Do you need a special extension cord for an air conditioner?

Do you need a special extension cord for an air conditioner?

Air conditioner manufacturers and fire marshals discourage permanent extension cords. A window air conditioner should be installed close enough to an outlet to allow the cord to reach, but when you need immediate relief from the heat, you can use a heavy-duty extension cord for your new appliance.

Can portable air conditioner be plugged into extension cord?

Extension cords for PCs, washing machines, and other appliances are not fit for AC. You need a heavy-duty extension cord that can carry the high current. A window AC typically uses a 12-gauge wire that can carry as much as twenty amperes of current.

Do you need an appliance extension cord?

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.

What gauge extension cord do I need for an air conditioner?

Extension cords for air conditioners are usually a minimum of 14 gauge, which is considered medium duty. The tricky thing with gauges is that lower-gauged extension cords can handle more amps (yes, you read that right!)

What is an appliance extension cord?

Medium-duty cords usually are grounded extension cords, which include the third wire and plug prong for grounding. They have plugs that accept three-prong grounded appliance cords. Uses: televisions, computers, and other devices that draw up to 10 amps of power. Cord length up to 25 feet: use 16 AWG wire.

Can I use an extension cord for a 5000 BTU air conditioner?

As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t use an extension cord to run your AC. Based on the 110 vac house electrical service standard in the US. Air conditioners with 5,000 to 6,000 BTUs generally draw between 5 and 7 amps. They are typically plugged into a 15 amp circuit breaker provided in a wall socket.

Can I plug in a 115 volt appliance?

There is no real difference between 110V and 115V circuits. Most electronics are built to withstand these small variances in voltage, which means that they can all be plugged into a standard circuit even if the voltage is reading lower than 120V.

What kind of extension cord do I need?

Extension cords are rated in terms of how many amps or watts they can safely carry. Always choose an extension cord that is rated for at least the same total amps or watts of the lights, appliances, and other devices that will be powered. An undersized cord can overheat, even to the point of catching fire.

Can I use a 14 gauge extension cord for air conditioner?

Extension cords for air conditioners are usually a minimum of 14 gauge, which is considered medium duty. The tricky thing with gauges is that lower-gauged extension cords can handle more amps (yes, you read that right!) Check out our handy rule-of-thumb below: 14-gauge cords can handle 10 – 15 amps for up to 50 feet.

Can I use an appliance 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. However, you can use an extension cord if (1) it is the right gauge, and (2) if it has a three-prong socket. However, it is still better to stick on the safe side.

What size extension cord do I need for a portable air conditioner?

This will tell you the power you need for the extension cord for a portable air conditioner. Extension cords for PCs, washing machines, and other appliances are not fit for AC. You need a heavy-duty extension cord that can carry the high current. A window AC typically uses a 12-gauge wire that can carry as much as twenty amperes of current.

Can you plug a washing machine into an extension cord?

Extension cords for PCs, washing machines, and other appliances are not fit for AC. You need a heavy-duty extension cord that can carry the high current. A window AC typically uses a 12-gauge wire that can carry as much as twenty amperes of current.

How to choose the right extension cord for your appliances?

Do not use extension cords if the distance is too long. Look to replace the original wire and plug. Look for an extension cord with good insulation and protection. It’s going to ensure that your appliance lasts longer.

Can I plug a window air conditioner into a regular cord?

Yes a window AC in an 10 or 12 gauge AWG cord will be ok. It better to buy it with right cord length or have the receptacle outlet moved closer to the appliance. Lots of people fall over long cords .