Using a grounded extension cord with a three-prong plug is always the best choice for major appliances including refrigerators. ... Since the 10-gauge cord is an extra heavy-duty extension, it makes the best choice for big power loads like a refrigerator.
What gauge extension cord should I use for a refrigerator?
It’s standard unit of measurement is AWG (American Wire Gauge). Rather counter-intuitively, the lower the AWG number, the higher the gauge. *For a cord with a length of 50 feet or less. For safety, opt for the #10 extra heavy duty gauge for your refrigerator.
Can I use a 16 gauge extension cord 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 .
What is the best gauge for outdoor extension cords?
Recommended wire gauge for extension cords
A cord measuring 14 AWG is the thinnest we recommend—and at lengths of only 25 feet or shorter—and the much thicker 10 AWG is likely the thickest gauge you’ll find in an extension cord.
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.
What is the difference between 14-gauge and 16 gauge extension cord?
Within 50 feet of your outlet , use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a “W” on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.
Can you keep a refrigerator outside?
Your fridge doesn’t have to be limited to inside the house. At a cabin, outdoor camp or just a backyard, you can run your refrigerator outside to suit your needs. ... Although you probably will use more energy than if the fridge were inside, you still can practice some efficiency.
Will a 1500 watt generator run a fridge?
As a rule of thumb, multiply the running wattage by 1.5 to find the wattage the refrigerator needs to start up . ... For instance, if your generator is rated at 1,500 watts it should handle the example refrigerator’s 1,050 watt starting demand with ease and run the unit without problems.
What is considered a heavy-duty extension cord?
A 10- to 12-gauge wire is considered a heavy-duty extension cord, a 14-gauge wire is a medium-duty cord, and a 16-gauge wire is a light-duty cord.
Can you use an extension cord permanently?
Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring . If you find yourself using the same extension cord for more than 30 days, this may indicate a need for more permanent wiring. Do not run extension cords through holes in walls, ceilings, floors, doorways or other openings.
Which is better 12 or 16-gauge extension cord?
16-Gauge Cords: Any 16-gauge cord between 0 and 100 feet long will adequately handle tool loads up to 10 amps. ... 12-Gauge Cords: If your tool load is between 10 and 15 amps and the length of the cord is 50 to 100 feet, you need a 12-gauge cord to safely power any tool. This is a great extension cord for many purposes.
What is the starting wattage of a refrigerator?
Conventional refrigerators typically have a starting wattage of 800-1200 watt-hours/day , and a running wattage of around 150-watt hours/day. Refrigerators are reactive devices that require additional power to start because they contain an electric motor, but significantly fewer watts to run as they remain on.
How many amps does a 12v refrigerator use?
One Amp hour (Ah) is the amount of current a battery provides in one hour. A 60 watt 12 volt refrigerator freezer uses up to about 5 amps while the compressor motor is running. Watts Volts = Amps, so, 60 Watts divided by 12 Volts = 5 Amps.
Can I run 2 refrigerators on the same circuit?
A refrigerator and freezer shouldn’t be on the same circuit . Appliances like these use a lot of power intermittently, and putting too much strain on one circuit can cause frequent cooling issues, food waste, or even surges in your home.
What is the best extension cord for a refrigerator?
Best Extension Cord 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 it OK to mix 12 and 14 gauge wire?
It’s perfectly safe to use it . Don’t worry about confusing future workers. If they want to add something to the circuit, they will have to go turn off the circuit breaker first, and then they will see they are working with a 15 amp circuit.
