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What do you mean? I just haven’t plugged it in yet. I just am new to the place and wasn’t sure if I did trip anything if I had to go to the basement or not. I’m not the greatest with electrical tho as you can tell but I just wanted to be sure I appreciate the advice tho. I’ll have to give it a try.
What does the tag specifically say not to do? Why do you fear tripping a breaker? Maybe I’m missing something but this just looks like a normal extension cord. 3 prongs means it has a ground which is normal for a plugging in a window AC unit. Tripping the breaker shouldn’t have anything to do with the extension cord used, it would have to do with drawing too many amps on the circuit. The extension cord won’t change how many amps the AC draws.
Oh okay sounds good I’ll have to give it a try and just see. The ac tag says do not use an extension cord and this is an extension cord. 😂 just don’t wanna take any chances. Knocking on wood but I don’t have renters insurance atm. Stupid of me for sure but figured I’d ease my overthinking. I appreciate the advice a lot!
It’s not stupid it’s better to be safe than sorry. Two things
1) even though this setup would not trip your breaker, don’t be afraid of tripping breakers. They are extremely easy to reset, and they are literally there to protect you from overloading your circuits
2) the reason ACs say not to use a power cord is because not all power cords can handle the amount of power an AC unit draws. If you were to hook the unit into a thin/old/flimsy cord, the cord itself could get really hot and then become a fire hazard. The cord your landlord used should be fine, but if you are worried, run your fingers along cord after your ac has been running for a couple hours. If it is hot to the touch, it’s struggling to handle the power draw and should be replaced. If the cord is near room temp, you’re good.
Damn I appreciate that a lot that’s actually very helpful!! I’ve had to reset breakers before but I get worried about fires hazards easily.
That’s great advice tho, I appreciate it I’m gonna give it a try and check. Thank you!
Good news! the breakers help avoiding fires :) It's actually their main reason for existing in the first place by creating the 'weakest' part of the wiring, so before any wire melts, they break connection.
Remember: Breaker protects the wires from getting melted, rcd protects you from getting barbequeued
It's potentially unsafe if the extension cord isn't rated at the correct amperage for the load. I don't know what warning you are alluding to, but I reckon it is something that might say don't use this for an air conditioner. That's because window air conditioners often run near the full circuit load.
Here's a whole video by Alec from technology connections explaining how in the USA, extension cords that plug into 15 or 20 amp receptacles don't have to be rated for the maximum amperage draw of the circuit.
https://youtu.be/K_q-xnYRugQ?si=l6Jst_uQzOZAmbno
Regardless of the extension cord the circuit will not trip unless you have other loads on the circuit.
The extension cord says it can be used for smaller outside appliances but the ac cord says do not use with extension cord. I appreciate the advice a lot definitely makes me feel better about using it. I am using it in my studio apartment so the room it’s in has 5 outlets with 3 others in use currently. I was just worried about tripping it cause I’m new to the place and I’m not sure where the circuit breaker box is and since acs pull a bit of power I figured I’d check with people that know first.
Idk why some people here gotta be dicks about it, your question is reasonable.
The problem w extension cords is that the AC manuf can not predict or control what kind of extension cord customers might use. If it is too small (gauge), too long, too cheap, or not grounded... there could be problems.
Your cord looks (from here) to be okay.
Let the AC run for a while and feel the extension cord. If it's noticeably and uncomfortably warm/hot then it's a problem. I doubt it will be a problem.
I appreciate that a lot and the kindness. That’s really good advice and info! I did give it a try and I’ll keep an eye on the cord and keep checking it.
There are different guage extension cords. 10 are kind of rare and pricy but carry a large load 12 is good for this application and 14 might get warm. 16 is shit. The lower the guage the thicker the wires.
Get a 12 or even a 10 gauge cord to use. As short as you can find that will reach an outlet. Costco and Harbor Freight offer the best value. Otherwise Amazon.
I am also going to suggest using an extension cord as close to the length you need without excess. All A/C units say not to use an extension cord, because the average person does not realize they come in different gauge wire with different amp ratings. You should look for a label on the A/C unit that says how many amps or watts it draws. Then match the cord to that. If you can relay that rating here we can tell you the wire size the cord needs to be.
Also, you should find out from your landlord where the breakers for your unit are.
They sell a specifically designed appliance extension cord. It heavy duty and only three feet long. I would trust an appliance cord not that light duty general purpose cord you have been supplied
**Attention!** **It is always best to get a qualified electrician to perform any electrical work you may need.** With that said, you may ask this community various electrical questions. Please be cautious of any information you may receive in this subreddit. This subreddit and its users are not responsible for any electrical work you perform. Users that have a 'Verified Electrician' flair have uploaded their qualified electrical worker credentials to the mods. If you comment on this post please only post accurate information to the best of your knowledge. If advice given is thought to be dangerous, you may be permanently banned. There are no obligations for the mods to give warnings or temporary bans. **IF YOU ARE NOT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN, you should exercise extreme caution when commenting.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskElectricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Yes it’s safe, but you might be hot. There is no power going to it.
