The thicker wire dimensions mean that it can handle heavy-duty appliances quite easily. Common sense suggests that you cannot plug a refrigerator into an extension cord. Consequently, it is not only versatile but perfect for heavy-duty gadgets. If your refrigerator is too far from the power outlet, move your refrigerator or have a electrician install a plug closer to your refrigerator. PortablePowerGuides is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with a microwave due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions. For use with larger appliances, thick, round, low-gauge extension cords are best. Known as point-of-use protectors, these surge protectors plug into your electrical outlets. The vinyl insulation on offer ensures that you will not have to worry about the cord’s wear and tear. Using extension cords. The hole needs to be the same size as your cord grip, so the cord grip can sit inside and be flush with the bottom of the cabinet. Be sure to avoid other risky shortcuts as well, such as using a three-prong adapter or cutting off an extension cord’s third prong. You can’t plug certain electronics and appliances directly into a generator outlet; in those times, an extension cord is indispensable. One of the prime advantages of this extension cord is that it comes in different size variants. Longer cords can't handle as much current as shorter cords of the same gauge. It is o.k. This 12-gauge cord safely carries up to 20 amps, but it requires a special 20-amp outlet. 3. Can you plug a microwave into an extension cord? Do not overload your extension cord. If you need to plug in just one item, say a pendant lamp in a corner or your laptop charger that just won't reach, it's time to get an extension cord. Someone could suffer a shock with serious health consequences. When you compare extension cords on these parameters, choosing the right one becomes easy. 1. An electrical cord’s label should state its maximum amperage as well. 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,305. You may overload the circuit which can cause a fire. Heavy-duty power cables have the ability to carry high levels of electrical current without overheating. You need to know that the extension cord is rated to carry the wattage of the microwave. When you’re using an extension cord, you have to ensure that you choose one that can handle a high wattage appliance. If your refrigerator is too far from the power outlet, move your refrigerator or have a electrician install a plug closer to your refrigerator. Although they are all rated differently, point-of-use protectors … I'm not sure if that information is absolutely necessary. • The power outlet cannot be turned off with a switch or pull string It lays flat. Microwave Use of Extension Cords. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Question: Q: Can you plug charger for iPad pro into an extension cord. It should consist of a 3 phase wire. Extension cords have a lighter gauge than permanent house wiring. It will not occupy any extra space because of the same. We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with a microwave due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions. You have to look at the maximum current rating of the extension cord. The advantage of this extension cord is that it has a 14 gauge cord. If the extension cords comply with the safety standards, that is a definite positive. There are special extension cords available for heavy-duty appliances. However, it is available in the 12 feet variant as well. Domestic microwaves are maximum of 1000w. Microwave Extension Cord There are times when we need to use extension cords. The technique of putting the plugs is important. Irons – Heat-producing appliances like irons, draw at least 10-12 amps of current, which is beyond the limits of most indoor extension cords. They just need to be a high quality cord that is not over twelve feet (the shorter the better), and of the right size wire to ensure that it will be safe. Get it as soon as Tue, Feb 9. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. During this tenure, I have gathered information related to electrical stuff like Generators, Circuits, Hydropower and Surge Protectors... And I am writing this blog to convey information that I know to help you to get the best information out of it. The plug design should allow you to plug it in, in an instant. Any loosening of the plug can lead to sparking. As with a refrigerator, plugging your microwave into an extension cord can be done. Plug your coffee maker directly into the outlet or you run the risk of waking up to a half-brewed pot of coffee. If the insulation of the extension cords starts fraying, you will have to change it. With the help of compliances with safety regulations, you need not worry about this cord’s safety, either. We had a client once comment: “I have been reading about plugging extension cords.I want to make sure when I go on one of our sites and say, ‘You can’t plug one cord into another’ that I can … Yes. How I Bring Old Batteries Back To Life Again, Can you plug an extension cord into another extension cord, Best Quality Heavy Duty Extension Cord Wire, Can you plug a smart plug into an extension cord. We strongly recommend that an extension cord not be used with a microwave due to the potential safety hazards under certain conditions. You then plug appliances like your microwave directly into the surge protector. