allowed to be on the same circuit with other noncontinuous loads, as long as the total load does not exceed the circuit breaker rating.

Can a small refrigerator be plugged into a surge protector?

The power strip will have a maximum Amp (or watt) rating. As long as the fridge and anything else on the power strip is within that rating, it's not a problem. You can do it.

What can I run with a 14 gauge extension cord?

If your cord is 150 feet long, the 14 gauge is best suited for 1-7 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will support 8-10 Amps. This shows that the extension cord's length also plays a part in the power it helps safely.

Can a power surge ruin a refrigerator?

When there is an increase in voltage from a power surge, it causes an inrush of electrical current within the refrigerator. This surge generates an excessive amount of heat, which can damage multiple parts of the refrigerator.

Can you plug appliances into surge protector?

Never use power strips or surge protectors for high-power capacity items such as, space heaters, dehumidifiers, or other high capacity appliances. Plug them directly into a wall outlet. Don't connect multiple power strips together to increase the number of outlets available.

Should I put a surge protector on my Samsung refrigerator?

No, it is not needed. The fridge works fine without surge protector. Sorry, there was a problem. Please try again later.