why i can't use extension cord for my air-conditioner?

Question

ppl always told me i should not use extension cord for some mini appliances like aircon, etc.
why?
can u tell me? im just curious.

Answer 1

Anytime you run electricity through a cord, there is loss of voltage. The loss of voltage depends on the length of the cord, the size of the conductor in the wire, and the amount of current used by the appliance.

An AC uses a relatively large amount of power, and could be easily damaged by the low voltage available to it at the end of the extension cord.

You could use an extension cord, but it should be short with a heavy conductor in it. Most household extension cord are made for economy not for such performance.

Answer 2

You can use an extension cord with your air conditioner. However, there are a couple of conditions:
1. The cord must be one that is rated for use with an air conditioner. Extension cords with this rating are readily available from most hardware stores and come in 3 ft. (~1m) or 6 ft. (~2m) lengths.

2. If you can't find an air conditioner extension cord, a heavy duty, 10 AWG recommended, 12 AWG minimum, extension cord may be used. Length should NOT exceed 6 ft. (~2m).

Answer 3

Also, many extension cords are not rated for the number of amps a large power using appliance uses. If you use an under-rated extension cord, you could cause a fire.

Most home fires that are caused by "electrical' reasons are from events like this.

Answer 4

Because your AIR Conditioner likely will pull too much amperage for the size of your drop cord. This is dangerous because it will heat up the cord and could cause a fire.
Extension cords if used, should always be as short as possible and should be as large or larger in gage than the cord your air conditioner came with.

Answer 5

Air conditioners draw a lot of power. Most household extension cords are not rated for the current required. Overloading the extension cord causes excess heat and the risk of fire.

Answer 6

Copper wires provide some resistance to electricity, even though they are a fine conductor of electricity.

For a given thickness wire, it is rated for a certain amount of current. Also, the wire can restrict voltage given the length of the wire.

So, when you add length to the set of wires that power your air conditioner, and possibly a poorly rated cable that doesnt have enough thickness , you can create a really hazardous situation. The wires will overheat and possibly catch fire.

This is because the copper can only shed off so much heat at a time for a certain amount of energy. Voltage dropping as the wire is too long creates heat inside the wire itself. As the wires get hotter, all kinds of nasty things can happen. Deep inside the cord, wires that are meant to be separate can accidentally touch and shortciruit.

Answer 7

The longer the extension going to an appliance such as an air condition unit, will cause electrical flow restriction which in turn will make the cord overheat and might cause a fire.

Answer 8

current draw will make the cord hot...my cause a fire...loss of current thru the cord...will cause damage to your a/c

Answer 9

you can if you use a 8-3 but good luck finding them