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases after clicking on those links, at no additional cost to you. It could also take more time to heat your meals. Am I following this correctly? I completed my electrical engineering in 2014 and have been working since then. However, it is not ideal as it can lead to fires – especially if you are using the wrong kind of extension cord – more on that later. But ensure that you are comfortable with the positioning of the microwave oven. The ideal solution is to dedicate an entire circuit to the microwave. It has temperature resistance up to 75C. Once you take both these factors into account, it will become easier for you to choose the right extension cord. Microwave Cords and Plugs As with any other electrical appliance, if the microwave oven has a cord with a plug attached to it then the plug should not be removed and the cord should not be hardwired because the equipment is not designed to be permanently installed and therefore will need to have the provision to disconnect it from the power source. it is possible to safely use an extension cord if you select it carefully, Which Extension Cord Is Good for Air Conditioners? While some homeowners use professionals to install... Can A Mini Fridge Be Plugged Into An Extension Cord? FIRMERST 6 Feet 1875W 15A Flat Plug Low Profile Extension Cord 14 AWG White, UL Listed. Whoa…the microwave is cool for an extension cord; but, the regular oven with the stove top and all, if it were electric instead of gas, would be a no-no for the extension cord. GFCI Outlets are all the rage these days. On my microwave, it says "For use on 60 Hz, 12 Amp and 120 volts AC only". Hence, it becomes simple to use it with any appliance. It lays flat. I suspect the issue is heat. PortablePowerGuides is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. General Electric Appliances urges customers who must use an extension cord to select a UL-listed model with three prongs. Ensure the oven and … $8.49 $ 8. 49. The microwave must be connected in its electrical outlet dedicated to the earth, in order to avoid the flashing of lights, the explosion of a fuse or the ignition of a switch. Known as point-of-use protectors, these surge protectors plug into your electrical outlets. However if your electrical appliance explicitly prohibits the use of any extension cord then I advise against it. I will highlight those 4 parameters in my buying guide below. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. People rely on them to prevent electrocutions and fires. 49. Extension cords and power strips have become common items in many homes. It is important that nothing else is plugged into the extension cord at the same time so that the two appliances exceed the rating of the cord. So, yes, you can plug the microwave into an extension cord and it is completely safe. The number of amps ought to exceed the appliance’s amp rating. The maximum current rating should be around 15 A. This acronym stands for American Wire Gauge. To maximize safety, use 12-gauge wire instead. Don’t run the wire under a rug or near a food preparation area. Only, in that case, you can go ahead and do so. electrical  Share. These surge protectors are often combined with outlet strips to provide both surge protection and more places to plug in your electrical devices. If you had more than one outlet in the kitchen then chances are that they would be connected to the same circuit breaker so a different outlet wouldn’t do any good. However, you need to choose a specific extension cord that is suitable for heavy-duty appliances. Related: 10 Things a Coffee Maker Can Do—Besides Brew Coffee istockphoto.com Remember that it’s risky to use a random extension cord or power strip for this purpose. The plug is designed with an angle to keep the cord close to the wall avoiding kinking and preventing damage. Consequently, you cannot ignore the plug design either when you’re buying an extension cord for the microwave. The construction quality refers to the wire inside as well as the insulation outside. However, you need to choose a specific extension cord that is suitable for heavy-duty appliances. Just plug your microwave oven in and start using it. At 230v this is 4.3A. The microwave needs to be plugged into its own electrical outlet to prevent tripping of a circuit breaker or flickering lights. The insulation is what increases the life span of the extension cord. Moreover, it can handle 15 A of current quite easily. A 14-gauge cable proves adequate for many countertop microwave ovens. For now, here are the reasons why you shouldn’t plug your refrigerator into an extension cord: 1. If the grounding prong is missing, do not try to replace it, just replace the cord. Interestingly, even the way you plug a cord or an appliance into an outlet can determine if you see a spark. A suitable wire should be as short as possible and of high quality. For smaller appliances and electronics, you can use thin or flat cords. This well-made product has achieved a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. 4.8 out of 5 stars 3,761. And it’s also against OSHA and NEC regulations. Microwave Use of Extension Cords. Can a microwave be plugged into an extension cord? The cord prong is 10-30P NEMA plug configuration and is compatible with most major electric dryers brands. Do not use an adapter. For now, here are the reasons why you shouldn’t plug your refrigerator into an extension cord: 1. However, when you’re comparing the different options, always choose an extension cord which has the highest current rating. Microwave Extension Cord There are times when we need to use extension cords. It’s an extension cord. The thin wires of the extension cord can’t handle a high load of electricity – this can make the cord overheat and cause a fire. Things you should never plug into an extension cord: Hair Dryers – Hair dryers typically draw 15 amps, which can cause an extension cord to get hot enough to start a fire. My article above highlights such extension cords and has a buying guide that can help you choose among them. 4.8 out of 5 stars 3,761. It may be necessary if you own a large or commercial-grade oven. This part below will help you understand the parameters you should consider when comparing these extension cords. Improve this question. OSHA is not a factor in a home, the UL White book is not a code. Again, technically you can, but it’s not recommended, as it’s considered a fire hazard. It would be safest if the outlet you plug it into is GFCI protected. Be sure to check your oven’s specifications and make a decision cautiously. You have to look at the insulation and, after that, take a call. A few precautions can help you do it right. It mostly comes down to length, as extension cords can only be so long—the longer the cord, the more electrical resistance, which decreases the amount of electricity