Best Extension Cord for Refrigerator – Buyer’s Guide

As a restaurant owner, I realize the importance of the right extension cord for refrigerator for both a small chest freezer and a large 4 door refrigerator.

A refrigerator is a piece of popular household equipment that must be plugged in at all times when in use. And the refrigerator cord is frequently found to be rather short. One solution is to keep your refrigerator close to your electrical outlet.

Typically, small appliances such as a coffee maker can be easily plugged into an extension cord. But when it comes to a refrigerator – this is not the case. It’s not safe to plug the refrigerator into an extension cord as it may lead to a power overload. Using a refrigerator extension cord will just cause your appliance and the appliance using it to both overheat, resulting in damage and the risk of combustion.

However, you can use an extension cord if certain requirements are met. We are going to give you some explanations about using an extension cord for your refrigerator.

Best Extension Cord for Refrigerator

What Is the Extension Cord?

Over the past century, the Extension cord has been a lifesaver for many people. The extension cord is a simple concept, but it’s so useful because there are so many times when you need to plug something in and the chord either doesn’t reach or is just a little too short. In both cases, they are extremely time-consuming and tedious!

To power an item that is too far away from an outlet, an extension cable is the best way to get around this problem. The user inserts anything they want to power into the extension cable’s socket, then plugs the extension cord into a wall outlet to power their equipment. Anyone who has access to power can utilize an extension cord, regardless of their age or gender, or job.

Extension Cord for Refrigerator: Safety Considerations

Overheating, equipment damage and an increased danger of fire or electric shock are all potential dangers of utilizing an extension cord to power a refrigerator. A three-pronged appliance should never be plugged into an ungrounded extension cord. If you’re going to use a single cord to power two devices, be sure the cord can handle the combined power requirements of both types of equipment before plugging it in.

Extension Cord for Refrigerator: Comparison Table & Main Features

[amazon table=”17491″]

Extension Cord for Refrigerator: FAQ

What amp extension cord do I need for a refrigerator?

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty extension cord, you’ll want to look for one with a lower gauge number, like 10 or 12. If you’re running a large appliance like a refrigerator, a 10-gauge extension cord is the best option.

Can I plug a refrigerator into a regular outlet?

Refrigerators do not require additional outlets. They can be plugged into a three-pronged socket in any regular 110-120 volt outlet. It is, nevertheless, preferable if your refrigerator is connected to its own circuit. This will ensure that your refrigerator has enough power to function properly.

What gauge wire is needed for a refrigerator?

Some standards need a separate dedicated circuit for the refrigerator; 15 amp #14 gauge wire is the minimum; 20 amp on 12 is preferable. To give you a background separate circuits for the microwave and dishwasher are recommended, with a minimum of 15 amps on #14 gauge wire and a maximum of 20 amps on 12 gauge wire.

How much does extension cord cost?

Check the price of a cord for your refrigerator before you buy it. If at all possible, compare the pricing of multiple cords to determine which one is the most cost-effective. However, there are some lesser-known cords that are both inexpensive and effective. In other words, the price of a cord has no bearing on its quality.

Gauge Wire

Extension Cord for Refrigerator: Features to Pay Attention While Choosing

Finding an extension cord that is safe enough to use and that is capable of transferring a high voltage of energy without causing any damage is the goal here. And an extension cord for your refrigerator just requires a few considerations before you buy one.

1. Wire Amperage We recommend that you do not use indoor and outdoor extension cords rated at 10A or 13A. Alternatively, buy an extension cord rated for at least 15A. This way, you can connect any device or home appliance, and a circuit breaker or 15A fuse will cut the power before the cord goes out of range.
2. Wire Voltage Most cords will be labeled 125 V or 130 V to match residential voltage in the United States. Contractor wiring for job sites is rated up to V300 to meet workplace safety requirements.
3. Plug Type When selecting an extension cord for your refrigerator, be sure to keep the plug type in mind. Your extension cord choice depends on this. So, what style of plug is best?
Many people would like to know this, we’re sure. A three-pronged plug is the simplest answer to this problem. This is due to the fact that these plugs are firmly anchored. So, they fit snugly into the outlet when inserted. As long as the plug is properly grounded when plugged into the outlet, it’s safe to use with a refrigerator because of the plug’s design and the fact that it has three prongs.
4. Length Consider purchasing a longer cord if you want to place the refrigerator far from the outlet. A cord with a minimum length of 36 feet is readily available in the market. However, the distance between your refrigerator and the outlet will affect this length. So, take into account the distance between where you intend to put your fridge and the nearest outlet before making a decision. That will help determine the proper length of extension cord to purchase.
The problem is that most appliances are only 3-5 feet long. The extension cord should be long enough to keep the wire out of the reach of your children. Buy longer than you think you’ll need, it is ot only more convenient, but it’s safer too.
5. Wire Gauge In addition to the length, the thickness of the wire inside the extension cord also determines how much power it can safely carry. Wire thickness in the US is generally measured in gauge, or AWG. Larger numbers mean smaller wires, which can therefore carry less power. A 14 AWG gauge cord is the most common we recommend.

