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Extension cords for air conditioners are usually a minimum of 14 gauge, which is considered medium duty. The tricky thing with gauges is that lower-gauged extension cords can handle more amps (yes, you read that right!)Jan 2, 2022.
Can you use a heavy duty extension cord with an air conditioner?
First and foremost: do not connect your air-conditioner window unit to an extension cord. There are heavy-duty extension cords that are specifically designed for major appliances like air-conditioners. These should be shorter cords with lower gauges (12 or 14 gauge) and higher amp ratings.
What size extension cord do I need for a 5000 BTU air conditioner?
You need to choose the largest gauge conductor and we would recommend using a 10 gauge cord if you’re going to use a cord. You shouldn’t use 16 gauge 14 gauge if you plan on using it with an air conditioner. Even though it’s a small air conditioner, you should use cord as short as possible.
Which is better 12 or 16 gauge extension cord?
Within 50 feet of your outlet, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a “W” on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.
Why can’t I use an extension cord with my air conditioner?
Normal extension cords can’t handle as much electricity as permanent wiring, so if you use one to plug in your AC unit, the cord can overheat and start a fire. The lower the gauge, the more electrical current (amps) the wire can carry.
What is the difference between 14 gauge and 16 gauge extension cord?
Within 50 feet of your outlet, use a 16-gauge light-duty cord for blowers. For a higher Amp or a greater distance from the outlet, go with a 14-gauge medium-duty cord. Look for a “W” on the jacket if the cord is rated for outdoor use.
Can I use a 14-gauge extension cord for air conditioner?
A 14-guage extension cord can handle that much current, but remember that an air conditioner, like most appliances, draws more current when it starts up. For this reason, and to prevent poor performance because of voltage drop, it’s safer to use a 12-gauge cord.
Can I use a 10 gauge extension cord for air conditioner?
Check out our handy rule-of-thumb below: 16-gauge cords can handle up to 10 amps for up to 100 feet. 14-gauge cords can handle 10 – 15 amps for up to 50 feet. 12-gauge cords can handle 10 – 15 amps from 50 – 100 feet.
What kind of plug does a window AC unit use?
For most homes, 30-amp or 40-amp 240/250-volt circuits are typical for a central air conditioner. For portable 240/250-volt plug-in air conditioners like those that fit into windows, 20-amp circuits are typical. In either case, the circuit must be dedicated to the air conditioner unit.
What’s the difference between a 12 gauge extension cord and a 14 gauge extension cord?
For 100 feet, the 14 gauge cord works for 11-13 Amps, while the 12 gauge cord is best suited for 14-15 amps. If your cord is 150 feet long, the 14 gauge is best suited for 1-7 Amps, whereas the 12 gauge will support 8-10 Amps. This shows that the extension cord’s length also plays a part in the power it helps safely.
What is a 14 gauge extension cord good for?
A 14-gauge cord is for medium or frequent duty applications (lawnmowers, power drills, table saws, television sets, etc.). These cords are also great for things like power tools, electric chainsaws, leaf or snow blowers, etc. They can handle larger tools and equipment and heavier use.
Which is better 10 gauge or 12 gauge extension cord?
Round down = 10 Gauge. Most devices will do fine with 12 gauge extension cords. Power hungry devices such as lawnmowers, heavy machines, require a lower gauge such as 10AWG. Keep in mind, the lower the gauge means the thicker the cord.
Can you use extension cord for portable AC?
Yes you can. The extension cord needs to be rated for at least the amperage of the air conditioner, and more if you can find it. And the length should be kept as short as possible for your situation.
How many amps does a 5000 BTU air conditioner use?
When plugged into a 110-volt outlet, most 5,000-BTU air conditioners use only 5 Amps. The number of watt is dependent on the number of Amps and the number of volts in the outlet.
Can you plug an air conditioner into a regular outlet?
Window units with standard, three-prong plugs may be used in regular household outlets, regardless of whether the air conditioner requires 110-, 115-, or 120-volt electricity. No special outlet is required. However, if the unit has a round plug, you may consider changing the wall outlet to match it.
How do I tell what gauge my extension cord is?
Gauge is typically listed along with the number of conducting wires in the cord. For example, a 14/3 cord contains 14-gauge wire and has three conductions inside. Extension cord lengths determine the cord’s power capacity. Every extra foot of cord increases the electrical resistance.
Can a 12 gauge extension cord handle 20 amps?
14 Gauge for 11-13 Amps. 12 Gauge for 14-15 Amps. 10 Gauge for 16-20 Amps.
What is the most heavy-duty extension cord?
Best overall: Coleman 14 Gauge 100 Ft. Extension Cord. Best with a power strip: Anker Power Strip Extension Cord. Best heavy-duty extension cord: Watt’s Wire 14-Gauge Extension Cord.
How many amps does a window AC use?
A small window unit rated at 5,000 BTUs has a current draw of about 4 to 6 amps. A larger 12,000 BTU unit draws between 9 and 13 amps. Central air conditioning requires between 208 and 240 volts to operate and draws between 15 and 60 amps depending on the size.
How many amps does a 18000 BTU air conditioner use?
That is, in comparison, higher amperage than it’s needed to power an 18,000 BTU portable air conditioner (about 13-19 amps).
What size wire do I need for a 24000 BTU air conditioner?
12 gauge wire. I used 60 amp disconnect.
