Extension cords provide power to devices when their own cord is too short to reach an outlet. This makes it easier to use devices throughout the room or plug them into an outside receptacle. However, extension cords do not work as well with appliances that consume large amounts of power. Its increased demands can damage the device connected to the extension cord or worse, cause a fire.
When you connect a high-current appliance through an extension cord, it introduces a small resistance. Resistance increases with the length of the wire, so the further the electricity has to travel, the lower the voltage measured on the device. When a machine receives too little voltage, it draws more current to do the same amount of work. When using specific high-powered machines with an extension cord, you run the risk of overloading the cord, overheating it, and potentially starting a fire.
Read on to see the 5 outlet devices that should never be plugged into an extension cord.
1. Space heater
You’ve probably heard this already: Avoid plugging a heater into an extension cord like the plague. It is dangerous for several reasons. Portable heaters (especially high-voltage heaters) consume a lot of power and can easily overload an extension cord. The constant high power consumption can cause the extension cord to overheat and even catch fire. That’s dangerous for a machine that’s already heating up.
2. Microwave oven
Microwave ovens consume a significant amount of energy when in use. Plugging a microwave into an extension cord may cause overheating and may not provide a stable power supply, affecting its performance. I learned this firsthand when my 1100W toshiba microwaveKitchen schedules were off when I moved into my first apartment. Plugging it directly into a wall outlet made the difference between day and night with stronger, more powerful cooking that was better than what I had experienced while plugged into a multi-tap extension cord.
3. Refrigerator
Larger appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers, need a stable flow of power directly from a wall outlet to function properly. Even the best extension cords experience voltage drops and fluctuations, which can cause these appliances to malfunction. In extreme cases, these changes can permanently damage your computer.
If you are in a bind and temporarily need to run your refrigerator with an extension cord, I recommend purchasing a thicker, higher gauge model. Make sure it is above the rated power of your appliance so it can compensate and bring enough juice to your refrigerator.
4. Washing machine
Your washer and dryer should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Like other larger appliances, they simply require too much energy and run the risk of having too many moving mechanical parts. Using an extension cord can cause premature part failure. The washing machine warranty may not cover this type of failure.
5. Air conditioning
Air conditioners also consume a lot of electricity, especially window air conditioners or portable air conditioners with high cooling capacity. Plugging these devices into an extension cord can cause overheating and pose a fire risk. Worse yet, a lower current transfer can overload and damage the motor of an air conditioning unit.
In general, you should not use a device that draws a lot of current with an extension cord. But if it is necessary in an emergency, make sure it is a short, thick extension cord that provides a large amount of voltage to avoid damage to the motor or parts and see proper performance.
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