i have a fridge in my garage and the outlet is too far away for the cord to reach. is it ok to use an extension cord to connect my fridge to the wall? the extension cord only has 2 holes (no ground hole) but the fridge has 3 holes.
2006-12-28 16:16:52 · 5 answers · asked by tom l 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The ground wire is there to ensure the outside of the refrigerator does not become electrified if there is a short circuit between the power wire and the frame of the fridge. If you are willing to take the risk, then the refrigerator will work fine without a ground wire.
A more significant issue, though is the size of the wires in the extension cord. Refrigerators draw a lot of current. A simple two pronged extension cord may not have thick enough wires to handle that kind of current, regardless of the ground wire. A simple test is to plug the fridge in with the extension cord. As the fridge is going through its cooling cycle, periodically grab the extension cord with your hand. If it is getting warm, the wires are too small and you need a new extension cord with thicker wires. I would suggest at least 14 gauge wires.
2006-12-28 16:39:00 · answer #1 · answered by U235_PORTS 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Grounded Extension Cord
2016-11-02 01:48:29 · answer #2 · answered by doti 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ground is there to protect the equipment and you from any possible arching, loose connections that can touch the chassis or other electrical accidents / issues. The conductors in the extension cord should be at least the same gage as the appliance's cord. However no matter what any extension cord is intended ONLY for temporary use. You should either move the appliance in a better location, replace the actual appliance cord with a longer one or install an additional receptacle (in the case of a refrigerator, one with a dedicated circuit).
2006-12-28 17:30:42 · answer #3 · answered by dallesasses 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not for extended use.
Get a heavier duty, grounded cord.
Til then you can use a ground lift, but if the cord is 2 wire, chances are it's too light weight to handle the load the compressors are pulling.
I would not use it for more than a day or so.
2006-12-28 16:42:49 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy an applaince extension cord for this, do not use a lamp extension cord, as you will lose grounding capability.
2006-12-28 16:41:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