How to Use an Extension Cord for Freezers

Freezers are home appliances that keep food frozen indefinitely. Almost all freezers require electricity, and if the position of the freezer in a room or garage is too far away from an outlet, extension cords can be used to supply power for the freezer. Most freezers require grounded plugs for safe operation. As a general rule, the shorter the extension cord, the less electricity the freezer will take. Freezers should not run for extended periods on extension cords, since the risk of fire is high when operating appliances with extension cords.

Read the specifications on your freezer, on the plate or on the printed information provided when you bought the freezer. You need to know how many amps the appliance draws, to match the extension cord to the freezer. Write down the total amps and kilowatts, if provided.

Measure the distance from the end of the freezer's cord to the outlet. Write it down so when you buy or find the proper cord, you get in the right size. Check to make sure that the freezer has a standard plug. Most freezers plug into standard three-pronged wall outlets.

Connect the freezer's plug to the extension cord, and plug the cord into the wall outlet. Make sure the cords are tucked as close to the wall as possible. Make sure that all the cords are in good condition. A fraying cord can start a fire. Keep fabrics or other combustible materials away from the cords. After operating for an hour or so, feel the cords and the outlet to make sure that they are not hot. Disconnect if they are. Do not overload the outlet into which the freezer is plugged.

Check the freezer at least daily if it is stored in a hot garage. If it runs all the time, consider contacting an electrician who can install a dedicated outlet for the freezer. Extension cords are not designed for constant use and can get hot, increasing the risk of an electrical fire.