Can You Run A Window Air Conditioner On An Extension Cord

Normal extension cords can t handle as much electricity as permanent wiring so if you use one to plug in your ac unit the cord can overheat and start a fire.

Can you run a window air conditioner on an extension cord.

Advice against using any extension cord is more for protecting you from the multitude of easy to screw up ways this could go wrong rather than an indication that it is impossible to do safely. The one you choose must be heavy enough to handle the load which for many air conditioners is around 12 amps. Keep the extension cord run from the outlet to the air conditioner as short as practical less than 12 ft 4 meters if you can. In both cases the extension cord can overheat and cause a fire.

A window air conditioner should be installed close enough to an outlet to allow the cord to reach but when you need immediate relief from the heat you can use an extension cord for your new appliance. Choosing the right wire gauge. Replacement power cord air conditioner extension cord 5 20 ft. Fixed permanent wiring is the way to go.

You may also like. You need a heavy duty extension cord that can carry the high current. I would bet the instructions say not to use an extension cord at all. This will tell you the power you need for the extension cord for a portable air conditioner.

I ve run 100 000 watt lighting systems on extension cords and it was safe to do so because the wiring was sized for the application. Ductless systems do choose the right extension cord for the job. Ask login home science math history literature technology health. But strictly using math the ac unit is probably designed to run on 115v 5 a 5000 btu ac unit will draw about 4 amps even with skimpy 16 awg wire cord 4ω 1000ft you should get about 1 4 voltage drop on the cord you started with 120v at the service 5 max designed loss on.

Best portable air conditioners without hose. Extension cords for pcs washing machines and other appliances are not fit for ac.