New fridge says not to use extension cable, but I have no choice. What should I do?

JackieChang

Cord is too short on the new fridge/freezer. Doesn't reach to the nearest socket.

The manual says not to use an extension cable. But I can't see any other way of powering it.

Electric info from the manual: The mains lead for this appliance has been fitted with a BS 1363A 13A fused plug

Info on the extension cable: "13 A 250V BS1363/A. Total load must not exceed 13A"

It seems they match up. Will my fridge explode or will I be fine?

Nothing else will be plugged into the extension lead. This is for the fridge only. Length of the lead is about a meter.

It won't explode... the reason for the instruction is because of potential voltage drop over a 'long' run affecting electrical components - Can't really say what a 'long' run would be classed as but I can't think a meter extra would be a problem.

There are the other usual caveats - make sure it's suitably rated, can't get wet, can't get trapped/pinched and can be easily accessible. Just in case.

worded

I’ve a 6 foot high fridge freezer on an Ext for 10 years. Your is obviously not the same but if you choose a high end Ext chord I can’t see a problem

Deagol

JackieChang wrote: »

Cord is too short on the new fridge/freezer. Doesn't reach to the nearest socket.

The manual says not to use an extension cable. But I can't see any other way of powering it.

Electric info from the manual: The mains lead for this appliance has been fitted with a BS 1363A 13A fused plug

Info on the extension cable: "13 A 250V BS1363/A. Total load must not exceed 13A"

It seems they match up. Will my fridge explode or will I be fine?

Nothing else will be plugged into the extension lead. This is for the fridge only. Length of the lead is about a meter.

Many extension leads don't have correct rating for powering heavy drain items. Any coiled type extension leads have a power rating on them for when they are completely uncoiled and coiled. I wouldn't use a long extension lead for a fridge / freezer - if you're only using a short -<3m lead you might be ok - but do not use a long rolled up one!

coylemj

Deagol wrote: »

Many extension leads don't have correct rating for powering heavy drain items. Any coiled type extension leads have a power rating on them for when they are completely uncoiled and coiled. I wouldn't use a long extension lead for a fridge / freezer - if you're only using a short -<3m lead you might be ok - but do not use a long rolled up one!

This is all correct. I have an extension lead on a roll to supply low power gadgets, it's rated at 2A when the flex is on the roll and 3A when the cable is fully unwound.

But none of the above applies to the OP's setup because (1) the OP's extension lead is only 1m long (2) it's rated for the full 13A and (3) he won't be using it to power any other appliance.

OP, you're good to go.

Deagol

coylemj wrote: »

This is all correct. I have an extension lead on a roll to supply low power gadgets, it's rated at 2A when the flex is on the roll and 3A when the cable is fully unwound.

But none of the above applies to the OP's setup because (1) the OP's extension lead is only 1m long (2) it's rated for the full 13A and (3) he won't be using it to power any other appliance.

OP, you're good to go.

My bad - reading too quickly

kenmm

If the rating is good, try and have it so the extension isn't on the floor, then if there is an issue and the fridge leaks, its not getting saturated (but this is probably unlikely as well..

Mr Meanor

Modern Fridge freezers use very little power.

... when running. The power draw when starting can be significantly higher and that's where the concerns about voltage drop come in.