Can You Use an Extension Cord With a Microwave
While it's all-time to plug a microwave oven straight into an electrical outlet, there are valid reasons to use an extension cord. This could be safe or dangerous depending on how you approach it. Be sure to check your oven's specifications and brand a determination cautiously.
Can Yous Plug a Microwave Into An Extension Cord?
The U.S. Burn down Administration warns against using an extension cord under whatsoever circumstances, and GE Appliances "strongly" discourages it. They emphasize the dangers of overloaded wires. Extra cords may also compromise safety by increasing the number of connections.
If you want to take the safest route, rent an electrician to install a new outlet about the appliance. Yous could likewise put the oven elsewhere, even if this means yous take to invest in a small table or stand.
Nonetheless, it is possible to safely utilise an extension cord if you select information technology carefully and take a number of precautions. Heavy-duty power cables have the ability to behave high levels of electrical current without overheating.
Read More than:
- What Gauge Extension Cord You Need for A Refrigerator
- Best Wall Mounted Extension String Reels
- Which Extension String To Use For Air Conditioners
How To Cull Which Extension Cord To Use With a Microwave
A suitable wire should be every bit curt equally possible and of loftier quality. Full general Electrical Appliances urges customers who must apply an extension cord to select a UL-listed model with three prongs.
Don't forget to cheque the AWG rating. This acronym stands for American Wire Gauge. A lower gauge means the product has thicker wires, so information technology can safely handle more watts and amps.
A xiv-judge cable proves adequate for many countertop microwave ovens. To maximize rubber, utilise 12-gauge wire instead. It may be necessary if y'all ain a large or commercial-class oven.
An electrical cord'southward label should state its maximum amperage as well. The number of amps ought to exceed the appliance's amp rating. Many microwaves tin utilise 15-amp cables, just some of the more powerful units need xx-amp cords.
Even when y'all cull a heavy-duty wire, your microwave oven may perform somewhat differently. The exhaust fan might not sound the same, and information technology's possible that the light will flicker. It could likewise take more than time to heat your meals.
Recommended Microwave Extension Cord
The Tripp Low-cal P024-003 provides an affordable option that volition satisfy most buyers. It carries up to 15 amps, and sizes range from three to 25 anxiety. Amazon shoppers rate it iv.8 out of five stars on boilerplate.
Ideal For Microwaves
We earn a committee if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
This UL-listed product features 14-gauge wiring. Its black color matches the born ability cables of many microwave ovens. Tripp Lite guarantees the quality of this heavy-duty string by including a lifetime warranty.
If you seek a product that can handle fifty-fifty more power, consider the Iron Box IBX-1010. This 12-judge cord safely carries upwardly to 20 amps, but information technology requires a special 20-amp outlet. It's available in lengths ranging from one to 25 feet.
Not bad For Microwaves
We earn a committee if yous click this link and make a purchase at no boosted cost to you.
This well-made product has achieved a 4.v-star rating on Amazon. It'due south too UL-listed. The IBX-1010 isn't the most economical solution, but it was designed to maximize power capacity and immovability.
Dangers of Using Any Old Extension Cord For Your Microwave
Remember that it's risky to use a random extension cord or power strip for this purpose. The aforementioned goes for a heavy-duty cable in poor condition. An effort to save $15 could badly damage the kitchen or ruin your apparatus.
Be sure to avoid other risky shortcuts besides, such equally using a three-prong adapter or cutting off an extension string's third prong. If your kitchen has an old two-prong outlet, you should ask a qualified electrician to upgrade it.
Always keep electric connections dry. Don't run the wire under a carpeting or nearly a food preparation area. If a cable feels hot, yous ought to end using it and consider replacing it with a higher-gauge wire.
What could happen if you cull the wrong power cable? At the least, you'll probably trip the room'south excursion breaker or blow a fuse. Ceiling lights may also flicker.
Far worse outcomes can result, especially if a circuit billow malfunctions. Someone could endure a shock with serious health consequences. Components may overheat, dissentious the electric system and potentially sparking a fire.
Accept Care Not To Overload Electric Circuits
Even the best cord might not produce good results if you plug it into the wrong outlet. It's crucial non to overload household circuitry. An extension cord gives you more flexibility to choose a specific circuit.
If y'all plug the oven into the same excursion as your refrigerator, it may trip the breaker or blow a fuse when the fridge turns on while the microwave is running. Both appliances will shut off, and the room may get dark.
Too, you should avert running a microwave on the same excursion as a space heater, toaster oven or other powerful appliance. Refer to your home'due south electrical console to see what outlets share each excursion. The ideal solution is to dedicate an unabridged circuit to the microwave.
Source: https://www.thecleverhomeowner.com/can-you-plug-microwave-into-extension-cord/
0 Response to "Can You Use an Extension Cord With a Microwave"
Post a Comment