What extension cord is safe 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 safe to plug a refrigerator into a generator?

It is perfectly safe to run a refrigerator on a generator as long as the generator has a higher watt allowance than the starting watt consumption of the refrigerator. The average starting watts of a fridge is between 800-1200 watts, so a generator with a 2000 watt capacity is sufficient.

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

The maximum for any 15 amp outlet is 12 amps, and the total of all outlets on that breaker circuit less than 16 amps. A typical fridge would usually be quite low powered, and almost any U-ground cord 16 gauge should work.

Can a freezer use an extension cord?

Grounded Extension Cord for Freezer 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. Never use a damaged extension cord.

Can you plug a refrigerator into any outlet?

Refrigerators don’t need special outlets. They can be plugged into a standard 110-120 volt outlet so long as the socket is three-pronged. However, it’s best if your refrigerator is on its own dedicated circuit. This will ensure that your refrigerator gets the power it needs to run properly.

How do you connect a refrigerator to a generator?

Plug the pronged end of a 14-gauge extension cord into the power outlet on the generator. Run the extension cord from the generator into the structure through a doorway or window to reach the refrigerator. Start the generator and allow it to come up to operating speed.

Can you use extension cords for kitchen appliances?

Your microwave comes with a three-prong grounded plug, hence you should also buy a grounded extension cord.

What kind of generator do I need to run a refrigerator?

For example, if you want a generator to run a refrigerator and a freezer, the wattage (table 2) of the refrigerator would be 800 and the freezer would be 1,000. To select the correct size generator, you decide if both refrigerator and freezer are to start at the same time. If so, you would need (1,800 X 4) 7,200 watts.

What type of generator do I need to run a refrigerator?

Sizing the Generator for your Refrigerator: However, refrigerators and freezers also require an extra surge in power every time the compressor starts, which is often 2-3 times the average running watts. This means that the minimum size generator required for this appliance will be 1,560 watts.

Can you use a 14 gauge extension cord for 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. That is why I generally do not recommend plugging your refrigerator into an extension cord for safety reasons.

Can you use a heavy duty extension cord on a freezer?

The extra current overheats smaller 16- and 18-gauge extension cords, which are intended for lamps and small appliances, and you should never use one for a refrigerator or freezer.