Window Air Conditioner + Extension Cord = ?

Question

Earlier today, we had a storm that fried a wire in our home, and half of our house is without power - and airconditioning. We have a window airconditioner in the bedroom, but all the nearby outlets are without power.

Now, someone from the power company is coming in the morning to fix the wires. Is it safe to hook the air conditioner up to an extension cord for a few hours? I was told once that you weren't supposed to.

Answer 1

Length and strength is the issue here! Seriously, though, the extension cord needs to be heavy duty enough to safely carry the amount of electricity needed to power the air conditioner. You don't want to use a thin, long cord because it can heat up and cause a fire. Be sure that the cord you are using is up to the job - a really thick, heavy duty, at least as big as the original A/C cord.. Otherwise, better to be too hot tonight than totally fried!

Answer 2

Air Conditioner Extension Cord

Answer 3

Ac Extension Cord

Answer 4

That depends on the power requirements of your air conditioner. Generally these things have a greater power requirement and using an extension cord can be a fire hazard. Check what the extension cord is rated to handle and also check what the a/c unit draws in power. If the extension cord can handle it then it's fine, but most likely it won't be the case.

Answer 5

You do not want to have an extension cord any longer than it needs to be. The wire in the extension cord should be #12 to be able to handle the current draw of the unit. Most of those orange "heavy duty " extension cords that they sell are #16 the same as the cheap 6ft. "lamp cords" The only thing heavy duty on those orange cords is the insulation. They do sell cords as "air conditioner" cords and they are #12. You can also buy heavy duty cords that are # 12 that are orange but you must be careful that you are not tricked. Read the labels and tags. I have already found myself standing in the checkout line before I realized that I had one of those bogus cords in my hand. The yellow heavy duty cords as far as I know are #12 but be careful with them also. Look for a 20 Amp. rating if there is no wire size given.

Answer 6

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RE:
Window Air Conditioner + Extension Cord = ?
Earlier today, we had a storm that fried a wire in our home, and half of our house is without power - and airconditioning. We have a window airconditioner in the bedroom, but all the nearby outlets are without power.

Now, someone from the power company is coming in the morning to fix the wires....

Answer 7

Provided the cord can sufficiently carry the current and you can put it where people won't trip over it, is safe.

What you need to do is to look at the cord coming from the air conditioner, and get the extention cord that is the same or above the wire size.

Generally speaking, the thin "lamp cord" type extention cord won't work, but the one that comes with fat-round wire will.

No, you aren't really supposed to, but in emergencies, you can use it with care.

Answer 8

You can BUY an extension cord just for AIR CONDITIONERS.

That's what we did. The cord from the unit isn't long enough to reach the window.

Answer 9

it can cause a fire due to the resistance in the line. The extention cord will overheat, melt and start an electrical fire. It is very dangerous and cannot be put out with water.
sleep in the nude tonight and out of the covers. get wet if you get too hot, but if you use the cord, make sure you are awake while it is on so you can feel the cord and make sure it isn't heating up. If so- unplug it.

Answer 10

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I agree with joe... a 12 GA as short as possible. Your air conditioner is made for a 15A circuit so a 14 GA should work ok, but with two connections in line the 12 GA would be better. The surge protector isn't going to gain you anything. Make sure your plug connections are shiny bright - steel wool them if necessary.