Does running an extension cord to an airconditioning unit reduce it’s abiliy to cool the home?
July 1st, 2008 | by DistanceRunner |DENAROME asked:
I am running an air condtioner I have it plugged to a orange heavy duty plug and a surge protector, the room as not as cool as I expected. Is this because of the cords, by the way the air conditioner is 8,000 BTU’s and I am running in a room less than 350 Square feet.
It’s a new airconditioner justb plugged in two hour ago. Also, thanks Jeff will check my insurance policy guidelines.
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I am running an air condtioner I have it plugged to a orange heavy duty plug and a surge protector, the room as not as cool as I expected. Is this because of the cords, by the way the air conditioner is 8,000 BTU’s and I am running in a room less than 350 Square feet.
It’s a new airconditioner justb plugged in two hour ago. Also, thanks Jeff will check my insurance policy guidelines.
Internet Security
5 Responses to “Does running an extension cord to an airconditioning unit reduce it’s abiliy to cool the home?”
By #2 on Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
No. Make sure the extension cord and surge protector are rated for high use with air conditioners or you could get really hot because of a fire. Is your air conditioner old, it could be losing its charge. Is the filter clean? Are there windows or doors open?
By Joe F on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply
Not necessarily….but it’s not good practice to ever use an extension for AC. Some insurance companies won’t even honor it as acceptable..better check with yours. Rule of thumb, in the long run it’s better to run a new power box in the wall(an easy task)than increase your chances of overloading.
By lightpulse on Jul 4, 2008 | Reply
Yes it can. Depending on how long the extension cord, longer the cord the AC voltage drops when it gets to the air conditioner. This will demand more current from the cord thus reducing the performance of the AC. Also low voltage, high current mode of operation can degrade the AC, especially the compressor motor. If you are using a 50′ cord, I would use a 10 gauge extension cord. If 25′ cord, I would use a 12 gauge cord.
Also if you use a smaller gauge cord, it can get hot and sometimes melt the insulation.
By John C on Jul 5, 2008 | Reply
you should never use an extension cord with any motor as you have discribed, unless you use the basic electrical formula that will allow you to safetly run the equipment with out harming it. lets assume that your house wiring is #12 awg wiring….(many times its 14# awg) #12 wire is rated for 20 amp service. (14 is rated at 15 amps) . for every 100 feet of wire run you lose 3% of your voltage so from the breaker panel to your outlet in an avetage house house your thlking about 50 to100 feet.a motor rated at 120 volts from the plug is now being shout changed in voltage by 1.5 to3% of what it needs to run properly. this is OK because all electerical deivces have a 10% give or take. add an extensios cord and you take away from that. cheep extensions are generly #16 awg which thaes more voltage away from the motor. if you under power a motor it will run hot……..running hot will cause it to burn out………..if you need to run an extension cord to a motor you should run #10 wire and as short a cord as possible to prevent damage to the motor. #10 wire is rated at 30 amps and offers less resistance thus less loss of voltage.
By tommyvarela on Jul 8, 2008 | Reply
an extension cord wont have much to do with the air conditioning. the cord is only to suppy the unit with its required voltage. and if the unit turns on, then it is recieving the voltage it needs to work.. the cord is not a factor. is the room well insulated? are there devices that generate heat in that room? does it get alot of sun light and is there any venting for the hot air to go… maybe a 10,000 btu would have done the job.