Yes, it does cost you money using the extension cord. Grabbing a random number out of the air, let’s say the fridge draws 2 amperes. If you have a 50 ft. 16 AWG cord, that’s 1.996 watts.
Does a long extension cord use more electricity?
The longer the extension cord, the more power it takes to run to the appliance. An appliance plugged in using an extension cord will use more electricity than if it was just plugged into the wall. For small items, this increase is negligible, but it will add up over time for more significant things.
How long of an extension cord can I use with 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.
Should a fridge be plugged into an extension cord?
Why you shouldn’t plug a refrigerator into an extension cord
Extension cords have a thinner wiring compared to regular house sockets. This makes them susceptible to failing and causing a fire especially if the appliances plugged into it are have a wattage that is higher than what the extension cord is rated for.
How heavy of an extension cord do I need for a refrigerator?
The best size extension cord for a refrigerator is 14 gauge awg. This will carry up to 15 amps of current over a distance of 30 feet without any issues. It is not recommended to use a smaller size than that as it could cause a voltage drop in the cord, causing the cord to heat up and harm the refrigerator.
How many amps does a refrigerator pull?
According to the United States Department of Energy, refrigerators have an average wattage of 725 watts, which, at 120 volts, computes to an amperage of 6.04 amps.
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.
Can you plug a fridge into any outlet?
Does a refrigerator need a special 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.
What size outlet do I need for a refrigerator?
You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit. This will avoid an electrical overload due to your current wiring not being capable of handling the additional power.
Does a refrigerator need a dedicated outlet?
In the US, under the NEC, a residential kitchen fridge is not required to be on a dedicated circuit. It is certainly a good idea and best practice, but not a requirement. A fridge can be on one of the minimum two required “small appliance branch circuits”. A 15A duplex receptacle is rated for 20A feed-thru.
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.
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator in the garage?
It will cost approximately $100 (annually) to run a refrigerator in the garage. This will come from utility bills due to the added load on the electrical circuit. The cost can vary depending on the size of the fridge. If you are thinking about installing a fridge in the garage, it’s best to find the right spot.
Do I need a special refrigerator for my garage?
To prevent problems, buy a garage-ready fridge that can function efficiently when it gets bitterly cold and also stiflingly hot in your garage. A refrigerator designed to run in a garage has better insulation and components that can handle temperature changes. This special design does make them a little more expensive.
Should I unplug my garage fridge in the winter?
Should You Unplug a Garage Fridge for the Winter? If you don’t have any food in the fridge, unplugging it during icy weather will save you the trouble of heating the thermostat. However, if you still want to use your fridge for food storage, it’s best to leave it plugged in.
How do I winterize my garage fridge?
If your garage temperature dips below freezing, the thermostat inside the garage refrigerator’s freezer may think it’s cold enough and shut off. To work around this issue, you need to heat the air around the thermostat. One way is to install a heating coil around the thermostat.
Can you store an unplugged refrigerator in the garage?
Say you acquire a second refrigerator but don’t need to keep it in use at all times. If this is the case, you can unplug the refrigerator and store it in the garage safely, but take some basic care and precaution to keep the refrigerator in working order for the future.