1. Qualihome Heavy Duty Extension Cord Wire – For Major Appliance

[amazon box=”B013Q5DP0W”] Qualihome is well-known for the products it sells and the high level of service it provides. They are always mindful about the comfort and effficiency they bring to their of the customer. And this one, did not hit a miss.

Heavy Duty

One of the best extension cords on the market is Qualihome’s heavy-duty extension cord. As far as large appliances go, this is an excellent choice allowing the cord to accomodate heavy duty appliances.

Adjustable Angle

In confined spaces, it features an angle that makes it easier to connect and allows the wire to be flush with the wall. The grip groove on this extension cord makes it much easier to connect and unplug it from various appliances.

Overall

In order to prevent damage from moisture, abrasion, and rodents, the cord is constructed with thick insulation. Major kitchen appliances like the refrigerator and air conditioner can benefit from its 125-volt capacity, so it can be a great choice for you! Check price at Sears.com, Walmart.com.

2. POWTECH Heavy Duty Extension Cord Wire – Watt Maximum

[amazon box=”B072N3ZQRC”] POWTECH’s three-conductor heavy-duty cord is a grounded SPT-3 cord designed for high-energy appliances.

Flexible in Length

From 3 feet to 25 feet, cord lengths are available (the maximum length). As a result, you have complete control over the length of the cord. In addition, the plug has an angle so that it can be plugged into any standard outlet with ease.

High Maximum Power Wattage

An 1875-watt maximum power rating and 14-gauge design distinguish the POWTECH. As a result, it is able to handle the increased current requirements of modern appliances. The cord is also UL listed, which means it has passed all safety requirements. It’s also grounded for safety, so you may use it in any room of your house.

Overall

This cord can be used with air conditioners, washers, refrigerators, and other heavy-duty appliances. The cord is made of high-quality materials and appears to be robust and easy to use- all what you need in a cord. Check price at Walmart.com.

3. Go Green Power Inc. GG-25606 6′ 14/3 Appliance Cord – Budget-Friendly

[amazon box=”B00NY3R5SA”] Despite its low price, this extension cord packs a punch and may be used in most homes and appliances. These include a pressing iron or a microwave, while the rest are at least 1800 watts or less in power.

Bright Green Colored for Safety

As a safety measure, the GoGreen’s bright color makes it easier to see. In addition, this cable is a deal at this price point. The only issue is that it’s only six feet long.

Avoids Tripping Hazard

For those who don’t want a chord that extends much further, this budget-friendly extension cord can be a good option. The length of the cable does not present a tripping hazard, which is ideal for households with children and the elderly.

Overall

125 volts and 15 amps are likewise rated for this cord, which is 14/3 AWG SPT-3, 14/3 AWG. Additionally, the three 14-gauge conductors make it perfect for a wide range of heavy-duty equipment. That the wire is comprised of copper brass, rather than pure copper, is a minor issue, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Check price at Sears.com, Homedepot.com, Lowes.com, Walmart.com.

4. Iron Forge Cable 9 Ft Appliance Extension Cord – Great Long-Lasting

[amazon box=”B07ZS3Z947″] Use this 14-gauge heavy-duty extension cord to power air conditioners and other large home appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, and more!

Lifetime Warranty

Because of the lifetime warranty provided by Forge, we know that this extension cord will last for many years to come and the high-quality materials it is made from. Customer satisfaction is ensured as a result.

Flexible Design

As an added bonus, the flexible vinyl coating protects it against water, moisture, and abrasion; this makes it water-resistant as well. Properly designed to fit tiny locations, this appliance extension chord features a right angle plug.

Overall

In addition to the mentioned features, blades reinforce the prongs, making them more resistant to breaking or bending. Aside from the reasons already stated, these are also appropriate to be used as an outdoor power source. Check price at Ironforgetools.com.

5. Amazon Basics 20-Foot Extension Cord – Best Safety

[amazon box=”B076KFTT5B”] This 20-foot-long extension cord should be sufficient for most people! This cord comes in handy if you need to connect your refrigerator to an electrical outlet that is a long way away from your home.

Versatile

The AmazonBasics is adequate for most refrigerators and a wide range of other appliances because of its 125-volt, 13-amp, and 16-AWG rating. Likewise, it is manufactured in accordance to all applicable safety rules. Rest easy knowing that your appliance and house are secure with this 25-foot extension cord.

Thich & Safe Wires

Its wires are thick enough to prevent overheating even when used for extended periods of time, and the cable is UL-rated for safety. As a result, the wire is extremely flexible and does not kink when it encounters obstructions.

Overall

In addition to the features mentioned, the wire can be used to connect larger items like a microwave or a refrigerator to smaller ones like a server or a PC. However, you must assure that the extension cord’s rating does not exceed the device’s rating before using it. Check price at Sears.com.

In Conclusion

Your appliance’s life will be extended by using a high-quality extension cord. Many appliances, such as microwaves, refrigerators, and air conditioners, are powered by an extension cord. The products listed above are the best available, and I hope the information provided was helpful in making your extension cord purchase.

In this guide, we looked at what an electrical extension cable is, analyzed some of the top options on the market, and looked at the factors to consider when shopping for an extension cord.

Video: The Do’s and Don’ts of Power Extension Cords