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.

Is it safe to plug an air conditioner into a power strip?

It is not safe to plug an AC unit into a conventional power strip as it can cause electrical fires to break out. Instead, you can use surge protectors. These devices look and function just like a power strip but with added protection against power surges, which can damage your unit.

Can you use extension cord for portable AC?

Yes you can. The extension cord needs to be rated for at least the amperage of the air conditioner, and more if you can find it. And the length should be kept as short as possible for your situation.

Can I use extension cord for portable aircon?

Extension cords can’t handle the aircon’s power requirements The average wattage of an air conditioner is 1,118W – more than regular extension cords are rated for. If you plug your aircon in an extension cord, it can cause it to overheat and catch fire.

Can you plug an extension cord into a power strip?

DON’T “daisy chain” power strips and extension cords—just don’t. Only plug in an extension cord into a power strip if the power strip has been hard-wired into the electrical system. Otherwise, avoid plugging an extension cord into a power strip. Only plug power strips directly into a wall outlet.

Can you use an extension cord with a power strip?

It is o.k. temporarily to plug an extension cord to a power strip, but never a power strip to an extension cord. Also, do not connect multiple extension cords together. And rule number four: don’t use indoor power strips outdoors. If the power strip gets damaged by rain or snow, it can damage anything plugged into it.

Can a portable air conditioner be plugged into a surge protector?

A portable air conditioner should be plugged directly into an outlet and not into a surge protector or extension cord. There are multiple protection options to prevent damage to the unit from power surges.

Can you plug an extension cord into a surge protector?

Extension cords must be plugged directly into wall outlets. Do not “daisy chain,” that is, plug extension cords into surge protectors or other extension cords (see photo 9 below). Never use a damaged extension cord.

Can you connect an extension cord to another extension cord?

DON’T plug extensions cords together. It may be tempting to just string them together, but resist the temptation. Extending the length of an extension cord by “daisy-chaining” can lead to overheating the cord by overloading it, creating a serious fire hazard.