Everyone has an extension cord at home that will be used somewhere. For example, I have a system unit, monitor and peripherals connected to it in the form of a printer and speakers.
An extension cord is an excellent solution when there is a shortage of sockets. However, not everything can be connected to it due to the risk of a short circuit and equipment failure.
I found out what can and cannot be connected to an extension cord and am sharing it with you.
What equipment cannot be connected via an extension cord?
Everyone probably has one of these at home. Be careful with it, check the permissible load.
An ordinary wall socket can usually withstand a load of up to 3500 W without any problems. Extension cords, in turn, depending on the model, often have a maximum load from 2000 to 3800 W. The wattage is usually indicated on the packaging or sometimes on the extension cord housing.
If you connect several devices with high power consumption, there is a high probability of overloading the extension cord. When overloaded, heating occurs and the insulation also dries out, which can cause a fire.
There is no need to try to be sure to use all the outlets of the extension cord.
Also, when connecting several devices to one extension cord, voltage drops may occur. Some equipment is sensitive to them and may fail.
In the operating instructions, the manufacturer warns not to use extension cords, but to connect the following devices directly to the outlet:
📍 Refrigerators and freezers. They work constantly and require a lot of electricity. Maximum power is achieved quickly. It turns off only occasionally and can fail due to a power surge. When connected through an extension cord, the likelihood of surges is higher, which can lead to breakdown.
It is not advisable, but it is allowed to connect the refrigerator using a surge protector with a maximum load of about 2200 W – in most cases this value will be greater than the power consumption of the refrigerator, but it is better to look at the specifications. The main thing is not to connect other devices to the extension cord.
📍 Washing machine and dishwasher. It is recommended to connect to a protected outlet to avoid short circuits. When using an extension cord, there is also a high risk of water getting into it.
📍 Electric stove and oven. If you connect through an extension cord, you increase the chance of getting an overload, damage to the wiring, fire, and a Darwin Award. The power of these devices is so high that separate power sockets are provided for them.
The power is more than 1500 W, but it only heated the plate
📍 Microwave. It consumes quite a lot of electricity, so there is also a separate outlet for it. The power of models with grill and convection functions can exceed the power of a refrigerator or washing machine.
If there is no other connection method other than an extension cord, then you should use an extension cord with a large maximum load without connecting any other devices to it.
📍 Multicooker and pressure cooker. Such kitchen assistants for cooking can easily consume 1500 W – this is already an application for the category of powerful household appliances. Due to the power, as well as the long operating time, it is recommended to connect directly to an outlet.
📍 Coffee maker, coffee machine and electric kettle. Small household appliances, but can still have a power of more than 2000 watts. The heating process requires a lot of power, which not any extension cord can withstand. Also, connecting through an extension cord carries the risk of water entering the extension cord sockets, which can cause a short circuit.
The toaster and kettle are used mainly a couple of times a day, so you can use them alternately with one socket
📍 Bread maker and toaster. There are a large number of heating elements located inside the devices. During the operation of these elements, bread is easily and quickly fried to a crispy slice, and the housing and extension cord can easily overheat.
📍 Heaters and air conditioners. It is dangerous to use devices for heating or cooling a room through an extension cord. For example, an air conditioner consumes a large amount of electricity during startup and during initial cooling or heating. At such moments, it can overload the network and cause overheating of the extension cord housing until it melts.
The heater power can be more than 2500 W. High power coupled with long run times increases the risk of fire when connected to an extension cord, even if no other devices are connected to it at the time.
The Dyson hair dryer is rated at 1600 watts, which is a serious load for an extension cord.
📍 Hair dryer, curling irons and hair tongs. These devices get very hot during operation and have a power of 1500 to 2000 W, and some models even more than 2300 W. In the instructions for them, the manufacturer also indicates to use them only when directly connected to an outlet without any extension cords or adapters.
📍 Iron. Also belongs to the category of powerful household appliances. Most models have power consumption from 1500 to 3000 W.
📍 Extension cord to extension cord. The fastest and surest way to overload the power grid and damage equipment.
What equipment can be connected via an extension cord?
Most instruction manuals recommend connecting equipment to a power outlet. But if there is a shortage of sockets, you can connect the following to the extension cord:
✔️ laptops
✔️ various chargers for mobile equipment and accessories
✔️ peripheral devices.
Even the most powerful charging brick for the MacBook Pro 16 on the M3 Pro Max is 140W. Along with it, you can also connect GaN charging from some Android smartphone at 100 W to the extension cord.
Most home inkjet printers have an average power of 20-40 W, which also allows you to easily connect them with other devices to a surge protector.
The most important thing is to make sure that the power of the extension cord is greater than the power of all connected devices.
Now you can safely charge your iPhone via a power strip without fear of a short circuit or fuses being cut when other devices are connected.
iPhones.ru
You definitely don’t know all the details.
Cyril Nero
@nk92
Introvert and provincial. Sometimes I write something, sometimes I photograph something for my own and not my social networks. In correspondence I use parentheses more often than emojis)
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2023-11-16 19:07:30
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