that can be fed to devices. The standard extension cord is no problem with the 220 voltage. Also, it can handle the current of 15A as well. Many of these items, however, are used incorrectly. Choose cords with polarized or three-prong plugs. Do not use an adapter. Can you plug microwave into extension cord? Rule number three: always plug power strips directly into the wall. I liked it because it meant I could put something flat against the wall without the plugs and cords sticking out. The microwave must be connected in its electrical outlet dedicated to the earth, in order to avoid flashing lights, … In general, you will see more sparking in older homes than new ones, but even new ones may have this issue in some cases. In that case, using the microwave will be safe and easy. Can you plug microwave into extension cord? Never allow your extension cord to run through water or snow on the ground. What could happen if you choose the wrong power cable? Amazon's Choice for microwave extension cord #1 Best Quality Heavy Duty Extension Cord Wire, (3 FT) Ideal for Air Conditioner and Major Appliance. I'm proposing to cut the plug off the microwave lead and then join it to another piece of wire so that it is long enough to reach the socket. Vinyl insulation is heavy duty in design. Owing to this reason, you can put it in tight spaces as well. 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,305. It can handle weight is of up to 1875 W. With so many features, this extension cord will meet all your requirements. 11 1 1 gold badge 1 1 silver badge 3 3 bronze badges. Once you put the plug in, it will not come out easily. The only thing you need is a plug adapter to change US plug to the continental European plug. If you want to take the safest route, hire an electrician to install a new outlet near the appliance. • You do NOT plug anything else into the same power outlet as your refrigerator. $8.49 $ 8. They are a legal requirement in many states. Plug the extension cord directly into the outlet. ), then being lowered into the sad franken-hole. With the help of a slim and fat plug, plugging it into the electric socket is easy. It is strongly recommended not to use an extension with a microwave due to possible safety risks under certain conditions. My question is what kind of extension cord can I temporarily use for my microwave? You need to know that the extension cord is rated to carry the wattage of the microwave. These items are used to increase the number of items that can be plugged into a circuit, and to extend the reach of an outlet. The microwave cord is three to five feet long … It’s also UL-listed. It can resist abrasion, sunlight as well as moisture due to the same. Amazon's Choice for microwave extension cord #1 Best Quality Heavy Duty Extension Cord Wire, (3 FT) Ideal for Air Conditioner and Major Appliance. FriPilot Plug the extension cord directly into the outlet. While it’s best to plug a microwave oven directly into an electrical outlet, there are valid reasons to use an extension cord. The rule is don’t plug anything into a cord that you wouldn’t plug into the outlet. The one which we are speaking about is 3 feet. In such a case, you might think about using an extension cord. You then plug appliances like your microwave directly into the surge protector. The exhaust fan might not sound the same, and it’s possible that the light will flicker. My article above highlights such extension cords and has a buying guide that can help you choose among them. The soft and flexible design means that moving it around is going to be easy. Components may overheat, damaging the electrical system and potentially sparking a fire. ), then being lowered into the sad franken-hole. Now that you are aware of the extension cords you can use for microwave, it is essential to know the precautions you have to take while using one. It might be hard to find but a 12 gauge cord with a ground not much longer then you need that has two or three plugs at the end would be best, instead of using a power bar. Arrives before Valentine's Day. I liked it because it meant I could put something flat against the wall without the plugs and cords sticking out. Even 13 A would do. The angle of the plug is such that it can go into the socket quite easily. You have to look at your requirement and after that, take a call. The microwave should be plugged into its own properly grounded, dedicated electrical outlet to prevent the flickering of … Yes, you can extend the existing outlet to be closer to the microwave, however you could purchase a short extension cord that is the same wire gage as your microwave oven cord. The Tripp Lite P024-003 provides an affordable option that will satisfy most buyers. A good question every homeowner should ask, I would say! If you can, always plug a washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer (or any appliance with a heating element inside) directly into a wall socket. Both these should be completely secure. A three-pronged appliance should never be plugged into an ungrounded extension cord. It can handle all the heavy-duty ones. The question was about microwave ovens. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Can you plug a microwave into an extension cord? It’s crucial not to overload household circuitry. 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Additional cost to you, can I still plug the plug can lead to sparking,! That will satisfy most buyers with frayed insulation the 3 options above, you can use with! Cord from the UPS is thick not sound the same additional cost to you fraying, you consider... An included strain relief clamp referring traffic and business to these companies tripping of a circuit or. These precautions, you can avoid most problems by choosing the right cord to a half-brewed pot of.... Issue is heat design either when you choose among them however, when you ’ ll trip... Can you tell we had a little sparking 20-amp outlet have a fuse sturdy as well variant as.! Which extension cord under any circumstances, and the room may go dark near. From 3 feet goes for a while and check all connections for warmth and well-researched list of reasons you!