Why Are Extension Cords Not Always Suitable For High-Power Appliances?
Extension cords are common in homes and workplaces because they provide convenience and flexibility when extra outlets are needed. They allow users to power various devices simultaneously, supporting temporary power requirements.
However, although convenient, extension cords can be unsuitable for high-power appliances. So, using them carelessly can lead to serious risks, such as electrical fires, heat generation, and destruction of mounted devices.
What’s more, heavy-duty appliances such as fridges, air conditioners, space heaters, and microwaves require a lot of electricity for maximum operation. Plugging them into an extension cord can disrupt their performance, increase the risk of electrical hazards, and cause extensive damage.
This article explores the risks of using extension cords for high-power devices.
1. Understanding Electrical Load And Power Requirements
Electrical appliances are rated for power in watts (W) or amps (A). High-wattage devices, such as space heaters, fridges, microwaves, and air conditioners, use more electricity than smaller electronics, such as lamps and mobile chargers.
An electric cord has a maximum rated capacity, usually much lower than high-wattage devices.
In addition to that, when an extension cord is overloaded on a high-power appliance beyond its capacity, it may overheat due to excessive current. Excessive current can melt the wire insulation, which can lead to electrical shock or a fire.
2. Risk Of Overheating and Fire Hazards
One of the most significant dangers of using an extension cord for a high-power appliance is the risk of overheating. If a cord is overloaded past its capacity, it begins emitting heat.
Likewise, if this heat cannot dissipate quickly, it can degrade the insulation of the wires, leaving live electrical wires that may short-circuit or result in a fire.
Most home fires result from misusing extension cords, especially when plugging in power-hungry appliances. The risk of overheating is enhanced when an extension cord is laid under a rug or a piece of furniture, which blocks heat release.
Extreme scenarios involve an overloaded extension cord, which can ignite proximate combustible materials, producing a potentially hazardous house fire.
3. Voltage Drops and Appliance Performance Issues
Voltage drop occurs when electricity travels in an extension cord that is too thin or too long. The farther electricity must travel, the more resistance it experiences, reducing the voltage an appliance receives.
Doing this can have a detrimental effect on big, powerful appliances, so they perform inadequately or, in severe instances, fail.
For example, when a refrigerator is plugged in through a lower-gauge extension cord, there won’t be an ample supply of power for its motor, so it can operate appropriately.
This might lead to excessive mechanical stress on the device, shortening its lifespan and making it more susceptible to breakdown.
4. Extension Cords Are Temporary Solutions, Not Permanent Fixes
Another reason extension cords aren’t ideal for powerful appliances is that they are short-term, not permanent. Extension cords work well for short periods, such as when using power tools for a backyard project or when hanging holiday decorations, but not for a permanent situation.
If an appliance is needed in a place away from a convenient outlet, it is best to have an appropriately rated electrical outlet. Extension cord usage daily poses a greater risk of accidents and electrical malfunction.
Extension cords can also become damaged over time, especially when moved, bent, or crushed by furniture.
5. Using The Wrong Extension Cord Type
Extension cords exist in various forms, and using an extension cord of an inappropriate type makes it an even more dangerous situation. Likewise, domestic extension cords have thin wires that can sustain lower current levels.
Such extension cords can be perfect for smaller electronics, but they should not be used for high-power machines.
Besides, heavy-duty extension cords can handle more electrical loads, though these, too, are limited. If an extension cord is temporarily employed for a high-powered appliance, it should be rated for corresponding wattage and amps.
The wire gauge (AWG) should be large enough to sustain current without causing a significant voltage drop.
How To Safely Power High-Power Appliances
The ideal and safest way of powering large appliances is plugging them directly into a wall outlet of appropriate electrical capacity. If there is not an accessible place for an outlet, it is best in the end to have a certified electrician professionally install a new outlet.
For high-wattage appliances, it is ideal to have a dedicated circuit to receive a constant power supply and not overload other outlets. Dedicated circuits are designed for stand-alone, high-power appliances, which avoids tripping circuit breakers and burning wires.
If an extension cord is necessary for an emergency, choose a heavy-duty cord of a suitable gauge and make it as short as possible to minimize voltage drop. Never daisy-chain extension cords, as this provides too much resistance and a possibility of overheating.
Wrapping Up
Extension cords have a wide range of everyday applications, yet for large-wattage appliances, they can be a bad idea. The risk of overheating, voltage drop, fires, and appliance destruction makes it an unreliable solution for frequent usage on big electrical loads.
A constant, direct power supply is required for power-hungry appliances, and an extension cord can have fatal outcomes.
For safety reasons, it is best to follow manufacturers’ recommendations and electrical safety practices. The ideal solution for a secure power supply for high-power appliances is utilizing appropriate electrical outlets and individual dedicated circuits.
