So, you've just purchased a brand new freezer to store all your frozen goods but are wondering where to plug it in. Freezers require a strong and sturdy power source to keep them running and working correctly.
Often, the freezer can't quite reach the wall outlet you intend to plug it into, and moving it isn't a possibility for whatever reason. The most obvious solution is to grab an extension cord, but can a freezer be plugged into an extension cord?
Don’t plug your freezer in using an extension cord
Don’t plug your freezer or refrigerator into an extension cord or power strip because this isn't a reliable power source for these high-powered appliances and is a significant fire risk. Your best bet is to place them close to an electrical outlet and use that to power the device.
When you plug a freezer into an extension cord, you risk overloading the cable. When the cable overloads, there's the risk of sparks which can cause a fire. While it might be only one spark, there's still the potential for papers, curtains, and other things to catch fire and spread.
Another reason you shouldn't plug this appliance into an extension cord is that it can damage the freezer. Suppose the freezer stops working due to you plugging it into the extension cable, and you try to contact the manufacturer about the warranty.
They may void it when they discover you had it plugged into an extension cord rather than a wall outlet.
The absolute best way to plug in your freezer is to use a wall outlet. These are safer for both you and your appliance. While the wall outlet is a great start, giving the freezer a dedicated circuit is the best option if you can do so.
A dedicated circuit means that only one appliance uses a specific wall outlet. For example, if you plug your freezer into one outlet, you shouldn't plug your mini-fridge into the same outlet if you need them to have their own dedicated circuits.
A dedicated circuit for the freezer ensures it gets enough power without overloading the outlet.
No.
Surge protectors are great tools that allow you to plug in multiple devices at once while protecting those devices from a power surge. While they're great for extending the life of your microwave oven, they're not ideal for all appliances.
You shouldn’t plug your freezer into a surge protector. These devices are sensitive to temperature changes, and if it begins to overheat, they can shut down. Another reason is that in the case of a power outage, the power will restart, but the surge protectors may not restart.
If this happens, all your food in your freezer may spoil before you realize that the power isn't working for it. When you don’t notice that your food has been unfrozen for a while and refreezes, you may get sick with food-borne diseases.
Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets work to monitor the electrical current moving through a specific circuit. They're great for protecting your home against electrical mishaps, but they're not something you should be plugging your freezer into.
Since GFCI outlets are made to cut off electricity when the power goes where it shouldn't, the food in your freezer could spoil. They're also known for "phantom tripping," meaning that they may cut off power to your freezer for no reason.
So, it would be best if you didn't plug a freezer or a fridge into a GFCI outlet. If you plan to do so, you'll need to check on it often to ensure that it hasn't cut the power off to your freezer.
Extension cords can make our lives a lot easier, but there are several things, besides a freezer, that you shouldn't be plugging into them. Some other appliances and devices you shouldn't think about plugging into power strips are:
All these are high-capacity appliances that are prone to a voltage drop. When this happens, the power can go out, or the power to the cord can go out, causing them to shut off.
So if you’re still wondering can a freezer be plugged into an extension cord, the answer is no. Freezers are high-capacity appliances that you shouldn't plug into an extension cord. When you plug these appliances into an extension cord, you risk frying the freezer or starting a fire in your home.
The best thing you can do for your freezer and yourself is to plug it into a wall outlet where it can have a dedicated circuit. Doing so allows the freezer to function with a lower risk of fire or overloading the outlet.