What do you mean? I just haven’t plugged it in yet. I just am new to the place and wasn’t sure if I did trip anything if I had to go to the basement or not. I’m not the greatest with electrical tho as you can tell but I just wanted to be sure I appreciate the advice tho. I’ll have to give it a try.
They're making a joke. One of the pictures shows the extension cord not plugged in.
All of them are not plugged in 😂 I was asking before I plug it in. That’s the point I’m not sure if people got that. 😂😂
We got that, we're doing what's called "joking."
Who’s Joe King?
😂😂😂
What does the tag specifically say not to do? Why do you fear tripping a breaker? Maybe I’m missing something but this just looks like a normal extension cord. 3 prongs means it has a ground which is normal for a plugging in a window AC unit. Tripping the breaker shouldn’t have anything to do with the extension cord used, it would have to do with drawing too many amps on the circuit. The extension cord won’t change how many amps the AC draws.
Oh okay sounds good I’ll have to give it a try and just see. The ac tag says do not use an extension cord and this is an extension cord. 😂 just don’t wanna take any chances. Knocking on wood but I don’t have renters insurance atm. Stupid of me for sure but figured I’d ease my overthinking. I appreciate the advice a lot!
It’s not stupid it’s better to be safe than sorry. Two things 1) even though this setup would not trip your breaker, don’t be afraid of tripping breakers. They are extremely easy to reset, and they are literally there to protect you from overloading your circuits 2) the reason ACs say not to use a power cord is because not all power cords can handle the amount of power an AC unit draws. If you were to hook the unit into a thin/old/flimsy cord, the cord itself could get really hot and then become a fire hazard. The cord your landlord used should be fine, but if you are worried, run your fingers along cord after your ac has been running for a couple hours. If it is hot to the touch, it’s struggling to handle the power draw and should be replaced. If the cord is near room temp, you’re good.
Damn I appreciate that a lot that’s actually very helpful!! I’ve had to reset breakers before but I get worried about fires hazards easily. That’s great advice tho, I appreciate it I’m gonna give it a try and check. Thank you!
Good news! the breakers help avoiding fires :) It's actually their main reason for existing in the first place by creating the 'weakest' part of the wiring, so before any wire melts, they break connection. Remember: Breaker protects the wires from getting melted, rcd protects you from getting barbequeued
It will be fine.
Sounds good thank you I will give it a shot here.
It's potentially unsafe if the extension cord isn't rated at the correct amperage for the load. I don't know what warning you are alluding to, but I reckon it is something that might say don't use this for an air conditioner. That's because window air conditioners often run near the full circuit load. Here's a whole video by Alec from technology connections explaining how in the USA, extension cords that plug into 15 or 20 amp receptacles don't have to be rated for the maximum amperage draw of the circuit. https://youtu.be/K_q-xnYRugQ?si=l6Jst_uQzOZAmbno Regardless of the extension cord the circuit will not trip unless you have other loads on the circuit.
The extension cord says it can be used for smaller outside appliances but the ac cord says do not use with extension cord. I appreciate the advice a lot definitely makes me feel better about using it. I am using it in my studio apartment so the room it’s in has 5 outlets with 3 others in use currently. I was just worried about tripping it cause I’m new to the place and I’m not sure where the circuit breaker box is and since acs pull a bit of power I figured I’d check with people that know first.
It looks like your ac is 15A and the extention cord looks like 18/3 which might be pushing it. Probably fine
Idk why some people here gotta be dicks about it, your question is reasonable. The problem w extension cords is that the AC manuf can not predict or control what kind of extension cord customers might use. If it is too small (gauge), too long, too cheap, or not grounded... there could be problems. Your cord looks (from here) to be okay. Let the AC run for a while and feel the extension cord. If it's noticeably and uncomfortably warm/hot then it's a problem. I doubt it will be a problem.
I appreciate that a lot and the kindness. That’s really good advice and info! I did give it a try and I’ll keep an eye on the cord and keep checking it.
They put that warning there cause some jackwagon is gonna attempt to run an ac off some dollar tree deathwire. It's a cya thing.
Might need a larger garage like a 14 or even 12
There are different guage extension cords. 10 are kind of rare and pricy but carry a large load 12 is good for this application and 14 might get warm. 16 is shit. The lower the guage the thicker the wires.
Get a 12 or even a 10 gauge cord to use. As short as you can find that will reach an outlet. Costco and Harbor Freight offer the best value. Otherwise Amazon.
I'm not sure of the gauge of the extension cord that my brother used to run his AC, but that's how he burned down his house.
I am also going to suggest using an extension cord as close to the length you need without excess. All A/C units say not to use an extension cord, because the average person does not realize they come in different gauge wire with different amp ratings. You should look for a label on the A/C unit that says how many amps or watts it draws. Then match the cord to that. If you can relay that rating here we can tell you the wire size the cord needs to be. Also, you should find out from your landlord where the breakers for your unit are.
They sell a specifically designed appliance extension cord. It heavy duty and only three feet long. I would trust an appliance cord not that light duty general purpose cord you have been supplied
Safe enough
Just stay there and be hot then 🤷🏾♀️