2006-07-01 14:19:56 · 9 answers · asked by vincent_19732000 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
The resistance (r) increases as the cord gets longer. The current has further to travel. Current in the circuit drops as the resistance increases in a series circuit.
Most appliances will not see an adverse effect of an extension cord, but if the instructions warn you of an extension cord, you have to be concerned about a current drop. Lowe's sells an "appliance cord" which is a heaver cord than the one that came with the appliance.
You have to watch refrigerators, dish washers, generators etc:
PS: Never use an extension cord rated lower that the original cord. I would never use extension cords of different ratings in tandem
2006-07-01 14:42:42 · answer #1 · answered by geoff 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First you need to look at the data name plate of the appliance and look for the amps. Use an extension cord with the rated wire. Distance has a role too. The longer the cord the greater the voltage drop. It's fine to use extension cords with appliances, just know your amp draw.
2006-07-01 21:44:10 · answer #2 · answered by morpheus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All electrical appliances use a certain amount of amps to run. This amp draw creates heat if you extend the power cord beyond the manufactures recommendations you run the risk of a melt down to the power cord and the possibility of a fire.
In most cases if an extension cord is needed, using a larger gauge wire in the cord and only the length needed will reduce the risk of fire.
Check with the manufacture for the proper cords needed to operate that product.
2006-07-01 21:29:40 · answer #3 · answered by rokitrail 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some appliances need a lot of power to run. The cord that comes with the appliance has the required gauge to support that wattage need. When you use regular extension cord, it will heat up due to high power and may cause fire. Thats why they recommend that you dont' use extension cords.
2006-07-01 21:24:32 · answer #4 · answered by arunhn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Extension cords are for temporary use only and should not be used on an appliance that draws more current (amps) than the cord is rated for. Thats it.
2006-07-01 22:22:28 · answer #5 · answered by ERM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the extension cords are not rated for carrying certain amounts of electricity. For example, if your cord is for a 110 volt outlet and you plug it up to an appliance or anything other than what it is rated for you can cause a fire. Be careful and have someone you trust to come look at what you are trying to do.
2006-07-01 21:24:16 · answer #6 · answered by doolittlerd77 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the answers above are correct . In addition extension cords are for temporary use until a permanent fix can be put in place .Most people don't look at it that way . They think extension cords are just as good as adding an outlet where needed . Definitely not so.
2006-07-01 21:31:13 · answer #7 · answered by jim d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All major appliances draw alot of power -- extension cords are not made for that unless you use heavy duty cords
2006-07-01 22:09:34 · answer #8 · answered by Patches 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
becasue some appliances need more power than the extension cord can handle. if the cord has too much electricy running through it you have a chance for an electrical fire
2006-07-01 21:23:19 · answer #9 · answered by Mike is me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