Can i plug a fridge/freezer into an extension cord?
Posted by squanchy747@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 31 comments
Bit of a strange question, my partner has got it into her head that you cant plug a fridge freezer into an extension cord?
Significant_Week_187@reddit
i wouldn’t recommend having done it myself i did with s small under the desk fridge and the plug burned into the extension cable. It’s a fire hazard and not worth the risk
squanchy747@reddit (OP)
Tbh its been going strong for 2 years 😂
Goblin_Nuts69@reddit
Lol
BannedNeutrophil@reddit
Yes, but use a high-quality cord and don't plug anything else into it.
janner_10@reddit
Why not?
BannedNeutrophil@reddit
They're already using a lot of energy; an additional appliance (more than a radio or something) may overload the socket.
reddituser018118055@reddit
/me looks in the kitchen.
Yes, yes you can.
squanchy747@reddit (OP)
Hahaha! Thankyou, its settled that debate! I just needed some validation
Wardialler@reddit
You gotta be careful about how many amps the device wants to draw. a mains socket on the wall has to be able to deliver 13 amps, but extention leads can vary wildly.
I can't imagine a fridge would draw that much current but things like electric ovens absolutely could.
also I'm not a qualified electrician (talented amateur?) so please check the necessary legals and sensibles.
squanchy747@reddit (OP)
Brilliant thanks mate! That helps alot!
Wardialler@reddit
the state of education about mains in the UK isn't great. considering its a thing in everyone's home and if not treated with basic respect it absolutely WILL kill you.
the thing to remember is current in any circuit is DRAWN by the device, pulled but never pushed.
imagine trying to pull pressure washer pressure water through a paper drinking straw.
and instead of water it's fire.
not trying to scaremonger, I just want you to be safe.
and 13 amps at uk mains is about 1000w. so unless your fridge is rated at 1000w you're probably absolutely fine. :)
Monk1e889@reddit
Qualified Chartered Engineer here. You are talking rubbish.
InevitableReference6@reddit
But if the fridge is in a Kitchen extension and plugged into an extension then all the numbers must be squared…
reddituser018118055@reddit
It made me chuckle that you commented about eduction regarding mains electricity and then totally forgot how to use ohms law when calculating how much power is drawn at 13 amps.
Nun-Taken@reddit
Errrr…13A is, to all intents and purposes, 3kW (3000W) not 1000W.
Wardialler@reddit
oh yes!
my bad, I'm a dumb. headdesk
I was thinking about hairdryers while I was doing the maths and something was bugging me about it. This is why you check the regs and don't rely on an old and possibly senile man on reddit :D
squanchy747@reddit (OP)
Yea thats why i asked just to be safe!
The thing that makes it worse is i have done electrical based units on an apprenticeship course. We were taught about this sort of stuff but none of it has stuck with me
ThirdOfTheStorms84@reddit
Yep, had mine on extension for 3-4 years in my old house.
RandomHigh@reddit
Yeah, had mine on an extension lead for a few months due to electrical issues cutting power to the kitchen plug sockets.
Had to have my whole flat rewired.
kbm79@reddit
Most fridge freezers are 10amps, so no issue going through a standard 13amp plug extension.
Make sure you unplug it at night though, just to be safe. 👍
squanchy747@reddit (OP)
Will help me save some dosh when it comes to the electric bill n all!
SlightlyScruffy@reddit
And cost you loads more when you forget to turn it back on. Just leave it on.
kbm79@reddit
Thanks Captain Obvious - you've saved the day!
squanchy747@reddit (OP)
I assumed he was joking as was i 😂
mayberoxanne@reddit
Me looks at chest freezer in hallway. Seems like it it's been 3 years not gone kaboom yet
whosafeard@reddit
Mine is, so probably no.
Mattuk1626@reddit
No no no you carnt because the king said so
Hamsternoir@reddit
That's a shame as Liz was never bothered.
Ezzy-525@reddit
There's a new King in town. His first Royal Decree was about the extension leads.
Seemed weird but he must have a reason.
AlbaTejas@reddit
Mine works 😀
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